By Anushka Verma | 7th October 2025
Mercedes-AMG has once again captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide with the announcement of its limited-edition AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport, a car that pays tribute to the brand’s 130 years in motorsport. Revealed at the prestigious Pebble Beach Automotive Week in California, this masterpiece marks the final chapter for the iconic 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine in AMG’s racing history. With only 13 units planned, each priced at a staggering €1,030,000 (approx. Rs 9.5 crore), this is as much a collector’s item as it is a track-focused race machine.
The AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is not merely a continuation of Mercedes’ GT3 race cars; it is a celebration of heritage, power, and precision engineering. From its M156 V8 engine to its aerodynamically advanced bodywork, every aspect of this car is designed to honor the legacy of AMG’s motorsport victories, which began over a century ago with Daimler’s first triumph at the Paris-Rouen race on 22 July 1894.
In this detailed article, we delve into the specifications, performance, safety, and technological innovations of the AMG GT3 Edition 130Y, while exploring its significance in automotive history, and why it is destined to be a prized possession for collectors and racing enthusiasts alike.
Table 1: Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport – Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.3-litre naturally aspirated AMG M156 V8 |
| Power Output | 680 bhp @ 7,250 rpm |
| Torque | 730 Nm |
| Transmission | Sequential six-speed, rear-axle mounted |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Chassis | Carbon fibre safety cell integrated with race chassis |
| Suspension | Fully adjustable four-way motorsport shocks |
| Brakes | Carbon ceramic units inspired by Formula 1 |
| Aerodynamics | Active aero with front splitter, fender louvres, rear diffuser; Drag Reduction System (DRS) |
| Safety Features | Five-point harness, roll cage, safety nets, fire extinguishing system, safety fuel tank, emergency hatch |
| Performance Highlight | Track record at Mount Panorama: 1m56.605s (2.074s faster than previous GT record) |
| Production | 13 units |
| Price | €1,030,000 (approx. Rs 9.5 crore) |
A Legacy Built on Power: The AMG 6.3-Litre Naturally Aspirated V8
The M156 6.3-litre V8 engine has been a symbol of AMG’s engineering prowess for over a decade. Unlike modern turbocharged powertrains that dominate today’s racing circuits, the naturally aspirated V8 delivers a raw and visceral driving experience. With 680 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 730 Nm of torque, it provides a thrilling combination of high-revving excitement and mechanical purity.
In comparison, contemporary GT3 competitors typically make 500–550 horsepower, meaning the 130Y Motorsport Edition offers a significant performance advantage, particularly in track scenarios where throttle response and engine character matter most.
The significance of this engine cannot be overstated. For AMG purists, the M156 V8 represents an era of engineering where driver skill and engine sound were as vital as lap times. By retiring this engine in a limited edition, Mercedes-AMG ensures that its legacy is immortalized, giving enthusiasts a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.
Design and Aerodynamics: Form Meets Function
The AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is more than just an engine powerhouse; its design reflects cutting-edge aerodynamics combined with track-ready aesthetics. The car’s bodywork features:
- Front Splitter and Fender Louvres: Reduce drag and optimize airflow over the front wheels.
- Underbody Modifications: Channel air efficiently to improve high-speed stability.
- Rear Diffuser: Enhances downforce while keeping drag minimal.
- Active Aero & DRS System: Inspired by Formula 1, a steering-wheel button adjusts the rear wing to reduce drag for straight-line speed.
These enhancements collectively reduce downforce by approximately 15% while improving stability and lap times. Coupled with the carbon ceramic brakes and advanced suspension system, the AMG GT3 Edition 130Y is designed for precision cornering and maximum braking performance, making it an engineering marvel in the GT3 class.
Safety at the Forefront: Motorsport-Grade Features
Safety is paramount in racing, and Mercedes-AMG has left no stone unturned. The 130Y Motorsport Edition includes:
- Carbon Fibre Safety Cell: Integrated with chassis for structural rigidity.
- Five-Point Harness and Safety Nets: Standard GT3 safety features for driver protection.
- Steel Roll Cage: Provides torsional rigidity and protects occupants in crashes.
- Fire Extinguishing System and Safety Fuel Tank: Reduce the risk of fire during high-speed incidents.
- Emergency Hatch: Allows quick exit in critical situations.
This level of safety ensures that drivers can push the car to its limits on the track without compromising their well-being.
Track Performance: Record-Breaking Lap Times
With seasoned AMG performance driver Jules Gounon behind the wheel, the prototype Edition 130Y Motorsport smashed the GT class track record at Australia’s Mount Panorama Circuit, completing a 6.213-kilometre lap in 1m56.605s — 2.074 seconds faster than the previous benchmark.
This achievement underscores AMG’s commitment to engineering excellence, even as the company transitions toward hybrid and electric powertrains in the future. The Edition 130Y demonstrates that a naturally aspirated V8, when paired with precision aerodynamics and advanced suspension, can still outperform modern turbocharged rivals on demanding circuits.
Technology and Motorsport Innovations
Mercedes-AMG has infused the GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport with a variety of technological innovations derived from years of racing experience:
- Sequential Six-Speed Gearbox: Mounted on the rear axle, ensures rapid, precise shifts.
- Fully Adjustable Four-Way Motorsport Shocks: Allow teams to tune the suspension to suit different tracks and conditions.
- Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Provide fade-free stopping power even under extreme heat.
- DRS (Drag Reduction System): F1-inspired rear wing adjustment for improved straight-line performance.
- Active Aerodynamics: Balances downforce and drag, enhancing cornering stability and top-speed efficiency.
By integrating these features, Mercedes-AMG ensures that the 130Y Motorsport Edition is ready for competitive racing, while remaining a collector’s dream.
Heritage and Motorsport Significance
The 130Y Motorsport Edition is more than just a performance machine; it is a tribute to Mercedes’ 130-year motorsport legacy. Starting with the Paris-Rouen race in 1894, Mercedes has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering. This limited edition celebrates over a century of innovation, commemorating victories and milestones that have shaped motorsport history.
For collectors and enthusiasts, owning one of these 13 cars is akin to owning a museum-grade artifact — a piece of history that symbolizes speed, engineering mastery, and the art of racing.
Market Perspective and Collectibility
With only 13 units produced, the AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is destined to become a highly sought-after collector’s item. Priced at €1,030,000 (approx. Rs 9.5 crore), it sits in the upper echelons of GT3 racing machines but offers immense value for collectors, given its:
- Limited production numbers.
- Final naturally aspirated AMG V8.
- Advanced racing technology.
- Proven track performance.
As the automotive world transitions toward EVs and hybrid powertrains, cars like the 130Y Motorsport Edition will likely appreciate in value, both for their rarity and their connection to a golden era of V8 racing.
Conclusion: A Farewell to an Era
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is more than a car — it is a celebration of heritage, performance, and engineering excellence. As the last GT3 to feature the legendary naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V8, it represents the culmination of decades of racing prowess and innovation.
For racing fans, collectors, and automotive enthusiasts, the 130Y Motorsport Edition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a machine that blends historic significance with cutting-edge racing technology. With its limited production, record-breaking performance, and iconic engine, this car will undoubtedly remain a coveted icon in automotive history.
