Behold the brand new Mercedes AMG GT3, the car that AMG will enter into the 2016 GT3 season, replacing the SLS AMG GT3. Based on the Mercedes AMG GT, the track-beast comes with a widebody kit, more vents and an oversized rear wing, and looks properly menacing. Although roadgoing AMG GT models come with the new M178 twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, this new GT3 racer will use the same M159 engine as the outgoing SLS AMG GT – the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 we all love. Mercedes AMG themselves say that they will ring in the motorsport season with “the sonorous sound of the V8”. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 will comply with FIA GT3 class rules and begin its motorsports stint at the beginning of March.
As for the styling, as you can see the AMG GT3 racing car sits closer to the tarmac than the road-going variant and a more extreme aero-kit. It’s also got more vents and scoops to feed the engine and cool the brakes, and a stripped-out cabin with full roll cage and a proper F1-style steering. The AMG GT3 carries over the road car’s aluminum spaceframe chassis, however to save weight, Mercedes has redone many of the panels out of carbon fiber. Mercedes didn’t release horsepower specs on the new car, but we expect it to be over 550hp. The engine is mated to a a six-speed sequential gearbox powering the rear wheels. The Mercedes AMG GT3 will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
