Say hello to the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 – the most powerful customer track car the Stuttgart manufacturer has ever produced. The newcomer, which is limited to a production run of 30, follows on from the 2022 GT2 track machine and boasts a host of new technology inspired by the W16 Formula 1 car.
The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 has been upgraded with new turbochargers and revised electronics – the most eye-popping of which is the Push2Pass button. With a press of the steering-wheel button boost pressure rises temporarily, adding 98bhp and 200Nm (148lb ft) of torque. This takes the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16’s total output to 818bhp and torque to 1000Nm (738lb ft). Considering that the car weighs just 1430kg, it’ll certainly be nippy – it has a power-to-weight ratio of 3.85kg/bhp – and that lightness is aided by newly developed magnesium wheels with F1-inspired accents.
Power is delivered through a six-speed sequential racing gearbox with modified ratios. In typical Mercedes-AMG GT fashion, the transmission sits on the rear axle in a transaxle layout, connected to the engine by a carbonfibre torque tube for maximum rigidity. The suspension features fully adjustable four-way racing dampers and four-stage adjustable anti-roll bars front and rear.
The aero package on the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 has been honed on Formula 1 circuits. Updates include active louvres, a larger front diffuser, reshaped mirrors and a carbon spoiler lip on the boot lid. The Formula 1-style DRS (Drag Reduction System) flattens the rear wing and closes the louvres at the touch of a button, cutting drag and pushing top speed beyond 320km/h (199mph). Push2Pass can be used simultaneously or on its own.
The GT2 Edition W16’s exterior livery matches that of the F1 cars with Petronas Green highlights, and the same detailing continues on the matte carbon interior. The steering wheel has been reworked for greater functionality, and if it all goes wrong there is a carbonfibre safety cell, five-point harness, safety nets, fire-suppression system, racing fuel tank and emergency hatch. There’s also racing-spec ABS and multi-stage traction control to hone your driving style.
Each one of the 30 Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 models being built comes with a bespoke cover and official team kit supplied by OMP and Bell Helmets, including a tailored race suit and helmet styled after the F1 team’s own equipment.
Cars will be handed over at a European circuit during a dedicated event that will see the new owner receive technical briefings, track time and a private meeting with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team drivers and senior staff. And to top it all off, current F1 driver Kimi Antonelli has signed the sill of each example. The price starts at €679k, not including VAT.
More details on the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 can be found here.
