Mercedes-AMG is celebrating 130 years of motorsport heritage with the unveiling of the highly exclusive AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport at the prestigious Pebble Beach Automotive Week. This limited-edition model, restricted to just 13 units globally, pays homage to the brand’s rich racing history while showcasing cutting-edge motorsport technology. This special edition stands as the final AMG GT3 variant to be powered by the iconic naturally aspirated engine, making it a truly unique collector’s item for motorsport enthusiasts.
Unleashing Unprecedented Performance: Beyond Homologation Limits
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport distinguishes itself from the standard GT3 model by pushing beyond the constraints of homologation. At its heart lies the legendary handcrafted AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine, further refined to unleash a staggering 671 horsepower. This power boost is achieved through optimizations including the removal of the air restrictor and the integration of a specialized exhaust system, ensuring peak performance without limitations.
Power delivery is managed through a sequential six-speed racing transmission featuring modified gear ratios, optimized for competitive track environments. True to Mercedes-AMG racing pedigree, the transaxle transmission is positioned on the rear axle, connected to the engine via a carbon fiber torque tube for exceptional torsional rigidity and torque resistance.
Aerodynamic enhancements represent a significant leap forward, with downforce increased by 15 percent compared to the standard GT3. These improvements are realized through a suite of redesigned components, including a new front splitter, strategically placed air outlets on the front fenders (louvers), modified side skirts, an enhanced underbody, and a revised rear diffuser. The wider rear wing further refines aerodynamic balance, contributing to superior handling and cornering capabilities.
A standout feature inspired by Formula 1™ and Class 1 DTM racing is the Drag Reduction System (DRS). Activated at the touch of a steering wheel button, DRS flattens the rear wing to minimize drag, enabling breathtaking top speeds exceeding 196 mph, despite the vehicle’s high downforce configuration. Simultaneously, active elements on the front underbody deploy to maintain aero balance. During lateral acceleration or deceleration, the system intelligently reverts to the high-downforce setting, ensuring optimal grip and stability in dynamic driving scenarios.
Safety remains paramount, with the Edition 130Y model incorporating all the proven safety features of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. These include 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-grade safety fuel tank, and an emergency escape hatch. Furthermore, sophisticated racing ABS and a multi-adjustable traction control system are standard, providing drivers with crucial safety and control aids.
The braking system is equally exceptional, drawing inspiration from Formula 1™ technology. It features carbon brake discs, a significant upgrade from the steel discs mandated by GT3 regulations. This not only elevates braking performance but also contributes to a lighter overall vehicle weight compared to the homologated GT3 version.
Record-Breaking Performance: Conquering Mount Panorama
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport’s performance prowess was emphatically demonstrated at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia. On February 17, 2024, Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Jules Gounon, piloting a prototype, shattered the GT car track record by an astounding 2.074 seconds, setting a blistering lap time of 1 minute 56.605 seconds on the challenging 3.868-mile circuit. This achievement underscores the vehicle’s exceptional engineering and track-focused design.
Design Fusion: Heritage Meets Modernity
The design of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is a masterful blend of contemporary motorsport technology and classic visual cues. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 race car from 1952 serves as the primary design inspiration. The exclusive silver paint finish immediately evokes the legendary Silver Arrows, while blue accents on the front fenders and radiator grille surround are a direct nod to the victorious race cars of 1952, driven 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 fiber components, and a prominent AMG crest on the roof firmly root the special model in the modern racing era.
Inside the cockpit, tradition and innovation seamlessly converge. Advanced motorsport technologies, such as the Bosch DDU 10 cockpit display with an enlarged screen and high-resolution graphics, provide drivers with critical information at a glance. The interior design pays tribute to the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 models from 1955, famously driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. This is reflected 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 limited edition’s unique status.
The Ultimate Package: Exclusive Delivery and Racing Gear
Each Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport comes with an extensive delivery package, enhancing the ownership experience. This includes a custom-fitted car cover and a comprehensive set of racing gear designed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Official Partner PUMA. The racing gear, mirroring the vehicle’s exterior styling, comprises a personalized racing suit, gloves, racing underwear, and shoes. A high-quality custom helmet from BELL is also included.
A personalized bag, styled with the blue checkered pattern of the seat upholstery, provides dedicated storage for all the racing equipment. Completing the package are a meticulously crafted 1:8 scale model car of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport and an exclusive, personalized certificate of authenticity, solidifying the vehicle’s collectible status.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is more than just a race car; it’s a celebration of 130 years of motorsport excellence, a fusion of heritage and innovation, and a testament to Mercedes-AMG’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance. This limited edition masterpiece is poised to become a highly sought-after collector’s item, embodying the spirit of racing legend remastered.
