Mercedes-AMG has launched a new-for-2020 AMG GT3 customer car at the Nürburgring ahead of the 2019 Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The new AMG GT3 will, however, race this year before it’s customer debut. Mercedes confirmed to DSC that it will appear in at least two VLN races as a prototype as part of its development. The principal concentration has been aspects of the car not subject to BoP such as drivability, Traction Control and ergonomics.

The car will be homologated from January 1st 2020, and Mercedes expects to see the car racing at the Dubai 24 Hours and Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.

Following on from the 2010 SLS AMG GT3, and onto the 2015 AMG GT3, Mercedes-AMG has made great strides in the GT3 marketplace – 86 examples of the gullwing-doored SLS were sold with more than 130 examples of the current car finding customers.

The 2020 AMG GT3 marks the next evolution.

One of the development goals was a further reduction in the running costs to provide even more planning and budget security for the teams. Among others, this is achieved by expanding the running time of the engine. As a result, rebuilds of the AMG 6.3 litre atmospheric V8 engine are required even less frequently.

Integration of newly developed components also has a positive effect on the costs: an optimised front section of the car protects the radiator more effectively and a newly developed integral beam raises the protection level of the units in the front of the car (engine, front axle, steering etc.). Mercedes-AMG believes that the improvements will help to ensure that minor accidents and collisions lead to less cost for the teams in the future, or optimally no costs at all.

The new Mercedes-AMG comes with a range of improvements to make work for engineers and mechanics easier. These include a front splitter that can be adjusted quickly and a quick setting for the rear wing. Further time-saving potential comes from a new air filter that is easier to access and the general reduction of screw connections. As a result, work on the car becomes quicker, easier and more intuitive. For a race set-up that is perfect to the finest detail, the rear track rod of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 can be fine-adjusted.

As a world first for race cars, Mercedes-AMG is introducing a system for the GT3 that allows for automatic recording and analysis of the running time of vehicle components. It makes the entire tracking process easier, quicker and safer. Teams no longer have to record these data manually, but have them available digitally and in real-time. This allows for precise assessment of whether and when parts actually have to be replaced, there are no more unnecessary expenses because of a too early replacement.

Mercedes-AMG has equipped its new GT3 with further innovative features, such as the optional Drop Start function. This makes the engine start automatically as soon as the car is dropped from the integrated air jacks. For the pit stop, this means no more loss of time because of the driver’s response time, the driver can fully concentrate on driving off.

For maximum support of the driver, the brake system and the traction control were developed further as well. The adjustable competition ABS has now been tailored to suit the specifications of the current generation of competition tyres even better. The optimised traction control lets the Mercedes-AMG continuously act at the grip limit with even more sensitivity, saving the tyres even more with maximum power at the same time.

The new GT3, like its predecessor, has one of the widest-ranging safety concepts in the GT3 segment. Among others, a rollcage of high-strength steel, an aluminium spaceframe, a carbon seat with integrated headrest and a safety hatch in the roof ensure safety to the latest FIA standards.

A cost- and performance-optimised light concept provides additional safety: the main beams of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 light the race track considerably better. The optional additional lamps, used in 24-hour races, in particular, have a visibly higher light output.

In the cockpit, there are numerous new details from the optimised drinking system and the rubberised steering wheel grip for enhanced control up to an optional seat and helmet ventilation.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT3 continues the design characteristics of its predecessor. Revised components largely mark its appearance: a new front apron, new flics, a new front diffusor and a new rear apron not only optically identify the evolution model, but they also provide functional advantages.

“The modifications that have been tested in the wind tunnel enhance both the downforce and the drag and thus improve the aerodynamic performance at the race track. The new headlights, additional lights and rear lights also decisively contribute to the characteristic and distinct looks of the race car.

Thus, the new GT3 is in line with the recently updated production version of the AMG GT family.

Delivery starts at the end of 2019, allowing Customer Racing Teams to race the new car from the 2020 season. Until its launch, the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 will undergo a comprehensive test and development programme.

The car will complete a 30-hour endurance test at race speed. For testing in race conditions, prototypes of the new car will be taking part in selected races in the second half of the 2019 motorsport season. They will be run in co-operation with development partner HWA and if required with support from partner teams.

Simultaneous to the market launch of the new GT3, Mercedes-AMG is also expanding the life cycle of the current model by means of an update package. This comprehensive kit allows for existing cars to be modified to the optical and technical standard of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3. For sales completed after July 2018, Customer Racing Teams can order the update package at a preferred rate.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH:

“With its quadruple victory in the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2016, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 has secured its place in the history books of this race, the hardest of all endurance races. Accordingly, it is evident for us to present the successor during this race to the public and, of course, to the fans.

“The aim of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 is to seamlessly continue the success story of our Customer Racing Programme. Once again, it is setting new benchmarks in the hard-fought GT3 segment and we are looking forward to the car proving this at the race track very soon as well.”

Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing: “Developing a worthy successor for the Mercedes-AMG GT3 that has been so unbelievably successful is by no means an easy task. Also in its fourth season, it still remains an extremely competitive car.

“With further development, we want to underline our claim to be the leader. Many of the innovations that we are realising in the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 have resulted from the good and close co-operation with our teams. We are certain that we are meeting exactly the requirements of our clients with our new offering.”

Technical specifications:

Engine – AMG 6.3-Liter V8 naturally aspirated engine (6,208 cm3)

Transmission – Sequential AMG 6-speed competition gearbox

Electronics – Motorsport electrics incl. multi-adjustable ABS and AMG TRACTION CONTROL

Wheels/Tyres – AMG alloys, 18”, forged [front 325/680-18 / rear 325/705-18]

Brakes – [front 390 mm / rear 355 mm] brake balance configuration via balance beam

Suspension – Double wishbone front and rear

Adjustable competition dampers via compression and rebound, adjustable anti-roll bars

Weight – < 1,285 kg*

Tank Volume – 120 litres, competition safety tank

Length – max. 4,746 mm

Width – max. 2,049 mm

Height – max. 1,238 mm

Price – 399.000,- EUR without tax (Sprint Spec.)