With Pebble Beach events and Monterey Car Week 2024 in full swing, Mercedes-AMG seizes the opportunity to reveal the latest carmaker’s offering to its wealthy and exclusive customers: the uncorked race car. This vehicle is not bound by the same regulations as those crafted for pro competitions, instead available for the private enjoyment of fortunate enthusiasts during track days and various closed-course activities.
By “regular,” we refer to only 13 individuals who can afford the approximately $1,134,000 (officially €1,030,000) starting price. Therefore, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is not highly relevant to the global populace, yet it stands tall among automotive dreams, making it an irresistible aspiration for driving enthusiasts. As of yet, all 13 copies have not been sold.
What It Is
In essence, it’s straightforward yet powerful. Like Porsche’s 911 GT3 R Rennsport from last year, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is derived from the company’s FIA-homologated GT3 race car. Since this vehicle is not intended for officially sanctioned racing, it does not need to comply with FIA performance restrictions or BoP (balance of performance) handicaps. Consequently, the fortunate 13 buyers and anyone driving them will have access to superior on-track capabilities than many pro GT racing drivers, provided they can harness that performance to its fullest potential.
These 13 examples of the GT3 130Y are even rarer than the road-legal CLK GTR Straßenversion homologation special from the late 1990s, of which only 25 were made. If you are not attending Monterey Car Week now, spotting one anytime soon would be unlikely unless showcased at future auto events.
The Hardware
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 130Y, named to celebrate 130 years of racing history dating back to the first-ever auto race held from Paris to Rouen in 1894, is the final AMG GT3 race car to feature a naturally aspirated engine—an intriguing detail for financial speculators.
Mercedes describes the car’s ethos as combining modern motorsport technology with classic design elements of legendary race cars from the 1950s. Its 6.3-liter V-8 engine generates 671 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the absence of an FIA air restrictor and a bespoke exhaust system. For context, this horsepower showcases a significant enhancement over the typical power outputs of 500–550 hp found in FIA-homologated GT3 racers. However, it does not reach the extremes noted in other vehicles’ upcoming offerings.
Modern track performance is also heavily influenced by aerodynamics; thus, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport boasts a claimed 15 percent increase in peak downforce compared to its official racing counterpart. This advantage arises from a new front splitter, fender louvres, revised side skirts, underbody elements, and rear diffusers. A wider rear wing featuring a drag reduction system (DRS), activated by a button on the steering wheel, allows the GT3 130Y to achieve a top speed of 196 mph despite its increased downforce.
And Even More Hardware
Safety is paramount, featuring a carbon-fiber driver-safety cell and an array of top-notch racing safety items, including a roll cage, fire extinguisher, and racing-specific adjustable traction control and antibrake settings. The brakes utilize carbon discs instead of the steel ones required in GT3 racing. At a reported weight of 2,811 pounds, Mercedes-AMG claims this vehicle is lighter than its official racing variant.
To demonstrate its capabilities, pro driver and multi-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner Jules Gounon drove a prototype of the GT3 130Y to set a lap of 1 minute, 56.605 seconds on Australia’s renowned Mount Panorama Circuit, beating the previous track record for GT race cars by 2.074 seconds. As Gounon is intimately familiar with this track, his ability to maximize the AMG’s potential was assured.
This remarkable vehicle comes with a livery inspired by the 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W 194 racer, featuring special silver paint with blue accents on the front fenders and radiator grille surround. Inside, the cockpit reflects its heritage through blue-checkered fabric on the single seat, luxurious brown leather headrests and door loops, alongside a racing steering wheel equipped with wooden hand grips—design elements not commonly found in modern race cars.
Special Delivery
The 13 individuals fortunate enough to own the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport will receive a 1:8-scale model of the car, a custom car cover, and a personalized racing suit, gloves, shoes, and flame-resistant underwear designed by Mercedes-AMG and Puma. Additionally, a Bell Racing helmet and a stylish blue-checkered bag to carry all items complete their ownership experience. Whether this princely million-plus package is appealing is subjective; however, it would not be surprising if all 13 examples are sold by the conclusion of Monterey Car Week 2024.
