Performance division of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG has made a significant move in race car history by launching a new car– Mercedes –AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport. This Mercedes-AMG SL 73 V-12-based race car was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California and in addition to commemorating 130 years of Mercedes Benz’s motorsport successes and signifying the end of an era for one of the most revered of AMG creations, the 6. A 3-litre normally aspirated V8 engine.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is a tribute to the brand’s storied history, dating back to July 22, 1894, when Daimler's engine first claimed victory in the Paris-Rouen race. This special edition GT3 is produced in an extremely limited run of just 13 units, each priced at a staggering EUR 1,030,000 (approximately Rs 9.5 crore). The exclusivity of this model underscores its significance as both a collector’s item and a piece of racing heritage.
The heart of the Edition 130Y is the M156 6.3-litre V8 engine, a powerhouse that has defined AMG’s racing pedigree. Capable of producing close to 680 horsepower at a blistering 7,250 rpm, this engine has been a mainstay in the GT3 category. While its 730Nm of torque might seem modest compared to the figures from modern hybrid and turbocharged powertrains, it remains a formidable force in its class. To put it in perspective, contemporary GT3 competitors typically generate between 500 and 550 horsepower.
The car is equipped with a sequential six-speed gearbox mounted on the rear axle, enhancing its performance and responsiveness on the track. Additionally, the Edition 130Y features advanced carbon ceramic brakes, inspired by Formula 1 technology, adhering to the stringent GT3 regulations. These brakes ensure the car’s stopping power is as impressive as its acceleration.
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the Edition 130Y’s performance. The car boasts an array of aerodynamic enhancements, including a revised front splitter, fender-mounted louvres, underbody modifications, and a prominent rear diffuser. These changes contribute to a 15 percent reduction in downforce. Moreover, the car is equipped with a Drag Reduction System (DRS), similar to those found in Formula 1 and Class 1 DTM. Activated via a button on the steering wheel, the DRS adjusts the rear wing to a flatter position, reducing drag and enhancing straight-line speed.
The Edition 130Y also benefits from a suite of safety and performance features. Its fully adjustable four-way motorsport shock absorbers are designed for precision handling, while the carbon fibre safety cell, five-point harness, safety nets, steel roll cage, fire extinguishing system, and safety tank ensure the driver’s protection. An emergency hatch further contributes to the car’s safety credentials.
On the track, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y has proven its mettle. With Mercedes-AMG performance driver Jules Gounon behind the wheel, the prototype set a new benchmark at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia. The Edition 130Y not only matched but surpassed the previous GT car track record, achieving a time of 1 minute 56.605 seconds—an impressive 2.074 seconds faster than the previous record.
The introduction of the GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport marks the end of an era for AMG’s 6.3-litre V8 engine, a powerplant that has powered numerous victories and shaped the brand’s racing success. As the automotive world transitions towards electric and hybrid technologies, this final, exclusive edition serves as a poignant reminder of the raw, unfiltered power and engineering excellence defining AMG’s performance heritage.
As we bid farewell to this legendary engine, enthusiasts and collectors alike will undoubtedly cherish the Edition 130Y Motorsport as a symbol of Mercedes-AMG’s enduring legacy in the world of motorsport. The limited production run ensures that this car will remain a rare gem, celebrating a historic chapter in the brand’s storied past while paving the way for the future of high-performance racing.
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