When it comes to racing, pace cars have an immense responsibility once they are called for duty. The higher up you go in the food chain, the faster the pace cars need to be in order to lead the pack at a suitable pace. Mercedes-AMG has had close ties with F1 for a long time, supplying SLS AMGs for seasons past, but this year sees the introduction of some forced induction machines in pace car roles.
With the AMG GT S being the second sports car developed independently by Mercedes-AMG, it boasts ideal credentials for this tough job in the premiere motorsport competition. The front mid-engine concept with transaxle, the V8 biturbo engine with dry sump lubrication, the dual clutch transmission and the cutting-edge sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles provide the basis for fast laps on the race circuit.
With a maximum power output of 375 kW (510 hp) and peak torque of 650 newton metres, the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine guarantees high-end performance: the GT S dashes from a standing start to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and attains a maximum speed of 310 km/h. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed sports transmission corresponds 100 percent to the series production unit as well.
The DYNAMIC PLUS package with which the Safety Car is equipped is optionally available to any GT S customer for a further increase in driving dynamics. It comprises dynamic engine and transmission mounts and a specific engine application in “RACE” DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode and in manual transmission mode “M”. The package also includes tauter spring and damper tuning, more negative camber at the front axle as well as an adapted speed-sensitive sports steering system.
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is debuting on the race track as the second Official Car alongside the GT S, succeeding the C 63 AMG Estate in this role. The new Official Medical Car of the FIA Formula One World Championship™ is on hand to provide fast emergency medical care and is crewed by up to three medics.
The Medical Car follows the Formula 1® field in the starting lap, as the racing cars are grouped particularly closely together in this critical phase of the race. In the event of an incident, the medics are thus able to reach the scene of the accident as quickly as possible and helloister first aid immediately. During the race, the Official Medical Car of the FIA Formula One World Championship™ is lined up alongside the Safety Car in the pit lane.
The 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate generates a maximum output of 375 kW (510 hp) and peak torque of 700 Newton metres. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.1 seconds. As with the Safety Car, V8 engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, dynamic engine mounts and electronic rear axle differential lock correspond to the road-going version.
For trivia, here is a list of all Mercedes-Benz pace and medical cars through the history of F1:
All Official Safety Cars for the FIA Formula One World Championship™ from Mercedes-AMG at a glance
