Mercedes-AMG launches 650hp GT3 Edition 55
Homologation? We don't need no homologation! But an engraved IWC watch would be nice...
It’s probably fair to say that Mercedes-AMG’s attempts at celebrating its 55th anniversary have not been unequivocal home runs. We like fancy wheels and body decals as much as the next person, but a spruced-up A35 is not a BMW M3 Touring. Compared with its arch rivals' extravagant birthday celebrations, it seemed like AMG wasn’t trying very hard. Not unlike an actual 55-year-old.
Well, now it seems like the gloves have come off. Or at least the purse strings have been loosened for this, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55, a track-only homage to the firm’s motorsport heritage. Just five examples will be hand-built in Affalterbach, and AMG is promising ‘a coveted collectors’ piece’ which includes an IWC watch engraved with the car’s chassis number.
Obviously, the inclusion of an ‘exclusive time piece’ and edition-specific chassis numbers is meant to appeal to a certain sort of buyer (namely one capable of meeting the 625,000 euro asking price) but the real wheeze is the fact that the Edition 55 isn’t homologated, which means that its optimised 6.3-litre V8 is freed up to deliver 650hp - or around 100hp more than the FIA version of the GT3. Better yet, the performance exhaust system (made of Inconel) comes without a silencer. So expect it to be both fast and gloriously loud.
Naturally, you also get a bespoke styling package, including a special finish in MANUFAKTUR alpine grey uni with red accents. This is intended to complement the matte finish of the aero components - think front diffuser, rear diffuser, rear wing, flicks, louvre, radiator grille, and side skirts - which are all in carbon. The Affalterbach crest has been painted on the doors, and your victims at a track day will probably notice the 55-year anniversary logo on the rear wing end plates.
Inside the seat embroidery is branded, too, and inevitably there’s an “EDITION 55 – 1 OF 5” inscription on the centre console. Elsewhere matte Anthracite metallic abounds, alongside yet more visible carbon. And you get the latest Bosch Data Display Unit (DDU) which shows things like speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times, gear and shift indication - as well as the obligatory 55-year anniversary logo when you start the thing up.
“With the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55, we acknowledge the 55-year history of our brand once again this year. It is a reverence to the many unforgettable motorsport moments we have been able to collect in over five decades at the race tracks of this world,” commented Christoph Sagemüller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. "We have strictly limited the production of this special edition: there are only five unites, all equipped with high-quality special features and added elements. [It is] a collector’s piece that can hardly be exceeded in terms of exclusivity.”
He keeps it at a Spanish circuit, and goes out a few times a year to feel like a racing driver, and take friends/family out for passenger lives.
It looks great, he feels great doing it, I don't see the problem here...
The difference between things like this and the true blue chip cars from decades gone is that they were integral to building the companies themselves, either through motorsport, innovation or reputation.
Stuff like this feels like a flatulent slide downwards on the other side.
Still, if it makes money and provides fun then that's what counts.
He keeps it at a Spanish circuit, and goes out a few times a year to feel like a racing driver, and take friends/family out for passenger lives.
It looks great, he feels great doing it, I don't see the problem here...
If you can then why not..He keeps it at a Spanish circuit, and goes out a few times a year to feel like a racing driver, and take friends/family out for passenger lives.
It looks great, he feels great doing it, I don't see the problem here...
Just because the average person can't afford one they're instantly pointless..
No tall will be hidden away never to see the light of day, I'd imagine quite a few will be given a kicking on a track.
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