Mercedes-AMG has just unveiled its most extreme customer racing car yet, the GT2 Edition W16, a limited-run track-only weapon inspired by the Formula 1 team’s W16 E Performance race car and driver Kimi Antonelli. With just 30 units planned, this is the rarest, most powerful GT sports car ever built by AMG—and a rolling showcase of how Affalterbach blends F1 innovation with GT racing prowess.
Engine and Performance: 818 hp and 199+ mph
Unlike the F1 car, the GT2 Edition W16 doesn’t have to meet any homologation rules, so AMG went wild under the hood. At its heart lies a handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 optimized with new turbos and electronics. Base output is already a staggering 720 hp (well above the 577-hp AMG GT 63), but press the Push2Pass button on the steering wheel and the GT2 delivers a temporary boost of 98 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, pushing totals to 818 hp and 738 lb-ft.
That output makes the GT2 Edition W16 the most powerful GT-class sports car AMG has ever developed. For context, the AMG One hybrid hypercar produces about 1,020 hp and the AMG GT 63 S E-Performance makes 830 hp, but both of those machines carry significantly more mass—3,737 pounds for the AMG One and a hefty 5,507 pounds for the 4-door GT 63 S E-Performance. By comparison, the GT2 Edition W16 tips the scales at just 3,153 pounds, giving it a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 3.85 lb/hp—better than either of its higher-output siblings.
A drag-reduction system (DRS), similar to what is found on the F1 car, flattens the rear wing and closes active louvers to help the GT2 Edition W16 hit a claimed top speed of “over 199 mph.” Per Mercedes, the AMG One tops out at 218 mph.
In other words, the GT2 W16 Edition isn’t AMG’s most powerful or fastest car overall, but it may be its sharpest track weapon—outside of the F1 W16.
Chassis and Dynamics: Motorsport Hardware
All of the engine output drives the GT2 Edition W16’s rear wheels, via a carbon fiber torque tube linked to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential transmission. Adjustable four-way dampers and four-stage anti-roll bars allow for fine-tuning at the circuit. Massive brakes (15.4-inch fronts, 14.0-inch rears) with adjustable bias and AMG Traction Control provide pro-level feedback and confidence.
Aerodynamics: Formula 1 Meets GT Racing
The aero package was developed on Formula 1 circuits and features active louvers, a reworked front diffuser, carbon spoiler lip, and redesigned mirrors. The look is finished with a hand-painted star pattern wrapping the rear flanks, contrasted by emerald green PETRONAS highlights in a direct nod to the AMG F1 car.
Interior: Carbon, Cube Controls and Kimi
Inside, the cockpit is dominated by more matte carbon fiber and emerald green details across the seat, doors, and center console. But the most striking feature over the regular roadgoing AMG GT is the Cube Controls steering wheel, which looks as if was ripped right out of the F1 car. Slightly less imposing, is the badge reading “1 of 30” and door sill plates signed by Antonelli, who, like his father, has GT sports car racing in his blood.
Safety and Track Gear
Like all AMG Customer Racing cars, the GT2 Edition W16 is fully track-ready with a carbon safety cell, five-point harness, roll cage, fire suppression system, and extrication hatch. The 30 lucky buyers will also receive a racing suit and helmet styled after the F1 team’s equipment and provided by OMP and Bell Motorsports, the team’s official suppliers.
How To Buy One?
Each of the 30 cars will be handed over at an exclusive European track event, including driving sessions and a meet-and-greet with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Pricing? A cool €679,000 (the equivalent of $733,000) before taxes, and each can only be ordered through Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Given the limited run, expect them to be spoken for quickly. American customers are welcome, and the car will be supported for them in the U.S. That includes technical support, driver training and mentoring, and a 24/7 online portal for ordering spares, requests for assistance, and more.
The Takeaway
The Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 isn’t just another GT variant, it’s a celebration and combination of the brands passion for F1 and GT racing. With 818 hp, DRS aero, and the blessing of its rising star driver, it’s the ultimate AMG track toy and a collector’s dream.
