{"id":363,"date":"2023-10-18T12:51:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T12:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/f1mix.com\/?p=363"},"modified":"2023-10-18T13:16:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T13:16:20","slug":"mercedes-safety-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/f1mix.com\/mercedes-safety-car","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Guide: Mercedes Safety Car (Cost, Speed & Specs)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Formula 1 safety cars are one of the most important aspects of the sport. Without them, drivers wouldn\u2019t be nearly as safe as they are now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two safety cars in F1 \u2013 the Aston Martin f1 safety car<\/a> and the Mercedes (plus the virtual safety car<\/a>). In this article, I\u2019ll discuss the latter and give you a more detailed understanding of its performance and role in the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Mercedes Is Used for F1 Safety Car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the official safety car from Mercedes. It\u2019s the replacement for the old AMG GT-R, and it comes with a suite of improvements. It\u2019s not only visually more appealing but its performance is heads and shoulders above its predecessor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes
Credit: Goodwood.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The GT Black Series is a marvel of engineering, with sleek curves, a giant angled rear spoiler, and a more aggressive front splitter. It\u2019ll also be a deep-red colour to stand out on the race track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for its technical specs<\/a>, take a look below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td>AMG Black Series (Current)<\/strong><\/td>AMG GT R (Old)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Engine<\/strong><\/td>Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V-8 Biturbo Engine with Flat Plane Crankshaft<\/td>4.0-liter V-8 Biturbo<\/td><\/tr>
Valvetrain<\/strong><\/td>DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder<\/td>DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder<\/td><\/tr>
Engine Displacement<\/strong><\/td>3,982 cc<\/td>3,982 cc<\/td><\/tr>
Horsepower<\/strong><\/td>720 hp (537 kW \/ 730 PS)<\/td>585 hp (436 kW \/ 593 PS)<\/td><\/tr>
Redline RPM<\/strong><\/td>7,000 RPM<\/td>6,250 RPM<\/td><\/tr>
Max Torque<\/strong><\/td>590 lb-ft at 2,000 \u2013 6,000 RPM<\/td>520 lb-ft at 1,900 \u2013 5,500 RPM<\/td><\/tr>
Transmission<\/strong><\/td>AMG 7-Speed DCT Dual-Clutch<\/td>Automatic 7-Speed<\/td><\/tr>
Top Speed<\/strong><\/td>202 mph (325 km\/h)<\/td>198 mph (318 km\/h)<\/td><\/tr>
Acceleration 0 \u2013 60 mph (96 km\/h)<\/strong><\/td>3.1 seconds<\/td>3.6 seconds<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Already, you can see the improvement from the old AMG GT R to the new safety car - the AMG Black Series. The current Mercedes safety car has 165 more hp, 750 more max RPM, a higher top speed, and a faster acceleration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, the new F1 safety car<\/a> Black Series is an amazing vehicle - faster, more powerful, more aerodynamic, more responsive, and better-looking. It\u2019s a major step forward no matter how you look at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Buy the Mercedes Safety Car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, the Mercedes safety car is for public sale as the AMG GT Black Series. It\u2019s essentially the same car used in F1, with no modifications in terms of performance or looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-AMG
Credit: CarAndDriver.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me paint you a picture of this road beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has large intercoolers, a large and angry-looking front grille, and carbon fibre is used everywhere (hatch, roof, hood, etc.) There are large air outlets present on the front hood, and the rear wing begs to fly freely through the wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-AMG
Credit: CarAndDriver.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The new Black Series has improved control stability and braking thanks to the adjustable aero flap. Moreover, the V-8 720 hp engine roars like a lion, hungry for the road ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-AMG
Credit: CarAndDriver.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The inside offers a slick and sporty feel, with a microfiber steering wheel, microfiber seats, and microfiber instrument panels. The carbon fibre is present here as well, making everything look modern and sleek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Is the Mercedes Safety Car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Mercedes safety car GT Black Series costs around $300,000 (MSRP) but depending on the options you choose, paint, and destination charge, the price may go up by a lot (think $500,000 \u2013 $600,000). Right now, Mercedes has made only 1,700 GT Black Series and 400 are already promised for the US market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-AMG
Credit: dupontregistry.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The car is not exactly rare but based on its specs, there could be lots of buyers looking to get one. And the rare it gets, the costlier it will eventually become. Right now, on the open market, some Black Series models go around for 450,000 \u2013 500,000\u20ac (second-hand<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes has confirmed in 2022 that they\u2019ve stopped production of the GT Black Series, with a little over 1,700 units<\/a> having been completed. So, there\u2019s no more chance at buying a brand-new one if they\u2019ve sold already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Fast Does the Mercedes Safety Car Go?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Mercedes safety car has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km\/h) and it accelerates to 60 mph (~100 km\/h) in 3.1 seconds. It\u2019s faster than the old AMG GT R, and even Bernd Maylander, its designated driver, is amazed at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-AMG
Credit: RoadAndTrack.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what he had to say<\/a> \u2013 \u201cI have been able to use this extraordinary vehicle on numerous occasions and I am amazed at how close it comes to a real race care.<\/em>\u201d Considering it packs 730 hp and it\u2019s built with aerodynamics in mind, it\u2019s no surprise an official F1 veteran like Maylander was simply blown away by how close it is to a thoroughbred race car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is, so far, the most performant car built by Mercedes. It\u2019s also the best of the two safety cars in Formula 1 but I\u2019ll talk more about that later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is the Safety Car Always Mercedes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No, Mercedes isn\u2019t always the designated safety car for official F1 races. It shares that honour with Aston Martin, the British car manufacturer. The AMG GT Black Series and the Aston Martin Vantage are the only two brands that provide the safety cars for Formula One for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes
Credit: Formula1.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The history of the safety cars is richer than you might imagine. The first official safety car was the Porsche 914\/6, which went on the race track during the Canadian Grand Prix of 1973. Over time, other cars were used to fulfil this role, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n