Page 1 of 1 Mercedes-AMG is celebrating 130 Years of Motorsport under the iconic three-pointed star. The anniversary dates back to the first automotive competition, from Paris to Rouen on July 22, 1894, where a Daimler licensed engine secured a victory. To commemorate this historic milestone, Mercedes-AMG is celebrating the world premiere of the new AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport under the theme "Racing Legend Remastered" at the 2024 Pebble Beach Automotive Week. Limited to just 13 units worldwide, the highly exclusive model blends two iconic eras of motorsport. Modern motorsport technology meets traditional design elements of the legendary race cars from the 1950s. With 671 hp, the non-homologated special model is the most powerful GT3 ever built in Affalterbach. It represents the final Mercedes-AMG GT3 variant to be powered by a naturally aspirated engine.
Unlike the standard model, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is not subject to the limits of homologation. For this reason, the legendary Handcrafted AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine has been further optimized without an air restrictor and with a special exhaust system to deliver a peak output of 671 hp. Power is transmitted via a sequential six-speed racing transmission with modified gear ratios. As with all Mercedes-AMG race cars, the transaxle transmission is mounted on the rear axle and connected to the engine in a torsionally rigid and torque resistant manner with a carbon fiber torque tube.
The aerodynamic components have also undergone extensive development, increasing downforce by 15 percent compared to the standard GT3. This includes a new front splitter, air outlets (louvers) in the front fenders, changes to the side skirts, underbody and rear diffuser. The wider rear wing optimizes the aero balance.
The Drag Reduction System (DRS), inspired by Formula 1™ and Class 1 DTM, is a new and central feature that allows for drag reduction at the touch of a button on the steering wheel, which moves the rear wing into a flat position. To maintain the aero balance, active elements on the front underbody are extended at the same time. This technology enables a top speed of over 196 mph to be achieved despite the high level of downforce. During lateral acceleration or deceleration, the active elements immediately return to their original downforce position.
The limited edition model is equipped with all proven safety features of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 including, a carbon fiber safety cell connected to the chassis, five-point harness, safety nets, steel roll cage, fire suppression system, motorsport safety fuel tank and an emergency hatch. The extensive equipment also includes a sophisticated racing ABS and a multi-adjustable traction control system.
The exclusive high performance braking system, inspired by Formula 1™, features carbon brake discs instead of the steel discs required by GT3 regulations, making the Edition 130Y model significantly lighter than the homologated version.
Track record: Mercedes-AMG special model sets fastest lap time at Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia After two years of development and extensive testing, Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Jules Gounon demonstrated the outstanding performance of the vehicle on February 17, 2024, at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia for the first time. Driving a prototype of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport, Gounon beat the track record for GT cars on the iconic 3.868-mile circuit by 2.074 seconds with a time of 1 minute 56.605 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 race car from 1952 served as the design inspiration for the limited edition anniversary model. Classic visual elements from the brand's first fixed roof race car characterize the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport. The exclusive silver paint finish is reminiscent of the legendary Silver Arrows. Blue accents on the front fenders and radiator grille surround harken back to the winning race cars 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. Weight-optimized 18-inch magnesium wheels, extensive carbon elements and a striking AMG crest on the roof connect the design of the special model to modern race cars.
The close link between tradition and innovation is also evident in the interior. Advanced motorsport technologies such as the Bosch DDU 10 cockpit display with enlarged screen and high-resolution graphics support the driver. Visually, the interior is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 models from 1955, which achieved worldwide fame with Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel. This includes blue checkered fabric seat upholstery, brown leather headrest upholstery and door loops, and a bespoke steering wheel with anodized buttons and walnut wood handles. The limited edition model also features an exclusive "GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport" badge on the center console.
Each Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport unit includes an exclusive delivery package with a custom car cover and a host of race equipment for the driver. Designed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Official Partner PUMA, the racing gear mirrors the styling of the vehicle's exterior and features a personalized racing suit, gloves, racing underwear and shoes. It is further complemented by a high quality custom helmet from BELL. Customers also receive a personalized bag designed to match the blue checkered pattern of the seat upholstery, with space to accommodate all of the included racing gear. The package is rounded out with a 1:8 scale model car of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport and an exclusive, personalized certificate of authenticity. Page 1 of 1