Affalterbach, Germany – Mercedes-AMG is doubling down on its commitment to both racetrack dominance and extreme performance road cars with the development of a new generation GT3 race car and what’s being described as the “most extreme Black Series” model ever created. The announcement, made by Michael Schiebe, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, signals a significant investment in the brand’s motorsport future and a continued push for engineering boundaries. This isn’t simply about faster lap times; it’s about building on a legacy of success and delivering vehicles that exceed expectations, according to AMG leadership.
The foundation for both projects lies in the CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT, a technology demonstrator that, according to Schiebe, was always intended to be more than just a design exercise. “It is our unambiguous commitment to maximum performance, a promise for the racetrack and the road alike,” he stated. The development process, already well underway since October 2025, is a rigorous one, encompassing testing at key circuits including the in-house track in Immendingen, Bilster Berg, Portimão, Monteblanco, and now, crucially, the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Nordschleife, known as the “Green Hell,” is a notoriously demanding circuit often used as a benchmark for vehicle performance.
A New Era for Mercedes-AMG GT3 Customer Racing
For Mercedes-AMG, the new GT3 represents the next logical step in a highly successful customer racing program. The brand first entered this arena in 2010, with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 seeing its first full racing season in 2011. That initial success paved the way for the Mercedes-AMG GT3, launched in 2016, and subsequently the Evo version in 2020. The decision to develop a successor wasn’t taken lightly, leading to the creation of Affalterbach Racing GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-AMG, tasked with the development and construction of the new vehicle alongside Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.
The current development phase is focused on building upon the established GT3 legacy although simultaneously raising the bar in terms of performance, safety, and overall competitiveness. Mercedes-AMG has a strong history in GT racing, and the new GT3 aims to continue that tradition. Details regarding the specific technical advancements are currently limited, but the focus on safety suggests potential improvements in areas like driver protection and crash structures. The company has not yet announced a target launch date for the new GT3.
The Most Extreme Black Series Yet
While details surrounding the new Black Series remain tightly guarded, Schiebe’s description of it as “the most extreme Black Series ever” is generating significant anticipation. Mercedes-AMG’s Black Series models are renowned for their enhanced performance, aggressive styling, and limited production runs. Previous iterations, like the SLS AMG Black Series and the AMG GT Black Series, have become highly sought-after collector’s items. The current AMG GT Black Series, for example, boasts a hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 720 hp.
The new Black Series will be visually distinguished by a yellow-green color scheme, while the GT3 will adopt red as its primary motorsport color. This color coding provides a clear visual identity for each model within the Mercedes-AMG lineup. The prototype, currently undergoing testing, is camouflaged with these distinctive accents, offering glimpses of its aggressive design. The extensive testing regime, including laps at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, underscores the commitment to pushing the car to its absolute limits.
A History of AMG Customer Racing Success
Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to customer racing extends beyond simply providing vehicles. The program offers comprehensive support to teams and drivers, including technical assistance, spare parts, and engineering expertise. This holistic approach has been instrumental in the success of Mercedes-AMG-supported teams in various GT racing championships around the world. The program’s success is a testament to the quality of the vehicles and the dedication of the AMG team.
The establishment of Affalterbach Racing GmbH highlights the importance Mercedes-AMG places on its customer racing efforts. By bringing the development and construction of the GT3 in-house, the company can ensure a higher level of control over the design and manufacturing process, ultimately leading to a more competitive and reliable race car. This move as well allows for closer collaboration between the engineers and the customer teams, fostering a more collaborative and effective racing program.
The development of both the new GT3 and the Black Series represents a significant investment in the future of Mercedes-AMG. The company is clearly committed to maintaining its position as a leader in both motorsport and high-performance road cars. The combination of cutting-edge technology, rigorous testing, and a dedicated team of engineers and designers suggests that both vehicles will deliver on their promise of exceeding expectations.
Mercedes-AMG has not yet announced a firm timeline for the launch of either the new GT3 or the Black Series, but further updates are expected throughout 2026 as testing progresses. Fans and enthusiasts can stay informed through the official Mercedes-AMG website and social media channels. The next major milestone will likely be the completion of the Nürburgring Nordschleife testing phase and the release of preliminary performance data.
What are your thoughts on the future of Mercedes-AMG’s track sport ambitions? Share your comments below and let us realize what you’re most excited to see from these new models.
