Forget condors; Mercedes-AMG’s GT3 race car has the world’s biggest wingspan

By Ronan Glon Published February 13, 2015

Mercedes-AMG has published a pair of teaser sketches that preview the track-only GT3. Designed to replace the SLS GT3 in FIA-sanctioned races, AMG’s next tire-roasting track car will be introduced early next month at the Geneva Motor Show.

The teaser sketches suggest that the GT3 will stand out from the stock 2016 GT on which it is based thanks to a number of aerodynamic add-ons including a large air duct integrated into the hood, deeper bumpers on both ends, a massive rear wing likely made out of carbon fiber and a wide air diffuser. Multi-spoke alloy wheels will add a finishing touch to the muscular look.

mercedes amg gt3 sketch 1

mercedes amg gt3 sketch 2

The GT3 is expected to weigh considerably less than the stock GT thanks to the widespread use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum. Additionally, the cockpit will be stripped of every piece of equipment that is not essential on the track.

Recommended Videos

Mercedes has not revealed what lies under the GT3’s long hood.

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be fully unveiled online in the days leading up to its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Following its introduction, the GT3 will undergo extensive testing on Europe’s most unforgiving race tracks to ensure that it is ready to hit the track in early 2016.

Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Topics

Cars

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Cars

EV drivers are not going back to gas cars, global survey says

ev drivers are not going back to gas cars global survey says screenshot

Nearly all current owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience, and 92% of them plan to buy another EV, according to a survey by the Global EV Drivers Alliance.

The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide found that only 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) if they had to replace their car.

Cars

Trump team in sync with Tesla on ending crash-reporting requirements, report says

Beta of Tesla's FSD in a car.

The transition team of President-elect Donald Trump is planning to end existing car-crash reporting requirements to safety regulators, according to a Reuters report.

The report cites a document obtained by Reuters that lays out the transition team’s 100-day strategy for automotive policy. In the document, the team says the crash-reporting requirement leads to “excessive” data collection, Reuters says.