- Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 offers 818 HP and 738 lb-ft torque from a pure V8 engine.
- Push2Pass and DRS systems boost performance for track dominance.
- Limited to 30 units at €679,000, with a street-legal Track Sport version coming soon.
Mercedes-AMG has launched its most powerful customer race car ever, the GT2 Edition W16. Fans criticized the second-generation AMG GT for growing larger and heavier, turning into a 2+2 grand tourer much like an SL coupe.
A four-cylinder version added to the complaints from purists. Yet the original model’s spirit lives on in this track-only version. In 2025, Mercedes-AMG revives the C190 platform, stripped of road-legal features for pure performance.
This new machine packs a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine with 818 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, no hybrid help needed. It outpowers the standard GT2 from late 2022, which offered 707 horsepower and 590 pound-feet. You get full output through a Push2Pass button on the steering wheel. Press it, and boost pressure rises for an extra 98 horsepower and 148 pound-feet.
Power flows to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential racing transmission in a transaxle layout. A carbon fiber torque tube connects the gearbox to the engine for better rigidity. The car weighs only 3,153 pounds, thanks to measures like 18-inch magnesium wheels. An updated aerodynamic kit includes a DRS system you activate with a button. It closes fender louvers and folds the rear wing to cut drag, letting top speed exceed 199 mph.
Mercedes-AMG says you use DRS and Push2Pass alone or combined. Adjustable shock absorbers and anti-roll bars round out the setup. The interior features a carbon fiber safety cell and five-point harness. An onboard fire extinguisher and emergency hatch provide safety if needed.
The GT2 Edition W16 costs €679,000 before VAT, about $791,000 today. Production limits to 30 units. For street-legal options, a Track Sport version of the second-generation AMG GT arrives soon. It acts as a homologation special for the new GT3 race car based on the 2023 C192 model.
Powertrain Mastery in the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16
Mercedes-AMG engineers focused on the twin-turbo V8 engine for maximum output without road or racing rules holding them back. The result delivers 818 horsepower, a clear step up from earlier models. You experience this through the Push2Pass function, which spikes performance on demand. In track sessions, this means quicker laps and overtakes.
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Compare it to the regular GT2’s 707 horsepower. The extra power comes from optimized boost and tuning. Torque hits 738 pound-feet normally, jumping to 886 with Push2Pass. Rear-wheel drive keeps handling sharp. The transaxle setup balances weight, aiding traction out of corners.
Statistics show the impact. The engine alone provides all thrust, no electric motors involved. For context, many modern race cars add hybrids for efficiency, but this sticks to pure combustion for raw feel. If you own one, expect maintenance focused on high-rev durability, with parts sourced from Mercedes-AMG’s customer racing program.
Aerodynamics and Weight Savings for Track Dominance
Weight reduction plays a key role in the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16’s agility. At 3,153 pounds, it sheds mass through magnesium wheels and carbon fiber elements. You notice the difference in cornering speed and braking.
The aerodynamic package enhances downforce while allowing high speeds. Activate DRS, and drag drops for straight-line bursts over 199 mph. Fender louvers and the rear wing adjust dynamically. This setup draws from Formula 1 tech, adapted for GT racing.
Adjustable suspension lets you tune for specific tracks. Softer settings suit bumpy circuits, while stiffer ones excel on smooth asphalt. Data from Mercedes-AMG tests indicate improved lap times over the standard GT2, though exact figures depend on driver skill.
Interior and Safety Features Tailored for Racing
Step inside, and the focus shifts to safety and control. The carbon fiber safety cell protects during impacts. A five-point harness secures you firmly.
Controls center on the steering wheel, including the Push2Pass button. An emergency hatch offers quick escape. The onboard fire extinguisher handles potential hazards.
This design suits customer racers at events like track days or private series. No distractions from infotainment, only essential gauges. For upgrades, consider linking to Mercedes-AMG’s performance parts catalog for custom tweaks.
Limited Production and Future Options from Mercedes-AMG
With only 30 units built, the GT2 Edition W16 targets serious collectors and teams. The $791,000 price reflects exclusivity and engineering.
If track-only isn’t for you, watch for the upcoming Track Sport model. It brings race tech to roads, homologating the new GT3 racer. Expect V8 power and street-legal features.
Mercedes-AMG continues pushing boundaries in customer racing. You benefit from tech trickling down to production cars, like improved engines in future GT models.
The GT2 Edition W16 sets a new benchmark for track performance. It delivers unmatched power and handling in a limited package. If you seek thrills, explore Mercedes-AMG’s racing lineup. Check local dealers for test drives of road versions, or join customer racing events to feel the rush. For deeper insights on AMG GT evolution, link to our article on the second-generation model’s launch.
