Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year and the automaker has a very special way to share the moment with its fans. The company presents the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 55 race car which will be produced in a limited number of only five units. This machine comes with several hardware upgrades over the standard GT3 and some of which turn it into the most hardcore race car with a three-pointed star logo. However, there is a very easy explanation for that.
One of the main characteristics of a race car is that it is not FIA homologated which means there are no limitations in terms of aerodynamics, engine, exhaust and weight. As a result, the 6.3-liter V8 under the skin has been optimized to produce 650 horsepower (478 kilowatts) or about 100 hp (73 kW) more than the FIA homologated version. Not only that, the performance exhaust system now comes without the mandatory silencer and produces a louder sound.
Visually, GT3 Edition 55 shows an exclusive touch in the form of embroidered seats with the words “Edition 55 – 1 of 5”. The interior is dominated by anthracite metallic paint with contrasting carbon fiber elements. The seat belts, in turn, feature silver accents.
On the technology side, the cabin is equipped with the latest generation data display unit (DDU) supplied by Bosch. It has a high-resolution graphic display that displays relevant information such as speed, engine speed, operating temperature, lap time, etc. A nice little touch is the AMG 55th anniversary logo, which appears on the screen when the GT3 Edition 55 kicks off.
Complementing the exclusive features are a custom made car cover and an Edition 55 box from IWC Schaffhausen, which contains the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG”, as well as a black textile strap. Mercedes-AMG will assemble just five copies of the anniversary race car, each equipped with a specific serial number (GT3.190-55). The price without VAT is €625,000 or about $620,000 at current exchange rates.
