► Mercedes-AMG GT3 fully unveiled
► Homologated for FIA GT3 category
► Is this the meanest GT racer of 2015?
Not a car you’d want to see bearing down on you in the mirrors, is it? This is the Mercedes-AMG GT3, the international GT racing version of the AMG GT sports car, with a front end mean enough to strike fear into the heart of the hardiest of racing drivers.
What will the Mercedes-AMG GT3 be racing in?
International GT racing. It’s been built to FIA GT3 regulations, so it’ll square up to racing versions of the likes of the Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Huracan and Aston Vantage. Merc’s obviously feeling confident, given the Number 1 plate emblazoned on the matt paintwork of the car pictured.
Like most GT racing cars, the Mercedes has been widened drastically compared with the road car. The result is a machine that’s not quite as elegantly proportioned but a whole heap more brutal. That’s quite some grille up front – and quite some wing at the back.
The racer’s built around the aluminium shell of the road car, comprehensively reinforced with a substantial rollcage, of course. Pretty much everything else is carbonfibre: the bonnet, the doors, front wings, boot lid and all that aero kit.
What’s powering the Mercedes-AMG GT3?
A development of the engine used in the outgoing Mercedes SLS GT3 racer, a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V8, powering the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential racing gearbox.
Before it reaches the starting grid, the AMG GT3 will be on the Mercedes stand at the 2015 Geneva motor show in March – click here for CAR’s A-Z guide to the show.
Will there be a roadgoing GT3 version?
Yes, we believe there will be. Merc doesn’t chase Porsche and Aston with GT3 nomenclature, but word is there will be a GT Black Series version to follow, following the well-worn path of more power, less weight and more focused chassis mods.
Don’t miss our Mercedes-AMG GTS vs Porsche 911 GTS twin test here.