Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its new GT3 racer. It is an altogether more hedonistic and angry-looking version of its GT sibling, which looks positively sedentary in comparison. The GT3 will race in the FIA GT3 Championship.
Mercedes says that the low center of gravity, weight distribution and wide track width of the standard GT provide the ideal platform for the GT3 racing model. It says that these properties allow the car to corner precisely, accelerate quickly through turns, maintain high levels of traction and minimize inertia when changing direction.
The GT3 is powered by the AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine from its SLS AMG GT3 forbear. It has a six-speed transaxle-mounted sequential racing gearbox, which is said to aid weight distribution, and double-wishbone suspension made mostly from aluminum.
Also formed of aluminum is the GT3's protective spaceframe, as is the case in the production GT. The driver is afforded further protection by a steel roll-cage and a carbon fiber seat-pan. In order to minimize weight, the car's engine cover, doors, front wing, front and rear aprons, sidewalls, side skirts, diffuser, boot lid and rear airfoil are all made of carbon fiber too.
Large air intakes allow the engine to be kept adequately cool, while the substantial airfoil helps to provide downforce. Likewise, the car's diffuser helps to improve its aerodynamic properties and, along with the rest of the bodywork modifications, is said to have been designed to maximize the GT3's power output and aerodynamic performance.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be shown off at the Geneva Motor Show in March and is expected to be shipped to customers from the end of 2015.
Source: Mercedes AMG
