Mercedes-AMG celebrates 130 years of motorsports

Mercedes-AMG is celebrating 130 years of motorsports with a very special AMG GT3. The limited production Edition 130Y Motorsport will mark the occasion at Pebble Beach in California. Mercedes-AMG says that it unites two iconic eras of motorsports, the modern state-of-the-art technology and the iconic design of the race cars of the 1950s.

With 680 horsepower on tap, the non-homologated special model is the most powerful GT3 race car the German company has ever produced. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has a naturally aspirated engine and will be sold in strictly limited numbers of just 13 cars.

Because it is not bound by the rules of homologation, the GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport uses a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V8 that has been “further optimised.” With the air restrictor removed and a special exhaust system, it now makes 680 horsepower while aerodynamics have been enhanced to give an additional 15% more downforce over the standard GT3 car.

The front splitter and air outlets in the wings have been redesigned while the underfloor and rear diffuser have also been revised to improve its aerodynamics. A wider rear wing “helps to optimise the aero balance” and a Formula 1 inspired Drag Reduction System is one of the car’s new central features. A the push of a button on the steering wheel, the rear wing changes its position to reduce drag or provide better downforce.

This helps it reach a top speed of over 315 km per hour or just under 200mph.

Power goes through a sequential six-speed racing transmission with modified gear rations. In Keeping with other Mercedes-AMG race cars, the gearbox is mounted in the rear in a transaxle, helping with the car’s rigidity and weight distribution.

Each of the 13 cars will be designed around the driver with a “comprehensive delivery package” befitting of such a car.