Regardless of the first-generation Mercedes-AMG GT utilizing a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, the racing AMG GT3 variant continued utilizing 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 may have a turbocharged engine, AMG revealed the brand new GT3 Version 130Y Motorsport at Monterey Automobile Week.
This 12 months marks 130 years of the Mercedes model in motorsport, as a Daimler-engined automobile gained the primary vehicle race ever, a 126-kilometer city-to-city race from Paris to Rouen. Mercedes’ big stand at Pebble Seaside had all kinds of iconic vehicles on show, together with the 1952 300SL race automobile that impressed the design of the GT3 130Y.
Its silver and blue paint scheme reference the 300SLs that gained the Carrera Panamericana and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with easy racing gumballs on the edges that includes the quantity 130. It additionally has the AMG crest on the roof and aspect skirts, distinctive 18-inch wheels with a design just like the brand new GT, and many carbon fiber. The inside is even higher, with a white and blue tartan seat that that has a brown leather-based headrest, an aluminum steering wheel with walnut wooden hand grips, and particular badges and graphics.
Because the Version 130Y is free from racing restrictions, its even sooner than the precise GT3 race vehicles. With out 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 p.c due to new intakes and louvers, a redesigned underbody and diffuser, and a decrease splitter and bigger rear wing. The 130Y additionally has a Drag Discount System (DRS) impressed by DTM and Formulation 1, enabling a high velocity of greater than 196 mph.
Whereas it’s not homologated to any particular sequence, the 130Y nonetheless has the entire security options and methods as the conventional GT3, like a carbon-fiber security cell, five-point harness, fire-suppression system and emergency hatch. As a substitute of metal brake discs like on GT3 racers, the 130Y has carbon-ceramic brakes, which makes the automobile so much lighter. Earlier this 12 months, AMG manufacturing unit driver Jules Gounon lapped Australia’s Mount Panorama Circuit in 1 minute 56.605 seconds, beating the GT automobile observe report by 2.074 seconds.
Mercedes will solely promote 13 of those Version 130Y GT3s worldwide, with a beginning value of round $1.1 million. Clients may even obtain a singular automobile cowl, a 1:8 scale mannequin, a customized Bell helmet, matching Puma racing gear, a bag that matches the seats and a certificates of authenticity.
