Mercedes-AMG GT2: The Monster Racking Up Victories in Races GT2 Racing is a unique series that sits between GT3 and GT4 racing. Whilst the cars tend to be faster and more powerful than GT3 cars on the straights, they lack the downforce and aerodynamics needed for sharp cornering and handling. As a result, they aren’t as effective in Le Mans as their GT3 counterparts and therefore participate in a separate race series known as the Fanatec GT2 series. Mercedes’ contender in this series was, of course, a GT2-derived racer of their now decade-old flagship, the AMG GT. This racer featured the same 4.0l twin-turbo V8, though due to new camshafts and uprated turbos, the car now generated 707 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. All this power and torque were sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential box and a bespoke carbon-fibre tub. It’s also fitted with motorsport-tuned dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and large slick tyres. Because of all the adjustments, the AMG GT2 has wrapped up many victories in several series. The AMG GT2 secured wins in several race series, including the season-ending Barcelona Race in 2024, as well as multiple class victories and podiums in races such as the Pro-Am and Am categories. The AMG GT2 Edition W16: The Limited Edition Customer Spec Now Mercedes have launched the AMG GT2 Edition W16, a limited edition customer-only racer. Limited to only 30 units, the W16, much to most disappointments, does not reference the fact that this car is fitted with the same monstrous unit Bugatti has used for the last two decades rather for the fact it references the current crop of Mercedes’ F1 monsters that use the term W16 E-Performance. No, this car features the same 4.0l twin-turbo V8 as the standard W16, however, it’s now fitted with a Push2Pass system. When engaged, the horsepower raises from 707 brake horsepower to a monstrous 818 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque instead of 590 lb-ft in the standard guise. And with a total weight of 1,430kg, this car has an impressive power-to-weight figure of 572 horsepower per tonne. Flat out, this car maxes at 198mph. To keep it glued to the road, the AMG GT2 Edition W16 features active louvres above the front wheels, a larger front diffuser, a carbon lip spoiler, reshaped door mirrors, and a drag reduction system. Inside, you find Matte carbon fibre on the dashboard, with green detailing on the seat, doors, and centre console. The steering wheel has been redesigned for improved functionality, and a “1 of 30” badge showcases the car’s rarity. The AMG GT2 Edition W16 is finished in the same livery as the Mercedes F1 W16 E Performance car, complete with hand-painted star graphics, Petronas-green accents, and magnesium wheels. The W16 will cost from $700,000 and is essentially a similar type of car to the likes of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Ferrari FXX-K Evo. An all-expensive track toy that makes no logical sense. But you have to love it to that. And that being said, it does leave to door open for a future iteration. Undoubtedly, the AMG GT2 Edition W16’s race tech will later be translated into a road car, which means potentially next year or two, we could get a new AMG GT Black Series. Perfect timing considering the 296 Speciale and 992 GT2 RS will be out by then. Who knows what the future holds, but it’s great to see AMG’s comeback. F1rstMotors Facts and FiguresManufacturerMercedes-Benz AGModelAMG-GT2 Edition 16Year of Release2026Engine4.0l Twin-Turbo V8Horsepower818 horsepowerTorque738 lb–ft0–62mph (100km/h)3.1 secondsTop Speed198 mph (318 km/h)Weight1,430kg (1.4 tonnes)Power to Weight418 hp per tonneGearbox6–speed SequentialDriven WheelsRear-Wheel-Drive Source: Mercedes-AMG
