Mercedes-Benz AMG used 2024 Monterey Car Week currently underway in California to bid farewell to its hugely successful GT3 race car based on the former AMG GT sports car.
The AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport was rolled out on Friday in Monterey, and confirmed by AMG as its last naturally aspirated GT3 race car.
The car also celebrates this year's 130th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz's participation in motorsports, a legacy that started when several cars including the winner competed in the 1894 Paris to Rouen race using engines supplied by Daimler, the company that would later become Mercedes-Benz.
Just 13 examples of the AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport will be built. They aren't homologated for any particular race series, meaning they're designed simply as track toys. It also means they could be fitted with features not normally allowed in sanctioned racing series.
These features include an unrestricted version of AMG's 6.3-liter V-8 which in this application delivers 671 hp. The cars also get a unique aerodynamics package that helps increase downforce by 15% compared to the standard AMG GT3. The package includes a new front splitter, new vents in the front fenders, and changes to the side skirts, underbody, and rear diffuser. The rear wing was also redesigned and includes a drag reduction system. The system also includes the front splitter which can be further extended, and enables the car to reach speeds of over 196 mph in combination with a high level of downforce.
Details not related to performance also feature on the car. These include a livery inspired by a design used on a W194 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL gullwing race car from 1952, the automaker's first fixed-roof race car. The interior meanwhile was inspired by a Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 race car from 1955, and includes blue checkered fabric seat upholstery, brown leather headrest upholstery and door loops, and a bespoke steering wheel with walnut wood handles.
The price of the AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport starts at 1.03 million euros (approximately $1.135 million).
Although the current AMG GT3 with its naturally aspirated engine is on its way out, a turbocharged successor has already been announced, based on the new GT Coupe. The new car is being developed by Affalterbach Racing, AMG's newly established division for customer racing, and should be ready in time for the 2025 motorsports season.
