Mercedes-AMG has been extremely tight-lipped about the GT3 successor so far: What lies behind the test images of the concept car?
Is this the new GT3 racing car from Mercedes-AMG or not? This question is once again the subject of discussion, as the brand with the star has published the first photos of test drives with a new concept car that, purely from a visual standpoint, suggests this is the case.
After the final touches were made to the Concept AMG GT Track Sport in Affalterbach at the end of July, an intensive testing phase is now beginning,” according to a cryptic press release from Mercedes-AMG. “The prototype, camouflaged with yellow and red accents, is facing its first driving dynamics challenges on test tracks and racetracks.”
The photos show the new vehicle, excerpts of which Mercedes-AMG already showed in July, in camouflage paint on a racetrack. It is strongly reminiscent of the Bilster Berg circuit in Westphalia.
“When the time is right, we will reveal all.”
Is Mercedes-AMG currently working on the GT3 successor to the veteran Mercedes-AMG GT3? However, it will not be developed and built by HWA as before, but by the new Affalterbach Racing GmbH.
The vehicle, for which a dedicated production car is being developed, is expected to feature a V8 turbo engine and a full carbon monocoque. 2026 is planned as a pure development year, but even delivery to the teams in 2027 is considered extremely ambitious. 2028 sounds more realistic, we hear.
But are the images released so far already of the prototype of the new car? “It’s a concept,” replies Thomas Jäger, who is the sporting director for the DTM division at Mercedes-AMG. “We’ll reveal all when the time is right. Until then, we need to keep the suspense going a little longer,” he grins.
Do the pictures show a “Frankenstein car”?
The press release states: “Components of the concept vehicle are proving themselves under highly dynamic conditions.” This suggests that the photos do not yet show the final GT3 car.
“It looks like a kind of Frankenstein car,” says a Mercedes-AMG expert who wishes to remain anonymous. A “Frankenstein car” – or “mule car” – is a test vehicle that is already equipped with parts from a future car.
“The roof, windows, and rearview mirrors look very similar to the current car. The same goes for the side skirts with the louvers,” is the insider’s initial analysis. However, the front end is different, reminiscent of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at first glance. This is because the large radiator grille familiar from the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is now significantly smaller.
Front end and splitter different from current GT3 car
As with the previous car, it is a front mid-engine vehicle, but the hood looks different.
“Where the air outlet used to be on the hood, you now see an air intake,” says the expert. “That makes sense, because the air has to go to the turbo, which is located at the top of the V.” The splitter at the front also features a step, which is a change compared to the current GT3 car from Mercedes-AMG. The press release states that the focus of the vehicle is “on maximum driving dynamics.” In addition, the emphasis is on “intelligent lightweight construction.” The concept vehicle has “further optimized weight balance, AMG-typical V8 drive technology, and a sophisticated aerodynamic architecture,” Mercedes-AMG announced.
AMG boss Schiebe announces: “The future will be extreme”
“With the tests on the race track, Mercedes-AMG wants to validate all systems and complex components in interaction – under the toughest conditions and in compliance with high quality and performance standards,” it continues, without revealing too much.
Michael Schiebe, who will remain head of Mercedes-AMG for another month before becoming a member of the Mercedes-Benz AG Board of Management responsible for production, quality, and supply chain management, praises his “world-class team” and makes a promise with the Concept AMG GT Track Sport: “The future will be extreme.”
