Mercedes-AMG isn't done expanding the GT lineup

By Ronan Glon August 3, 2016

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Rumors of a topless Mercedes-AMG GT have been circulating around the auto industry since the coupe model broke cover a couple of years ago. A new report indicates that the rumor will finally become reality next month at the Paris Auto Show when AMG lifts the veil off of two separate versions of the GT convertible.

The first model will adopt the GT Roadster name. As that name implies, it will essentially be a topless version of the GT, meaning it will use a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine tuned to churn out 456 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 443 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. The GT coupe hits 60 mph from a stop in 3.9 seconds, but the roadster should take about 4.1 seconds because it will be a little bit heavier.

The second version of the Roadster will be an entirely new model dubbed GT C Roadster. While AMG is keeping its lips sealed for the time being, Australian website Motoring has learned that the C will be positioned between the GT S and the race-ready, limited-edition GT R (pictured) that made its debut a couple of weeks ago. Power will come from an evolution of the standard GT’s V8 tweaked to make about 540 horsepower, so it should be as fast — if not faster — than the GT S coupe.

Both GT Roadster variants will use a conventional fabric soft top. That’s because a cloth top is much lighter than a folding hard top, and engineers were asked to make the roadster conversion as weight-neutral as possible. A cloth soft top will also help Mercedes differentiate the GT Roadster from the SL that it will share its price bracket with.

Read more: Has Mercedes-AMG declared open season on the Bugatti Chiron?

Mercedes-AMG hasn’t revealed what it will show in Paris, so we’re taking the report with a grain of salt for the time being. If it’s accurate, we’ll learn more about the long-awaited GT Roadster in the coming weeks.

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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

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