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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 28

The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster is a deeply desirable convertible performance sportscar that built purposefully on the heritage of its SLS predecessor. It's uncompromising, intoxicating and very, very fast.

Modelsword count: 5

2dr Convertible (4.0 V8 petrol)

Historyword count: 398

If you've always dreamed of an exotic V8-powered performance sportscar, it's likely that you've also dreamed of it in convertible form. So between 2017 and 2023, the Three-Pointed Star offered us this, the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. You'd like one wouldn't you? The GT model was originally launched in Coupe form back in 2015 as part of a line-up finally completed a couple of years later when this Roadster variant made its debut as part of changes to the range that also included the introduction of high performance GT C derivatives. This open-topped design built upon quite a bloodline of landmark Mercedes sportscars, one that went all the way back to the achingly beautiful 300SL Gullwing that first made its appearance back in 1954 at the New York International Motor Sports Show. It quickly became first choice for the famous, everyone from Grace Kelly to Sophia Loren, and the version most wanted was the Roadster model that arrived in 1957, one of the most desirable convertibles ever made. The Stuttgart maker referenced that car extensively in creating two of its modern-era performance sports convertibles - the SLR Roadster of 2007 and the SLS AMG Roadster of 2013 - and did so again in creation of this Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. The brand insisted that this cabrio variant was no after-thought in the GT line-up, pointing out that its design was conceived at exactly the same time as that of the Coupe GT model. As with that fixed-top derivative, it was fashioned around aluminium spaceframe underpinnings, was powered by a potent 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine and used the same 'AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT' 7-speed paddleshift transmission. It was also hand-built on the same bespoke Sindelfingen production line. There was initially a smaller choice of models than with the Coupe: just the 476hp GT, the 510hp GT S and the 550hp wider-bodied GT C. A 585hp GT R model was added in 2019. Limited edition GT 530 and 'Night Edition' models arrived in 2020 and lasted until the end of production. All Roadster variants used the top GTR Coupe's underbody air management system and offered a 3-layer fabric hood that could be deployed in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, plus there was a wind deflector and the brand's usual Airscarf system. This GT Roadster model left production in mid-2023 and the replacement model was only available as a Coupe.

What You Getword count: 363

Any high performance sportscar must be an eye-catching thing. The old SLS Roadster certainly was and, like that car, this open-topped GT model makes quite an impression at first glance. It's shorter and narrower than that previous Mercedes-AMG design, with aesthetic aggression that's ramped up several more degrees. Get one of these in your mirrors and you'd move over - and quickly. We should talk about the fabric convertible roof - it's quite a piece of work. Available not only in black but also in red or beige, this triple-layer top operates via a button just above the windscreen, takes only 11 seconds to activate and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 31mph. The hood is supported by a lightweight structure using magnesium, steel and aluminium, which helps to keep the centre of gravity low. It folds cleanly in a compact Z-shape into the area behind the seats, the central roof section neatly doubling up as a tonneau cover for the roof compartment. Take a seat behind the wheel and the SLS underpinnings are betrayed by the way the designers have had to retain that car's huge over-sized central transmission tunnel, which comes in a choice of high-gloss or carbon fibre finishes. In a nod to the V8 engine up-front, this centre section features eight 'AMG DRIVE UNIT' control buttons laid out in a V-formation. It's deliciously unnecessary to have as many as four jet engine-style chromed vents at the top of the centre stack, but it looks great and adds to the whole 'aviation'-style theme. Just above these sits an 8.4-inch 'COMMAND Online' infotainment screen that's far more cleanly integrated into the dash than it is on most other Mercedes models and features the usual sophisticated graphics that make those of every other rival system look dull and cheap. Anything the infotainment display can't tell you will be covered off by the smaller colour screen that nestles between the two deeply-cowled dials offered by the instrument binnacle. And out back? Well impressively, the 350-litre capacity on offer is exactly the same as you'd get with the Coupe body style and isn't affected by the position of the roof.

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