Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 is 610kW track racer

Bristling with F1 tech, Mercedes-AMG is building just 30 examples of this GT2 Edition W16. And evidently it’s simply too extreme for road use, so this a track weapon only.

This must be the ultimate version of the Mercedes-AMG GT racer.

It is not road legal and nor does it adhere to any racing class-rules regulations. It is just created to be extreme. And each one will be handed over to its new owner by AMG F1 star, Kimi Antonelli. 

The basis for the car is AMG’s GT3 racer. Everything from the power unit, chassis and interior is upgraded. This starts under the bonnet, where AMG has taken its latest twin-turbocharged ‘flat-plane crank’ V8 engine and turned the wick right up to 536kW and 800Nm of torque. 

But it isn’t finished there for there’s a push-to-pass button. For a 10-second period, you’ve got 610kW and 1000Nm of torque on hand. So it is upwards of 300hp stronger than the AMG GT3 cars that competing in international racing series. Brakes are by AP Racing just to keep things in check.

Because the powertrain starts out as a GT3 unit, the road car’s dual-clutch transmission makes way for a six-speed sequential box, mounted in a rear transaxle arrangement.

What else? Figure on a new active aero package with a drag reduction system (DRS). Elements within the huge rear wing can be flattened, neutralising downforce when not needed to reduce drag and help the car’s top speed. There are also active louvres on the front wings, the idea borrowed from the Project One hypercar. 

Oh, and overall weight is a trim 1430kg. That’s in part thanks to new magnesium wheels and slick tyres. Expect the GT2 Edition W16 to smash lap times compared with its competition racers.

Buyers will be well-to-do track day enthusiasts. Pricing is in the if-you-have-to-ask, go-away category. But what it does include is a full day’s tuition and track time somewhere spectacular to allow owners to get to grips with their new pride and joy.