Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a limited-edition customer version of its modified GT3 car, with which Jules Gounon broke the lap record at Mount Panorama earlier this year.
The car, called the “Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport,” was developed as part of the brand’s celebrations of its 130-year presence in motorsport.
The non-homologated special model was presented at the Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach and is limited to just 13 units. The price is €1,030,000 (USD 1,134,066).
The car is based on the modified Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with which works driver Jules Gounon set the unofficial lap record at the Mount Panorama circuit before this year’s Bathurst 12 Hours, although this record was later broken by Romain Dumas in the Ford SuperVan 4.2.
The 6.3-liter V8 engine produces 680 hp (507 kW) thanks to the lack of an air restrictor and a special exhaust system, while the car’s aerodynamics feature numerous changes, including a new front splitter, side skirts, a new underbody, a rear diffuser and a rear wing with Drag Reduction System (DRS).
In addition, the steel brakes required for a homologated GT3 vehicle were replaced by carbon brakes.
The silver-blue design of the paintwork is a nod to Mercedes-AMG’s racing history, with the silver being a homage to the Silver Arrows of the 1950s.
The blue is a direct reference to the Mercedes 300 SL, which won both the Carrera Panamericana and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952.
In the interior, the blue checked fabric of the seats is inspired by the 300 SLR, which was driven in 1955 by drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.
Mercedes-AMG has notably pointed out that this car will be the company’s last naturally aspirated GT3 car, effectively confirming that the successor to the current car will feature a turbocharged engine.
The new car, which is based on a derivative of the Mercedes-AMG GT two-door road car series, is currently being developed by the recently founded subsidiary Affalterbach Racing GmbH.
“The unique Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is the crowning glory of our current motorsport portfolio,” says Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.
“Not only is it strictly limited to 13 units, but it is also the last GT3 version with our legendary AMG 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine.
“With this exclusive edition, we also show what is possible outside of the official homologation and have integrated many technical refinements and lightweight components.
“We are setting another milestone in our anniversary year and are offering interested customers.”
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
