Even as a model Mercedes-AMG GT3 is sexy …

Some cars are sexy, some are nasty, some are fast. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 racer is all of the above, a lawn dart of an automobile with a long nose and a monster rear wing. Looks like it could nail any competitor to the pavement.

Autoart creates a beautiful 1/18 scale version of the GT3 racer as it was presented to the media a couple years back in a gorgeous matte metallic gray paint scheme with yellow racing stripes and a No. 1 on each door.  Who’s to argue with that?

The History

If you’re deep into NASCAR or IndyCar racing you may not know much about GT3 cars. But Group GT3 cars are Grand Touring (get it?) cars that race in various series around the world.  The GT3 designation started in 2005 under rules set by FIA, the international racing rules group.

In essence GT3 cars must be based on production GT cars and have 500 to 600 horsepower and weigh between 1200kg (2,645 lbs.) and 1300kg (2,866 lbs.). They also feature ABS, traction control and include built-in air jacks to facilitate quick pit stops. Currently about 40 cars have been approved, or homologated to race in GT3, including the likes of Audi, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ford (GT), Ferrari, Lamborghini, BMW, along with the Chevrolet Corvette and Dodge Viper.

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is built in conjunction with Mercedes’ AMG performance unit in Sindelfingen, Germany. Under its massive hood is a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that creates 622 horsepower, while the production model has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that tops out at 577. The older naturally aspirated engine is simpler and more reliable for racing, hence the difference. Oh, and top speed is 206 mph.

All the body panels on the racer are carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and the grille, like the production GT R model, has menacing vertical bars that make it look like the Mercedes is about to bite a chunk out from a competitor’s tail. Cost to you, or your race team, is about $420,000. You’ll have to ask Uncle Sam about any taxes.

The Model

This racer features another of Autoart’s fine composite bodies, which means it’s lighter than the metal and resin models, just as the real racer is 800 lbs. lighter than the production car. Body work is extremely precise and creases, such as for hood and rear hatch, are perfect. Plus the composite material seems to keep the price down too. While many resin cars now top $200, this one lists at $150.

What you get is a car that can raise a person’s blood pressure just from a quick viewing.

The body is flawless and features built-in door handles. Unlike the previous SLS with gull-wing doors, these open forward. There are metal mesh inserts on the hood and in air vents above the rear wheels and in quarter panels behind the front tires. There’s fine mesh behind the grille and above the chin spoiler too.

That spoiler and the then nose winglets also are textured to represent carbon fiber as is the big diffuser at the tail and around the side windows. The big AMG-labeled rear wing resembles carbon fiber too.

Head and taillights are beautifully rendered, looking like they should light up at any moment.

Wheel wells flair to accommodate large racy yellow-side-walled slicks and behind the intricate black race wheels are monster disc brakes with yellow AMG calipers. Front wheels are poseable too. There also are cool side exhausts poking out of the body just below each door, while the right side features dual fuel filler caps just behind the side window and the race mirrors include a yellow accent stripe.

Inside the GT3 looks realistic with all the proper roll bars and added support systems, plus a wrap-around race seat with full shoulder and lap belts. Doors open to let you peak inside too. That gives you a better view of the small half race steering wheel with air hose attached to cool the driver and another big vent coming from mid-dash to direct air to the driver. The dash is simple, but the wide center console is button laden. There’s no passenger seat, naturally, and the doors look like carbon fiber with AMG engraved in each door.

A beautiful model inside and out, this Mercedes-AMG GT3 racer will impress anyone who sees it in your collection.

Vital Stats: Mercedes-AMG GT3 (presentation car)

Maker: Autoart

Scale: 1/18

Stock No.: 81530

MSRP: $150

Link: Autoartmodels.com