Will hit the track in 2016

Mercedes-AMG has released a more revealing teaser image of the upcoming GT3.

Set to make a world debut during the Geneva Motor Show in less than two weeks, the model will serve as a replacement for the SLS AMG GT3. The German manufacturer says it is “getting closer and closer, prowling in the dark until its unveiling” in Geneva.

In addition to the wider body, the GT3 will feature a modified front end with bigger radiator grille and redesigned bumper with new gills and lower mesh grille. After its premiere in Switzerland, the vehicle will undergo an “intense testing and development period”, before hitting the track next year.

To be unveiled in Geneva

The upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been virtually envisioned by digital artist rc82 workchop.

Following the revealing teaser image from earlier today and the design sketches from last week, we now have a very plausible rendering to share. It shows the rear end of the machine that features a massive wing, new diffuser for the rear bumper and a two-tone white-black body finish.

Having in mind the SLS AMG GT3 had a virtually identical engine to the one in the standard model featuring only minor changes, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 could be powered by the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that is being mounted in the regular AMG GT. It produces 462 HP (339 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque and is connected to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. This setup is enough for 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 4.0 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 304 km/h (189 mph).

Debuts next week in Geneva

The first revealing images of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 have hit the web ahead of an imminent official introduction.

The pictures were taken at the Estoril track in Portugal and give us the opportunity to have a better look at the race car which is bound to replace the SLS AMG GT3. Needless to say, the new model is based on the AMG GT but comes with a significantly wider and more aerodynamic body featuring additional vents and a large rear wing.

The stripped out cabin contains the usual race-spec goodies such as a roll cage and a body-hugging driver’s seat with a carbon fiber shell. There’s also a large digital display providing all the relevant race data while the AMG GT’s usual buttons and ***** have been replaced with many controls for adjusting various settings. Carbon fiber has been extensively used throughout the entire cabin which has also gained a race-spec steering wheel and a radio communication system.

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 will premiere next week at the Geneva Motor Show and then it will take part in a testing & development phase before hitting the track in 2016.

Mercedes-AMG will ring in the 2015 motorsport season at the beginning of March with the sonorous sound of the V8 engine: the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be making its debut appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Stig races the Mercedes-AMG GT S around the Top Gear Test Track.

The Stig set a time of 01:17.5, which makes it the fastest Mercedes on the Top Gear Test Track! Taken from Top Gear, Series 22, Episode 4.

Will replace the SLS AMG GT3

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has made its world premiere today at the 85th Geneva Motor Show.

It acts as a replacement for the SLS AMG GT3 and was developed to meet FIA's GT3 regulations. Needless to say, it's based on the road-going AMG GT but has received a much more aggressive body made from carbon fiber to shave off excess weight. It benefits from entirely different front and rear bumpers, updated side skirts, ventilated front fenders and reshaped doors while a ventilated hood has been added to improve cooling.

Also noticeable are the carbon fiber flics, huge rear wing and a rear diffuser while inside the stripped out cabin there is a carbon fiber race-spec seat, steel roll cage and a digital instrument cluster. Mercedes-AMG have also added a carbon fiber trim along with race-spec switch gear and steering wheel.

Technical specifications are not available at this point but Mercedes-AMG have previously said the model will be powered by an upgraded version of the V8 6.3-liter engine inside the aforementioned SLS AMG GT3 which will work with an updated sequential six-speed gearbox.

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been described by Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars as being "the perfect vehicle for customers who prefer to get their adrenalin kicks on the race track." It will go on sale in a short while and customers will be getting their cars starting late 2015.

Technical specifications are not available at this point but Mercedes-AMG have previously said the model will be powered by an upgraded version of the V8 6.3-liter engine inside the aforementioned SLS AMG GT3 which will work with an updated sequential six-speed gearbox.