Mercedes AMG GT3 Successor Enters Testing Phase
Mercedes-AMG has taken the first concrete steps towards the next generation of its GT3 racer, with the camouflaged Concept AMG GT Track Sport hitting the test track in Germany. The manufacturer released images of the car running at Bilster Berg, a technical resort circuit in North Rhine-Westphalia, marking the beginning of “an intensive testing phase” for the supercar that could form the basis of the future GT3 contender.
Mercedes confirmed that the car completed its “first successful test kilometres” but offered no further details on lap times, power outputs, or aerodynamic performance. The statement emphasised that the concept’s radical design highlights a focus on maximum driving dynamics, intelligent lightweight construction, and optimised weight distribution. “The concept vehicle has a further optimised weight balance, AMG-typical V8 drive technology, and a sophisticated aerodynamic architecture,” it read.
The development programme is being overseen from Affalterbach, home to the newly established Affalterbach Racing GmbH division, which Mercedes launched in July 2024. Affalterbach Racing is intended to centralise Mercedes-AMG’s GT3 development and customer racing activities, following the company’s decision not to pursue a takeover of HWA, the engineering firm responsible for the AMG GT3 and the SLS AMG GT3 before it.
Despite Affalterbach being the development hub, significant testing and engineering work is being conducted at Reiter Engineering in Bavaria, a longstanding partner in high-performance motorsport projects. Mercedes’ forthcoming facility at Affalterbach is expected to house the GT3 programme in full when the car reaches the homologation stage.
The current AMG GT3, derived from the first-generation AMG GT, has been in service since 2016, making it one of the longest-running GT3 platforms. A mid-cycle refresh arrived in 2020, but unlike competitors such as Lamborghini and Audi, Mercedes opted against multiple evolutions. The new GT Track Sport represents the company’s first major GT3-focused project under its new in-house racing division.
| Feature | AMG GT Track Sport (Concept) | AMG GT3 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis | Lightweight, optimised balance | Carbon-fibre monocoque |
| Engine | AMG V8 | AMG V8 |
| Aerodynamics | Advanced, bespoke aero | Evolved from road car |
| Development | Affalterbach Racing & Reiter Engineering | HWA |
| Racing debut | Expected 2027 (homologated) | 2016 |
Mercedes has indicated that the GT Track Sport’s testing will be extensive, with the aim of delivering a car capable of matching or exceeding the competitiveness of the outgoing AMG GT3. The project also signals a broader expansion of the GT range, with Mercedes emphasising the vehicle’s role in exploring the physical limits of both performance and driver engagement.
