Despite the first-generation Mercedes-AMG GT using a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, the racing AMG GT3 variant continued using the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 used by its SLS predecessor. As Mercedes gears up to launch the next-gen GT racer, which will have a turbocharged engine, AMG revealed the new GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport at Monterey Car Week.
This year marks 130 years of the Mercedes brand in motorsport, as a Daimler-engined car won the first automobile race ever, a 126-kilometer city-to-city race from Paris to Rouen. Mercedes’ huge stand at Pebble Beach had all sorts of iconic cars on display, including the 1952 300SL race car that inspired the design of the GT3 130Y.
Its silver and blue paint scheme reference the 300SLs that won the Carrera Panamericana and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with simple racing gumballs on the sides featuring the number 130. It also has the AMG crest on the roof and side skirts, unique 18-inch wheels with a design similar to the new GT, and lots of carbon fiber. The interior is even better, with a white and blue tartan seat that that has a brown leather headrest, an aluminum steering wheel with walnut wood hand grips, and special badges and graphics.
As the Edition 130Y is free from racing restrictions, its even faster than the actual GT3 race cars. Without an air restrictor or muffled exhaust the 6.2-liter V8 makes 671 horsepower, an increase of more than 100 horses, and the sequential six-speed transmission has modified gear ratios. Downforce is up by 15 percent thanks to new intakes and louvers, a redesigned underbody and diffuser, and a lower splitter and larger rear wing. The 130Y also has a Drag Reduction System (DRS) inspired by DTM and Formula 1, enabling a top speed of more than 196 mph.
While it’s not homologated to any specific series, the 130Y still has all of the safety features and systems as the normal GT3, like a carbon-fiber safety cell, five-point harness, fire-suppression system and emergency hatch. Instead of steel brake discs like on GT3 racers, the 130Y has carbon-ceramic brakes, which makes the car a lot lighter. Earlier this year, AMG factory driver Jules Gounon lapped Australia’s Mount Panorama Circuit in 1 minute 56.605 seconds, beating the GT car track record by 2.074 seconds.
Mercedes will only sell 13 of these Edition 130Y GT3s worldwide, with a starting price of around $1.1 million. Customers will also receive a unique car cover, a 1:8 scale model, a custom Bell helmet, matching Puma racing gear, a bag that matches the seats and a certificate of authenticity.
