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 utilized by its SLS predecessor. As Mercedes gears as much as launch the next-gen GT racer, which can have a turbocharged engine, AMG revealed the brand new GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport at Monterey Automotive Week.
This yr marks 130 years of the Mercedes brand in motorsport, as a Daimler-engined automotive won the primary automobile race ever, a 126-kilometer city-to-city race from Paris to Rouen. Mercedes’ huge stand at Pebble Beach had all kinds of iconic cars on display, including the 1952 300SL race automotive 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 easy racing gumballs on the edges featuring the number 130. It also has the AMG crest on the roof and side skirts, unique 18-inch wheels with a design much like the brand new GT, and plenty of carbon fiber. The inside is even higher, 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.
Because 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, a rise of greater than 100 horses, and the sequential six-speed transmission has modified gear ratios. Downforce is up by 15 percent due to recent intakes and louvers, a redesigned underbody and diffuser, and a lower splitter and bigger rear wing. The 130Y also has a Drag Reduction System (DRS) inspired by DTM and Formula 1, enabling a top speed of greater than 196 mph.
While it’s not homologated to any specific series, the 130Y still has all of the security features and systems as the traditional GT3, like a carbon-fiber safety cell, five-point harness, fire-suppression system and emergency hatch. As a substitute of steel brake discs like on GT3 racers, the 130Y has carbon-ceramic brakes, which makes the automotive loads lighter. Earlier this yr, AMG factory driver Jules Gounon lapped Australia’s Mount Panorama Circuit in 1 minute 56.605 seconds, beating the GT automotive track record by 2.074 seconds.
Mercedes will only sell 13 of those Edition 130Y GT3s worldwide, with a starting price of around $1.1 million. Customers may even receive a singular automotive 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.
This Article First Appeared At jalopnik.com
