Mercedes-AMG is making waves in the motorsport world with the launch of its new subsidiary, Affalterbach Racing GmbH. This strategic move signifies a renewed commitment to GT Sport and represents a significant step in AMG’s ongoing evolution and innovation in motorsport.
The Birth of Affalterbach Racing GmbH
In a groundbreaking reorganization, Mercedes-AMG has established Affalterbach Racing GmbH, a new subsidiary dedicated to advancing AMG’s motorsport activities. Located in Affalterbach, the same town as Mercedes-AMG’s headquarters, this new entity will handle all conceptual and technical aspects of AMG’s customer sport initiatives. This includes the crucial development of the successor to the acclaimed Mercedes-AMG GT3.
The formation of Affalterbach Racing GmbH is a testament to Mercedes-AMG’s dedication to maintaining and expanding its legacy in GT Sport. By centralizing these efforts within a new company, AMG aims to leverage its deep-rooted expertise and streamline the development of cutting-edge motorsport technology.
Developing the Next-Generation Mercedes-AMG GT3
Affalterbach Racing GmbH’s inaugural project will be the creation of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 successor. This next-generation racing car will be based on a derivative of the Mercedes-AMG GT family, a lineup that continues to evolve with the introduction of new models such as the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+.
The goal of this ambitious project is to build on the success of AMG’s Customer Racing Programme. By combining the latest technological advancements with the racing pedigree of the GT3, the new model aims to uphold and enhance AMG’s reputation in international motorsport.
Strategic Collaboration with HWA AG
In addition to establishing Affalterbach Racing GmbH, Mercedes-AMG is negotiating with HWA AG to acquire part of its customer motorsport division. This move is expected to bolster AMG’s capabilities in motorsport development and customer support, ensuring top-tier service and spare parts availability across key global markets including Europe, the U.S., China, and Australia.
HWA AG will continue to operate independently in other areas, such as the HWA EVO project, which revives the iconic Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. This ongoing collaboration underscores AMG’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the legacy of its historic vehicles.
A Vision for the Future
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasizes the strategic importance of this reorganization. “Motorsport is part of the DNA of Mercedes-AMG. This currently includes GT Sport in particular, in which we’ve been very successful for years. Going forward, we not only want to continue these successes but also expand them further. We continue to see a growing interest in GT3 vehicles and are therefore working intensively on our successor model,” he stated.
Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, echoes this sentiment. “I’m very pleased to be reaffirming our long-term and sustainable commitment to customer racing with the establishment of Affalterbach Racing GmbH. With it, we seek to further expand our extremely successful global GT customer sport programme. As a first step, the new GmbH is focusing on the development of the new GT3 racing car so that we can continue to offer our international customers a safe, reliable vehicle that is capable of winning.”
Mercedes-AMG’s formation of Affalterbach Racing GmbH marks a pivotal moment in the brand’s motorsport journey. By consolidating its expertise and resources under a dedicated entity, AMG is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and success in GT Sport. With a clear focus on developing the next-generation GT3 racing car and strengthening its partnership with HWA AG, AMG is setting the stage for a new era of high-performance racing.
