Mercedes-AMG is celebrating a monumental milestone – 130 years of motorsport heritage, tracing back to the dawn of automotive competition. To commemorate this rich history, they have unveiled a truly exceptional machine: the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport. This limited edition model, premiering at the prestigious Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2024, is not just a car; it’s a fusion of motorsport tradition and cutting-edge technology, designed for ultimate track performance. Limited to a mere 13 units worldwide, this exclusive Mercedes Benz Gt3 variant is a collector’s dream and a testament to AMG’s unwavering commitment to racing excellence. It marks a significant moment as the final AMG GT3 to be powered by a naturally aspirated engine, adding to its allure and historical importance.
Unleashing Unprecedented Performance: Aero and Power Upgrades
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport transcends the boundaries of standard GT3 homologation, resulting in a performance beast unlike any other. At its heart lies the iconic, handcrafted AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine, further refined to unleash a staggering 671 horsepower. This power surge is achieved through meticulous optimization, eliminating the air restrictor and incorporating a specialized exhaust system, allowing the engine to breathe freely and deliver peak performance. The raw power is channeled through a sequential six-speed racing transmission, featuring modified gear ratios precisely tuned for optimal track dynamics. Staying true to AMG’s racing DNA, the transaxle transmission is mounted on the rear axle, linked to the engine via a carbon fiber torque tube, ensuring torsional rigidity and immediate power delivery.
Beyond the engine enhancements, the aerodynamics of the mercedes benz gt3 Edition 130Y Motorsport have undergone a radical transformation. Extensive development has yielded a 15 percent increase in downforce compared to the standard GT3 model. This is achieved through a suite of aerodynamic upgrades, including a newly designed front splitter, strategically placed air outlets (louvers) in the front fenders, modified side skirts, an enhanced underbody, and a more aggressive rear diffuser. The wider rear wing further refines the aero balance, ensuring exceptional stability and cornering grip at high speeds.
A standout feature, directly inspired by Formula 1™ and Class 1 DTM racing, is the Drag Reduction System (DRS). At the touch of a button on the steering wheel, the DRS flattens the rear wing, significantly reducing drag and unlocking a higher top speed. Simultaneously, active elements on the front underbody extend to maintain aerodynamic equilibrium. This innovative system enables the car to exceed 196 mph, despite its high downforce configuration. During cornering or braking, the active aero elements instantly revert to their downforce-generating position, ensuring maximum grip when it’s needed most.
The braking system of this mercedes benz gt3 special edition is equally formidable. Drawing inspiration from Formula 1™ technology, it features carbon brake discs instead of the steel discs mandated by GT3 regulations. This not only elevates braking performance but also significantly reduces weight compared to homologated versions, contributing to enhanced agility and responsiveness. Of course, all the proven safety features of the standard Mercedes-AMG GT3 are retained, including a carbon fiber safety cell integrated into the chassis, a five-point harness, safety nets, a robust steel roll cage, a fire suppression system, a motorsport safety fuel tank, and an emergency escape hatch. Advanced racing ABS and a multi-adjustable traction control system are also standard, providing drivers with confidence and control at the limit.
The exceptional performance of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport was emphatically demonstrated at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia. Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Jules Gounon, piloting a prototype, shattered the GT car track record by a remarkable 2.074 seconds, setting a blistering lap time of 1 minute 56.605 seconds on the challenging 3.868-mile circuit. This record-breaking lap underscores the car’s phenomenal capabilities and its potential to dominate on any racetrack.
Design: Marrying Modern Tech with Heritage Aesthetics
The design of the mercedes benz gt3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is a captivating dialogue between modern motorsport technology and classic Mercedes-Benz racing heritage. The legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 race car from 1952 serves as the primary design inspiration. The exterior is finished in an exclusive silver paint, a direct homage to the iconic Silver Arrows of Mercedes-Benz racing history. Blue accents, reminiscent of the winning cars driven by Hans Klenk and Karl Kling in the Carrera Panamericana and Hermann Lang and Fritz Riess at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952, adorn the front fenders and radiator grille surround. Weight-optimized 18-inch magnesium wheels, extensive carbon fiber elements, and a prominent AMG crest on the roof firmly anchor the design in the realm of contemporary race cars.
The interior of this mercedes benz gt3 continues the theme of blending tradition and innovation. While featuring advanced motorsport technology such as the Bosch DDU 10 cockpit display with an enlarged screen and high-resolution graphics, the design draws inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 models of 1955, famously driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. This influence is evident in the blue checkered fabric seat upholstery, brown leather headrest upholstery and door loops, and a bespoke steering wheel featuring anodized buttons and elegant walnut wood handles. An exclusive “GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport” badge on the center console further emphasizes the model’s rarity and special status.
The Ultimate Racing Package
Owning a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is more than just acquiring an extraordinary race car; it’s gaining access to an exclusive ownership experience. Each of the 13 units comes with a comprehensive delivery package, including a custom-fitted car cover and a full suite of racing gear designed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Official Partner PUMA. This gear mirrors the car’s distinctive styling and includes a personalized racing suit, gloves, racing underwear, and shoes. A high-quality custom helmet from BELL is also included. Furthermore, owners receive a bespoke bag, echoing the blue checkered seat pattern, providing ample space for all the included racing equipment. Rounding out this exceptional package are a 1:8 scale model car of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport and a personalized certificate of authenticity, solidifying its place as a truly unique and collectible piece of motorsport history.
In the words of Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach Business Units, “With the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport, we are once again underlining our history and our commitment to our internationally very successful Customer Racing program. We are delighted to present this exclusive GT3 collector’s item to fans and enthusiasts of our brand for the first time here at this special occasion at Pebble Beach Automotive Week.” Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, adds, “With this exclusive edition, we are also showing what is possible outside of the official homologation and we have integrated a number of technical refinements and lightweight components. We are thus setting another milestone in our anniversary year and offering interested customers a product that is both technically and visually highly emotional.”
This mercedes benz gt3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is not just a car; it’s a celebration of 130 years of racing passion, a culmination of engineering excellence, and a rare opportunity to own a piece of motorsport legend. Priced at EUR 1,030,000.00 (excluding VAT), this ultimate track machine is destined to become a highly sought-after collector’s item, embodying the spirit of competition and the relentless pursuit of performance that defines Mercedes-AMG.
