The Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 Is An F1-Inspired Track Monster

Introducing the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16, the company’s latest and most powerful customer racing car. Limited to only 30 units worldwide, this hardcore, track-only supercar takes inspiration directly from the Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E PERFORMANCE Formula 1 car and features new technology, upgraded aerodynamics, and a massive boost in power output.

The car was revealed in Affalterbach, Germany, and it will be handed over to customers at a private European racetrack event later this year.

F1 Tech Meets Track Day Toy

The GT2 Edition W16 is born from the bones of the Mercedes-AMG GT2, first revealed in 2022, but this is no simple refresh. Engineers went deep, packing in active louvers above the front wheels, a Drag Reduction System (DRS), and a Push2Pass feature for an instant power surge – think nitrous, but smarter, delivering an instant 98-horsepower boost and 148 lb-ft of torque with the push of a button.

At the heart sits a handcrafted 4.0L V8 biturbo, tuned with new turbos and engine electronics, good for up to 818 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque when Push2Pass is engaged. Thanks to its lightweight construction, the car tips the scales at just 3,153 lbs, delivering an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 3.85 lb/hp. Top speed is listed at over 199 mph.

To put it in perspective, that’s more power than most modern hypercars. Even without road-legal certification, this car has no limits – it’s designed to give you the purest, rawest version of AMG performance ever offered to a customer.

Kimi Antonelli, driver for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and the patron of this limited-edition model, had the chance to test it:

“I had the opportunity to test drive the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 and had so much fun that I would have loved to spend more time on the track. The Push2Pass function is a truly sensational feature. The edition is not only fast, but also safe. This immediately inspires confidence. I am very proud to be part of this project and to have my signature immortalized in every Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16.”

Aerodynamic Upgrades and Formula 1 Features

The GT2 Edition W16 benefits from an updated aerodynamic package, fine-tuned on Formula 1 circuits. New components include:

• Active louvers above the front wheels
• An enlarged front diffuser
• Carbon spoiler lip integrated into the trunk lid
• Aerodynamically optimized mirrors

Most notably, the car features a Drag Reduction System (DRS) similar to Formula 1. At the touch of a button, the system flattens the rear wing and closes the louvers, reducing drag and increasing top speed. DRS can be activated separately or together with Push2Pass.

Transmission, Suspension, and Track Hardware

Power is delivered through a sequential six-speed racing transmission mounted in transaxle configuration, connected via a carbon fiber torque tube for added rigidity. The car rides on a double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable four-way motorsport dampers and four-stage adjustable anti-roll bars.

Lightweight 18-inch magnesium wheels with a center-lock system complete the package and visually tie the car back to the Formula 1 design.

Design Inspired by the Mercedes F1 W16

The exterior of the GT2 Edition W16 mirrors the design language of the Formula 1 car, which includes a hand-painted star pattern on the rear flanks and PETRONAS green accents. Inside, matte carbon fiber surfaces dominate, also accented in PETRONAS green.

In addition, the steering wheel has been updated for improved functionality, and the center console features a “1 of 30” badge along with Antonelli’s hand-signed door sill panels.

Safety and Driver Gear

Safety equipment is on par with other Mercedes-AMG customer racing cars. Standard features include a carbon fiber safety cell, steel roll cage, five-point harness, fire suppression system, safety fuel tank, racing ABS, and traction control.

Buyers also receive edition-specific accessories:

• OMP racing suit
• BELL helmet (both in official F1 team style)
• Custom edition-specific car cover

Exclusive Delivery Event

Each of the 30 customers will receive their GT2 Edition W16 at a private European racetrack event, which includes:

• In-depth vehicle briefing
• Track time with the car
• Meet & greet with drivers and senior members of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, explained:

“Formula 1 and GT Racing are the central pillars of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. The Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 unites both worlds in one product. The limited-edition model is our most powerful Customer Racing car to date and a spectacular race and track day vehicle in every respect. It combines fundamental characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG GT2 with stylistic and technical references from the Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E PERFORMANCE. With the exclusive handover event, we are creating an unforgettable experience.”

Pricing

The Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 will be priced at €679,000 (roughly $794,000) before taxes. With production capped at just 30 units, expect them to be spoken for quickly.