The Last AMG Gt3 Roars Off Into The SunsetWhen we talk about motorsport, as a phenomenon, the "big three" would be Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-AMG. Right up from the growling, thunderous roar of the 300 SEL 6.8 AMG that won the 1971 24 Hours of Spa, to the F1 powerhouse that is Mercedes-Petronas today, few can claim a legacy in their field as titanic as the silver arrows in motorsport. Now, as we bid farewell to the last AMG GT3, we're closing a chapter in motorsport history.The last AMG GT3 was just unveiled a few hours ago at the 2024 Monterey Car Week, shortly after a Bugatti won the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance. This car is more than just a time-attack track toy. She's a final hurrah for the 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 that has been at the heart of the Silver Arrow GT3 program for 15 years now.This last AMG GT3, dubbed the Edition 130Y Motorsport, is a testament to everything AMG has learned and achieved in the world of GT racing. But before we discuss the specifics of this last AMG GT3, let's appreciate the journey that brought us here. The Last AMG GT3: How We Got Here (A Brief History of AMG)Let me take you back in time, to the early 1960's. The Vietnam war was going on, we'd just exited the Cuban Missile Crisis, lived through several political assassinations (Ahem, JFK), and seen the birth of the Porsche 911. And oh, pop-tarts were invented. But perhaps none of that held any significance for two engineers with lofty dreams who had just become "former" Mercedes. Their names were Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and they had decided to turn their passion for motorsports into a business.AMG stands for "Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach", with that last funny-looking word being the town where he was born.Now, AMG's first major success came with the aforementioned "Red Pig" at Spa, a result that put AMG on the map and set the stage for decades of racing triumphs. Fast forward to 2010, and AMG introduced its first GT3 car based on the SLS AMG. This marked the beginning of a new era for AMG in customer racing, allowing privateers and teams around the world to experience AMG performance on the track. The success was immediate and lasting, with the SLS AMG GT3 claiming over 100 overall victories in its lifespan.You ask. What's all this GT and GT3 stuff? Well, I'm glad you asked. The Last AMG GT3: GT Race Classes ExplainedTo cut a long story short, FIA, the international helicopter parent racing authority that makes race rules, categorizes their cars. For particular class races (e.g., GT2, GT3), there are different standards. For instance, here is the document for LM GTE class cars. And here is the document that describes the specifications for a GT3 class car. (As of August 20th, 2024, the FIA Website is down, but these links will be updated as soon as possible).So, an AMG GT3 is a version of the AMG GT that had been modified to meet regulations for GT3-class races. Simple as. Also, a fun fact is that if you look at the word "homologation" after a car, it means that the car was designed for track racing. However, to become "legal" for use in the race it was designed for, a minimum number (usually 50) of that car needed to be sold/ built. That is why homologation specials also come out from time to time, when a manufacturer/ marque wants to revive a legacy car for a modern race.With that said, let's come back to the last naturally aspirated AMG GT3, which was just revealed at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. The Last AMG GT3 Design and Livery In 2015, AMG unveiled the GT3 based on the AMG GT, the car that would eventually evolve into the last AMG GT3 we're bidding farewell to today. This car continued the winning tradition set by its predecessor, dominating tracks around the world and cementing AMG's place at the top of GT racing.Now, as we look at the last naturally aspirated AMG GT3, it's clear that AMG has pulled out all the stops. This isn't just a final edition; it's a celebration of everything that made the AMG GT3 program so special. The Last AMG GT3 Engine and PerformanceThe last AMG GT3 boasts an unrestricted version of the 6.2-liter V8, unleashing a whopping 671 horsepower – a fitting send-off for an engine that has become synonymous with AMG racing success.But the last AMG GT3 isn't just about raw power. AMG's engineers have refined every aspect of the car, from its aerodynamics to its interior. The last AMG GT3 features a unique aero package that increases downforce by 15% compared to the standard GT3, allowing it to hit speeds over 196 mph while maintaining incredible stability. The attention to detail extends to the interior, where elements inspired by Mercedes' iconic race cars of the 1950s create a cockpit that's both functional and a work of art.Speaking of art, the livery of this last AMG GT3 is a nod to the W194 300 SL from 1952, Mercedes' first fixed-roof race car. It's these touches that make the last AMG GT3 more than just a race car; it's a rolling museum piece, a celebration of AMG's rich racing heritage. AMG GT3s in General: Their HeritageFirst off, there is nothing "General" about these time-attack track cars.Throughout its tenure, the AMG GT3 has racked up an impressive list of victories. Perhaps most notably, it dominated the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, securing overall wins in 2016, 2020, and 2021. The car's success wasn't limited to endurance racing, though. In the GT World Challenge competition, both in Europe and America, the AMG GT3 consistently fought for championships, often coming out on top. One of the most memorable moments came in 2022 when the AMG GT3 secured a 1-2-3-4 finish at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa, showcasing not just the car's speed but its reliability in one of the most grueling races on the calendar. These victories, spread across different series and formats, underscore the versatility and effectiveness of the AMG GT3 platform.As we say goodbye to the last naturally aspirated AMG GT3, it's natural to feel a twinge of nostalgia. This car represents the end of an era, not just for AMG but for motorsport as a whole. The days of naturally aspirated engines in top-level racing are numbered, making this last AMG GT3 all the more special.But AMG isn't one to rest on its laurels. Even as we celebrate this last AMG GT3, the company is already hard at work on its successor. The next generation of AMG GT3 car, based on the new AMG GT Coupe, is set to debut for the 2025 season. While it will feature a turbocharged engine, which is in line with modern automotive trends, there's no doubt it will carry forward the winning DNA that has made the current GT3 such a force to be reckoned with.As we reflect on the legacy of the last AMG GT3, it's impossible not to feel a sense of awe. This car and its predecessors have won races and inspired a generation of motorsport fans and engineers. The roar of that naturally aspirated V8 has become a soundtrack to some of the most thrilling moments in recent racing history.It's a reminder of why we fell in love with motorsport in the first place – the sound, the speed, the spectacle.As this last naturally aspirated AMG GT3 takes its final bow, we're not just saying goodbye to a car. We're celebrating a legacy of excellence, a history of innovation, and a future that promises to be just as exciting. The last AMG GT3 may be heading into the sunset, but the spirit of AMG racing – that relentless pursuit of speed and perfection – will continue to thrive.In the end, the last AMG GT3 isn't just a farewell; it's a promise. A promise that no matter what changes may come, AMG will always be at the forefront of motorsport, pushing boundaries and setting new standards. And to that, I look forward.
