Mercedes-Benz plans to make a statement with the launch of both the AMG GT3 race car and its road going AMG GT sibling in the near future.
The GT3 which is Merc's customer sports vehicle provides a suitable platform for
demonstrating what the brand is capable of given the appropriate freedom.
Despite this, the GT3 is developed to comply with the FIA's GT3 race rules, as it will
compete in one of motorsport's most competitive customer race series.
Although based on the AMG GT, the GT3 will be using the 6.2 litre naturally aspirated engine of the previous SLS AMG. "The competing GT3 teams with the SLS model wanted to retain the engine which they had gained experience with," said AMG division chairman, Tobias Moers. The GT3 uses a six-speed sequential racing gearbox, ensuring near constant power delivery from the roaring lion under the bonnet.
PERFECT BASIS
The AMG GT platform provides the GT3 racer with a low centre of gravity, good weight distribution as well as the required track width necessary to compete in this
series.
"The high technological standard and fair race rules are spurring us on to take the pole
position with our new customer racing car. You can only give credible proof of your
ambition to lead if you are beating the very best in the game," added Moers.
Similarly to its road going sibling the structure of the GT3 was manufactured from a
lightweight, yet strong aluminium space-frame, providing the driver with protection in
the event of an accident.
To help shed even more weight, Mercedes-Benz manufactured several components using carbon fibre such as the engine cover, front wing, sidewalls and skirts as well as the boot lid. Carbon fibre is both lighter and approximately four times stronger than steel.
The AMG GT3 race car which will be shipped to its first customers towards the end
of 2015, will receive a special coating of matte paint called "designo selenite grey magno."