(update) The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been revealed, so, could we see Erebus Motorsport GT campaigning it in 2016? Maybe…

MOUNT PANORAMA could reverberate to the sound of the stunning Mercedes-V8 powered AMG GT3 at the 2016 Bathurst 12 hour, as the brand continues its global motorsport expansion.

The most likely runner of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 would be Erebus Motorsport GT (the 2013 Bathurst 12 Hour winners) which ran an SLS AMG GT3 at this year’s 12 Hour race, and Practical Motoring spoke with Team Manager Barry Ryan regarding the potential of the AMG GT appearing on the grid at Bathurst next year.

Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week, the 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT3, designed to compete in the FIA GT3 championship, will be delivered to the first of its teams later this year.

The standard road-going AMG GT has already received praise for its on-track performance and it provides the foundation for what is likely to be a highly sought after GT3 racer. The engine for this new GT3 racer has been borrowed from the SLS AMG GT3 and is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox which is mounted in a transaxle configuration for optimum weight  distribution.

“We are entering a hard-fought and hotly contested competitive environment with the new Mercedes-AMG GT3,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH

“The high technological standard and fair race rules are spurring us on to push to take pole position with our new customer racing car. You can only give credible proof of your ambition to lead if you’re beating the very best in the game,” .

The standard Mercedes-AMG GT, with its low centre of gravity, perfect distribution of weight and wide track width delivers the prerequisites for the GT3 racing mode. Its layout promises precise cornering properties, high lateral acceleration, first-class agility, a high level of traction and low inertia when having to change direction fast.

In its matte grey paintwork the AMG GT3 It looks fast standing still and modifications include a widened body, large air intakes, and rear diffuser along with a huge rear aerofoil to maximise aero and grip. Carbon fibre is used extensively throughout the car, including the engine cover, doors, front wing, front and rear aprons, sidewalls, side skirts, diffuser, boot lid and rear aerofoil for lightweight and strength. An integral roll cage made from high-tensile steel further aids driver protection.