Mercedes-AMG is celebrating 130 years of motorsport heritage with a limited-run racer, which will be the last model to feature its iconic 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine.
Unveiled at Monterey Car Week and known as the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport, it’s a reimagining of the AMG GT GT3 car (itself based on the AMG GT road car) conceived outside the boundaries of homologation rules and regulations.
While it’s unfit for competition, the Edition 130Y Motorsport would likely put the field to shame, with outputs of 500kW and 730Nm from its unrestricted 6.2-litre V8 (despite the 63 branding) and a top speed of over 315km/h.
That point was partially proven earlier this year, when AMG factory driver Jules Gounon clocked a 1:56.605 around Mount Panorama, 2.074 seconds faster than the previous lap record for a GT car.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Aerodynamic upgrades complement the increase in grunt. The Edition 130Y Motorsport generates 15 per cent more downforce than the GT3, courtesy of tweaks to the front splitter, air outlets, side skirts, underfloor, rear diffuser, and a wider rear wing.
Under the skin, the anniversary gains fully-adjustable four-way motorsport shock absorbers.
Despite its ineligibility for GT3 competition, all the safety gear remains, including a carbon fibre safety cell connected to the chassis, a five-point harness, safety nets, a steel roll cage, a fire extinguishing system, a safety tank, and an emergency hatch.
It’s not all about performance. The Edition 130Y Motorsport also pays homage to racing machines of years gone by.
Several design features harken back to the 1950s, and the car as a whole was inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 from 1952.
Mercedes-AMG attributes the silver and blue colour scheme to victorious racers driven in 1952 by Hans Klenk and Karl Kling in the Carrera Panamericana, and by Hermann Lang and Fritz Riess in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The interior of the Edition 130Y Motorsport is also a blend of old and new. Aesthetically, there are callbacks to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz SLR 300, from blue chequered fabric seats to brown leather upholstery on the headrests and door loops.
Ahead of the driver sits a bespoke steering wheels with anodised buttons and walnut wood handles, framing a Bosch cockpit display.
Production of the Edition 130Y Motorsport is limited to 13 units, with each example commanding a $1.7 million price tag.
As part of the sale, buyers also receive Puma racing attire, matching accessories, a custom helmet, a car cover, and a 1:8 scale model of the car. All with a certificate of authenticity.
Click the images for the full gallery.
