Mercedes-AMG GT3 racer upgraded

Unveiled ahead of the 2019 Nurburgring 24 Hour endurance race, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT3 is an angry-looking unit.

Priced at €399,000 ($A650,000) in Sprint-spec, the upgraded German race car is based on the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe but continues to eschew its 430kW twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in favour of AMG’s naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8.

As well as a new look via several aerodynamic revisions, the new GT3-spec racer is designed to be cheaper to run and maintain while being more robust when rubbing panels.

AMG says deliveries of its new GT3 flag-waver will begin in late 2019 and teams looking at the new rig can expect a hardier warrior this time round, as the coupe is claimed to be capable of withstanding more punishment.

While the 6.2-litre V8 has been further developed to require fewer and less frequent rebuilds, the car itself has been designed to endure more damage now thanks to the "an optimised front section" that "protects the radiator more effectively" says AMG. A new integral beam also improves protection levels for front-end components such as the steering, front axle and engine.

These changes will "ensure that minor accidents and collisions in particular lead to less costs for the teams in the future, or optimally no costs at all," says AMG.

Other intriguing updates include the drop-start feature, which ignites the engine automatically when the car's in-built air jacks disengage.

Further wind tunnel testing has resulted in revised aerodynamics and the aforementioned new face, which is claimed to deliver reduced drag and improved downforce.

"The aim of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 is to seamlessly continue the success story of our Customer Racing Programme," said Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG's big chief.

"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."

The new 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT3 replaces a car that first entered active duty in 2016. It will make its competitive debut next year, so it’s unknown whether AMG’s latest GT3 racer will be on the grid at the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour enduro next February.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Sprint specs:
Engine: 6208cc naturally-aspirated petrol V8
Transmission: Six-speed sequential
Electronics: Multi-adjustable ABS and TCS
Wheels: 18-inch forged AMG alloys
Tyres: Front 325/680-18, rear 325/705-18
Brakes: Front 390mm, rear 355mm, balance beam
Suspension: Double-wishbone front and rear, adjustable compression/rebound damping and anti-roll bars
Weight: 1285kg
Fuel capacity: 120 litres, competition safety tank
Length: 4746mm
Width: 2049mm
Height: 1238mm