Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y

Pebble Beach. A place where the world's most affluent automotive enthusiasts gather to sip on expensive champagne, discuss the state of the economy, and pretend that $1,030,000 for a car is totally normal. This year's Pebble Beach Automotive Week, however, wasn't just about shiny new toys and wallets deeper than the Mariana Trench. It was about Mercedes-AMG flexing its 130 years of motorsport prowess with the world premiere of the limited GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport—a car so exclusive it makes the Queen's Bentley look like a second-hand Fiat.

Now, Mercedes-AMG didn't just roll out any old GT3 for this celebration. Oh no, this one’s the last of its kind, a dying breed in the wild automotive jungle—a naturally aspirated beast. You know, the kind of engine that roars like a lion and guzzles gas like it’s happy hour. With only 13 units being produced, each priced at a cool EUR 1,030,000 (before taxes, of course—let’s not get too carried away), this car is practically a unicorn.

Affalterbach decided to take us on a trip down memory lane by combining state-of-the-art motorsport technology with a splash of 1950s nostalgia. It’s like Mercedes decided to remaster a classic rock album but with more horsepower. A nod to the legendary racing cars of yesteryear, the GT3 Edition 130Y boasts design cues that would make any Silver Arrows fan shed a tear of joy. We're talking about a special silver paint finish that screams “heritage” louder than a Formula 1® engine on race day, and blue rhombuses that’ll make you think twice about whether you’re looking at a car or a retro racing poster.

But let's not forget the real star of the show: the 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine. Yes, naturally aspirated—because who needs a turbocharger when you’ve got old-school muscle that can churn out 680 hp? And just to sweeten the deal, Mercedes-AMG threw in a Drag Reduction System (DRS) that lets you hit speeds north of 315 km/h. That's faster than most people's Wi-Fi connection.

Of course, this isn’t just a track car. It’s a collector’s item, which means it comes with all the trimmings you'd expect, like a custom helmet, a personalized race suit, and a bag that’s fancier than most people's luggage. And if that’s not enough, you also get a 1:8 scale model of the car—perfect for reminding yourself what you're missing out on while it sits in your climate-controlled garage, never to see a drop of rain.

And let's not forget, the GT3 Edition 130Y set a new track record at Mount Panorama Circuit, proving that while it might be a collector's item, it’s not just for show. Jules Gounon, Mercedes-AMG's performance driver, shaved a good 2.074 seconds off the GT car record, all while probably humming "We Are The Champions."

So, if you've got a spare million or so lying around and you're itching for something that’s as exclusive as it is powerful, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport is your ticket to automotive immortality. Just don’t forget to take out a second mortgage.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport: At a Glance

• Engine: AMG 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine without air restrictor

• Max. output: 500 kW / 680 hp at 7,250 rpm

• Max. torque: 730 Nm at 5,250 rpm

• Top speed: Over 315 km/h

• Gearbox: Sequential AMG six-speed competition gearbox

• Electronics: Motorsport electronics, multi-adjustable ABS, and AMG TRACTION CONTROL

• Brakes: High-performance braking system with adjustable brake balance, 6-piston fixed calipers with 390 mm carbon brake discs at the front, 4-piston fixed calipers with 355 mm carbon brake discs at the rear

• Wheels: 18" AMG magnesium wheels with center lock

• Chassis: Double wishbones front axle/rear axle, motorsport shock absorbers with four-way adjustable rebound and compression, adjustable anti-roll bars

• Aerodynamics: High-downforce configuration with louvres, splitters, side skirts, rear diffuser, underfloor, and rear wing with DRS (Drag Reduction System)

• Fuel tank: 120 litres, motorsport safety tank

• Interior: Carbon safety cell, five-point harness, safety nets, steel roll cage, fire extinguishing system, adjustable steering wheel and pedals, seat cover in blue chequered fabric, leather door loops and headrests, edition-specific badge

• Cockpit: Bosch DDU 10, specially developed steering wheel with shift paddles, anodised knobs, and walnut handles

• Dimensions/Weight: Length 4,795 mm, Width 2,052 mm, Height 1,295 mm; curb weight 1,275 kg

• Add-ons: Delivery package with car cover, race gear, bag, personalized certificate of authenticity, and 1:8 scale model car

• Retail price: EUR 1,030,000.00 (price excl. VAT)