Mercedes-AMG is roaring into its 130th year of motorsport heritage, marking a century and three decades of racing dominance under the three-pointed star. This monumental milestone, tracing back to the inaugural Paris to Rouen race on July 22, 1894, where a Daimler-powered engine clinched victory, is being celebrated in spectacular fashion. At the prestigious 2024 Pebble Beach Automotive Week, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the breathtaking AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport, embodying the theme “Racing Legend Remastered.” This highly exclusive, limited edition marvel, capped at just 13 units worldwide, masterfully fuses the cutting-edge technology of modern motorsport with the timeless design cues of legendary race cars from the 1950s. Boasting a staggering 671 horsepower, this non-homologated special edition stands as the most potent GT3 creation to ever emerge from Affalterbach. Furthermore, it holds the distinction of being the final Mercedes-AMG GT3 variant to be propelled by a naturally aspirated engine, marking the end of an era.
Unleashing Unprecedented Performance: Aerodynamics and Power Redefined
Breaking free from the constraints of homologation regulations that govern the standard model, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport unleashes its full potential. The iconic, handcrafted AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine has undergone meticulous optimization, shedding the air restrictor and incorporating a bespoke exhaust system. This results in a formidable peak output of 671 horsepower. Power is channeled to the wheels via a sequential six-speed racing transmission, featuring refined gear ratios for optimal track performance. True to Mercedes-AMG racing DNA, the transaxle transmission is positioned on the rear axle, establishing a torsionally rigid and torque-resistant connection to the engine through a carbon fiber torque tube.
Significant advancements have also been made to the aerodynamic components, resulting in a 15 percent increase in downforce compared to the standard GT3 model. This enhanced aero package includes a newly designed front splitter, strategically placed air outlets (louvers) in the front fenders, modified side skirts, an optimized underbody, and a revised rear diffuser. Complementing these upgrades is a wider rear wing, further refining the aerodynamic balance of the car.
A groundbreaking addition is the Drag Reduction System (DRS), directly inspired by Formula 1™ and Class 1 DTM racing. This innovative system allows for on-the-fly drag reduction at the simple push of a button on the steering wheel, flattening the rear wing for increased straight-line speed. To maintain critical aerodynamic equilibrium, active elements on the front underbody deploy simultaneously. This sophisticated technology empowers the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport to achieve a top speed exceeding 196 mph, despite its high downforce configuration. During cornering or braking, the active aerodynamic elements instantaneously revert to their original downforce-generating position, ensuring optimal handling.
Retaining all the proven safety features of the standard Mercedes-AMG GT3, the Edition 130Y Motorsport prioritizes driver protection. These features include a carbon fiber safety cell seamlessly 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. The car is also equipped with a sophisticated racing ABS and a highly adjustable traction control system.
The braking system of this exclusive model is elevated to Formula 1™ levels, featuring carbon brake discs. This upgrade, replacing the steel discs mandated by GT3 regulations, significantly reduces weight compared to the homologated version, enhancing both braking performance and overall agility.
Track Domination: Setting Records at Mount Panorama
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport’s performance prowess was emphatically demonstrated at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia. After two years of rigorous development and extensive testing, Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Jules Gounon took the wheel of a prototype on February 17, 2024, and shattered the track record for GT cars. Gounon’s blistering lap time of 1 minute 56.605 seconds around the challenging 3.868-mile circuit was a full 2.074 seconds faster than the previous record, solidifying the car’s exceptional capabilities.
Design that Echoes Motorsport Legends: A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
The design philosophy of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport draws profound inspiration from the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 race car of 1952. Classic visual elements from this pioneering fixed-roof race car define the anniversary model’s striking exterior. The exclusive silver paint finish is a direct homage to the iconic Silver Arrows racing cars of Mercedes-Benz. Blue accents, adorning the front fenders and radiator grille surround, are a nostalgic nod to the victorious race cars piloted by Hans Klenk and Karl Kling in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana, and by Hermann Lang and Fritz Riess in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. Weight-optimized 18-inch magnesium wheels, extensive use of carbon fiber components, and a prominent AMG crest emblazoned on the roof firmly connect the special edition’s design to the contemporary world of racing.
This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation extends seamlessly into the interior. State-of-the-art motorsport technologies, such as the Bosch DDU 10 cockpit display featuring an enlarged screen and high-resolution graphics, provide drivers with crucial information at a glance. Visually, the interior pays tribute to the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 models from 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 limited edition’s unique character.
The Ultimate Racing Package: Exclusive Gear and Collectibles
Owning a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is more than just acquiring an exceptional 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-designed car cover and a full suite of racing gear for the driver. Developed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Official Partner PUMA, the racing apparel mirrors the vehicle’s distinctive styling and includes a personalized racing suit, gloves, racing underwear, and shoes. A high-quality custom helmet from BELL further complements the package. Customers also receive a bespoke bag, echoing the blue checkered pattern of the seat upholstery, providing ample space for all the included racing gear. Completing this exclusive collection is a meticulously crafted 1:8 scale model car of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport and a personalized certificate of authenticity, solidifying its collector’s item status.
Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport: At a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Handcrafted AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine without air restrictor |
| Output | 671 hp at 7,250 rpm |
| Torque | 538 lb-ft at 5,250 rpm |
| Top speed | Over 196 mph |
| Transmission | Sequential AMG six-speed competition transmission |
| Electronics | Motorsport electronics, multi-adjustable ABS and AMG TRACTION CONTROL |
| Brakes | High performance braking system with adjustable brake balance, 6-piston fixed calipers with 15.4-inch carbon brake discs at the front, 4-piston fixed calipers with 14-inch carbon brake discs at the rear |
| Wheels | 18-inch AMG magnesium wheels with center lock |
| Suspension | Double wishbone front axle/rear axle, motorsport dampers with four-way adjustable rebound and compression, adjustable anti-roll bars |
| Aerodynamics | High downforce configuration consisting of louvers, splitters, side skirts, rear diffuser, underbody and rear wing with DRS (Drag Reduction System) |
| Fuel tank | 31.7 gallons, motorsport safety tank |
| Interior | Carbon safety cell, five-point harness, safety nets, steel roll cage, fire suppression system, adjustable steering wheel and pedals, blue checkered seat upholstery, leather door loops and headrests, edition-specific badge |
| Cockpit | Bosch DDU 10, specially developed steering wheel with shift paddles and anodized knobs and walnut handles |
| Dimensions & weight | Length: 188.8”, Width: 80.8”, Height: 51”; Curb weight: 2,811 lbs. |
| Delivery package | Car cover, race gear, bag, personalized certificate of authenticity and 1:8 scale model car |
| Retail price | EUR 1,030,000.00 (price excl. VAT) |
In the words of Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach Business Units, “This year, we are celebrating 130 Years of Motorsport under the sign of the three-pointed star. And at AMG, motor racing is also an essential part of the DNA. 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, “The unique Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is the crowning glory of our current motorsport portfolio. Not only is it strictly limited to 13 units, it is also the last GT3 version with our iconic AMG 6.3-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine. 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.”
