In 2025, Mercedes-AMG teased the Concept AMG GT Track Sport. AMG has now revealed that the concept car is the technology platform for two new performance models: the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the future Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.

“We are developing the most extreme Black Series ever,” said Michael Schiebe, a member of the board of management for production, quality and supply chain management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG. “At the same time, we want to set the next record-breaker in motorsport with the future GT3. The foundation for this is the Concept AMG GT Track Sport – a technology demonstrator that was more than just a concept from the very start. It is our unambiguous commitment to maximum performance, a promise for the racetrack and the road alike. At AMG, we develop vehicles to exceed expectations. And that is exactly what the future Black Series and the new GT3 will do.”

Uncompromising performance

The road-legal variant of the concept car serves as a homologation model for the GT3 successor.

Since October 2025, the prototype has been undergoing extensive dynamic testing on test tracks and racetracks. In addition to the in-house development track in Immendingen, this has included Bilster Berg, Portimão and Monteblanco. With the start of testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the next stage of development is now underway.

The next generation in customer racing

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is the latest step in Mercedes-AMG’s customer racing program, which began in 2010 and first competed in 2011 with the SLS AMG GT3. The current GT3 model, introduced in 2016 and updated in 2020, has continued that program.

A successor is now in development, led by Affalterbach Racing, a subsidiary of Mercedes-AMG, in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. The new GT3 is undergoing testing, with a focus on performance, safety and competitiveness.

“With the unveiling of the concept, we can now officially name the new Mercedes-AMG GT3, with which we aim to continue the success story in customer racing for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport,” said Christoph Sagemüller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. “Our goal is to once again present a vehicle that sets the benchmark. We have already gained important insights from the initial tests. We are now entering the next phase of development and will also be testing on racetracks relevant to GT Sport.”

From track to road

The Mercedes-AMG’s Black Series models – a designation introduced in 2006 – represent the highest-performance variants in the company’s range. The concept builds on AMG’s origins in motorsport. The company was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, with a focus on applying racing-derived technology to road cars.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG played a key role in this development. Its use as an FIA Formula 1 safety car and its adaptation for a racing series helped shape the track-focused approach that led to the first SLK 55 AMG Black Series.

This motorsport-to-road philosophy continues with newer concepts such as the AMG GT Track Sport, and underpins the development of future models, including the next AMG GT3 and AMG GT Black Series.

In related news, behind the scenes: the in-house development of the Temerario GT3

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Phinia and Alpine are continuing to collaborate to drive innovation in high-performance motorsport and advanced propulsion technologies. Under its aftermarket brand Delphi, Phinia will build on its multi-year collaboration with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team as the sport enters a technically and competitively intense period ahead of the 2026 season. For the second consecutive year, the Delphi logo will appear on the team’s single-seaters and associated commercial assets, reinforcing its presence on the global F1 calendar and its reputation as a trusted automotive aftermarket supplier.

“Motorsport has always been a critical environment for accelerating innovation, and our partnership with Alpine reflects a shared belief in the value of engineering-led progress,” said Todd Anderson, chief technology officer, Phinia. “These programs allow us to develop and validate advanced fuel systems technology under the most demanding conditions, supporting both high-performance applications today and the evolution of future propulsion technologies.”

Accelerating hydrogen internal combustion technology

This partnership further advances Phinia’s role in Alpine’s Alpenglow hydrogen program, aimed at maximizing the performance potential of hydrogen internal combustion engines (H₂ICE) in high-performance applications. Leveraging Phinia’s hydrogen direct injection system, Alpine has progressed its Alpenglow Hy4 concept to the new Hy6 hydrogen engine, marking a key technical milestone. The Alpenglow Hy6 now features a six-cylinder configuration and has reached speeds of up to 312.9km/h during demonstrations at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Pierre-Jean Tardy, chief engineer, hydrogen, Alpine Racing, said, “Motorsport is evolving rapidly and our strive for continuous innovation requires partners who can keep pace, combining long-term vision with proven engineering depth. Phinia is a trusted technical partner for Alpine, and this partnership reflects the confidence we have in their ability to deliver advanced fuel system solutions pioneering hydrogen internal combustion.”

Anderson added, “Our partnership underlines the capability of H₂ICE technology to meet the demands of top-tier motorsport while supporting longer-term decarbonization ambitions. By applying our hydrogen direct injection expertise in a competitive racing environment, we are helping to demonstrate that H₂ICE can deliver performance, efficiency and control at scale – insights that are critical as the industry explores multiple pathways toward lower-carbon propulsion.”

Related news, Falken Motorsports set for Nürburgring endurance campaigns in 2026

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Engineering and industrial companies face growing pressure to design more complex systems faster and more sustainably, often relying on legacy simulation tools that struggle to keep pace with modern hardware and AI-driven workflows. BeyondMath addresses this challenge with a foundational AI model trained on first-principles physics, enabling engineering-grade simulations to be generated in minutes rather than hours or days. The company has closed a US$10m seed extension led by Cambridge Innovation Capital, alongside existing investors including UP.Partners, Insight Partners, and InMotion Ventures. The seed round closed at US$18.5m.

Founded in 2022 by AI industry veterans Alan Patterson and Darren Garvey, BeyondMath has developed the world’s largest foundational physics model, which is capable of simulating complex physical phenomena, from aerodynamics to thermal management.

In automotive engineering specifically – where BeyondMath works with an F1 team – the platform supports real-time testing of thousands of design combinations to identify optimisations in aerodynamics and thermal management.

The funding will be used to scale up the commercial deployment of BeyondMath’s generative physics technology and increase its research capacity.

Alan Patterson, CEO of BeyondMath, said, “Engineering teams require ever-faster, more flexible simulation, but do not have the technology to deliver on these demands. Generative physics introduces a fundamentally new approach to engineering, unlocking innovation across fields ranging from aerospace and automotive to data-center design. We now have the capital and investor support to accelerate our research roadmap and scale commercial adoption. This could be the ChatGPT moment for physics.”

Edward Inns, principal at Cambridge Innovation Capital, added, “BeyondMath is tackling one of the hardest and most valuable problems in engineering. By combining first-principles physics with modern AI, the team has built a platform that can redefine how complex systems are designed across multiple industries. We look forward to supporting Alan, Darren and the team as they continue to scale.”

Related news, Rimac Technology announces leadership transition

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AVL Racetech has joined MissionH24, a program led by H24Project and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO)  focused on developing hydrogen-based, zero-emission powertrains for endurance racing. AVL Racetech (the motorsport division of Austrian tech company AVL) provides advanced vehicle simulation expertise to support the initiative.

MissionH24 aims to demonstrate the performance and competitiveness of hydrogen technologies under real racing conditions, with the aim of creating a zero-CO₂ emission category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the support of AVL Racetech, the plan is to develop the H24EVO prototype in a targeted manner.

Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and co-president of MissionH24, said, “AVL’s involvement alongside MissionH24 demonstrates the value of our program; the search for decarbonized solutions is essential. AVL’s established reputation in the automotive sector lends tremendous credibility to MissionH24. This collaboration promises to be invaluable.”

AVL Racetech will support the project as a technical partner, bringing its extensive experience in virtual vehicle development. A key element of this contribution will be the AVL VSM Race advanced vehicle simulation software. The fully dynamic simulation platform enables the virtual representation and analysis of complex interactions between the complete vehicle, the powertrain and the energy management system. It therefore reportedly supports the seamless integration of user-defined algorithms into VCU software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) workflows specifically designed to optimize the powertrain performance and energy management strategies of the H24EVO race car.

Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24, added, “AVL will strengthen MissionH24’s pool of technical partners, all of whom are recognized players in the automotive sector. AVL’s skills and expertise will undoubtedly enable us to achieve MissionH24’s ambitious goals.”

Looking ahead, the technical collaboration is planned to be extended from the virtual environment into full vehicle testing. The partners say that the alliance between AVL Racetech, H24Project and ACO as part of the MissionH24 program is a long-term commitment, with a partnership agreement for the next three years.

Ellen Lohr, director motorsport at AVL List, commented, “AVL Racetech is an established engineering partner in 17 top-tier racing series worldwide. We are connected with the MissionH24 by our shared vision of enabling sustainable motorsports and demonstrating that innovative technologies are tangible, feasible and competitive on the racetrack.”

In related news, Toyota debuts hydrogen-powered GR Corolla with superconductive motor

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Mira Tech Park has welcomed Czinger Vehicles to its world-leading mobility and R&D campus.

The company’s move marks a significant step in its UK investment and expansion strategy, positioning Czinger at the heart of the country’s thriving automotive innovation ecosystem. From its base at Mira Tech Park, Czinger will benefit from direct access to the UK’s advanced component supply chain, powertrain development expertise and the comprehensive suite of test facilities.

Czinger’s presence at Mira Tech Park builds on its close partnership with Divergent Technologies. Divergent’s proprietary technology digitally engineers, optimizes and manufactures complex structures up to four times faster than traditional methods. This combination of digital engineering and advanced vehicle development expertise positions Czinger at the forefront of a new industrial paradigm – one where design, performance and sustainability converge through innovation.

Lukas Czinger, founder, president and CEO at Czinger Vehicles, said, “Czinger is a global brand with a vision that transcends borders, and we’re incredibly proud to have established our UK base of operations at Mira Tech Park. This world-class facility provides us with the advanced infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem we need to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. Our presence here reinforces our commitment to building cutting-edge hypercars while contributing to the UK’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and automotive technology.”

Ewan Baldry, chief engineer at Czinger Vehicles, added, “Establishing a presence at Mira Tech Park allows us to work alongside leading technology partners and leverage world-class infrastructure to bring our next generation of vehicles to life faster and more efficiently than ever before.”

Jack Bartlett, head of commercial and partnerships at Mira Tech Park, commented, “Czinger represents exactly the kind of visionary, disruptive business that thrives at Mira Tech Park. Their investment reinforces the UK’s position as a global leader in powertrain and advanced mobility development – and underscores our role as the location of choice for the future of mobility.”

In related news, New office opened by Rohde & Schwarz in Japan

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Lexus has premiered the Lexus LFA Concept, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) sports car concept model, developed alongside Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR GT and GR GT3. Following the legacy of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA, it embodies the spirit of Shikinen Sengu – the passing on, and evolution, of techniques from veteran craftsmen to the next generation.

Shared aspirations behind GR GT and GR GT3

The Lexus LFA Concept is a next-generation sports car concept model that embodies, along with the GR GT and GR GT3, Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu. Centered on the three key elements of a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance, it shares the techniques and skills used in developing the GR GT and GR GT3 while exploring the potential that is unique to BEVs.

Starting with elements such as a light, high-rigidity all-aluminum body frame and an ideal driving position that enhances a sense of car-driver unity and vehicle handling, Lexus has given form to a sports car fit for the electrification era, with a desire to deliver driving pleasure and demonstrate the potential of BEV sports cars. Its pursuit of optimal BEV packaging has resulted in a fusion of high-level driving performance, which stems from the GR GT and GR GT3, and styling of timeless value that should prevail well into the next generation.

The LFA name represents a vehicle embodying technologies that the engineers of its time aim to preserve and pass on. The Lexus LFA Concept continues this legacy, reflecting Lexus’ commitment to retaining and evolving the knowledge and values of sports car craftsmanship for future generations.

The car draws on the design of the Lexus LFA while focusing on a balanced, enduring style. Built on the all-aluminum GR GT body frame, it is designed for sports car performance. Its low, flowing silhouette combines classic coupe proportions with sculptural lines, creating a sports car with broad aesthetic appeal.

Immersive cockpit

Featuring the same driving position as the GR GT and GR GT3, the immersive cockpit aims to enhance the sense of car-driver unity to deliver unprecedented driving pleasure.

The interior is designed with simplicity, focusing on refined functional components around the driver to create a sense of exhilaration. The steering wheel is tailored for sports car use, with controls arranged for intuitive operation without regripping or looking. Combining minimalist design with mechanical appeal, the cabin aims to offer a uniquely immersive driving experience.

In related news, Toyota Gazoo Racing unveils GR GT and GR GT3

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Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has unveiled two models – the GR GT and GR GT3 – marking the first public display of their under-development prototypes.

From the earliest concept stage, development followed a one-team approach led by Toyota Motor Company (TMC) chairman Akio Toyoda. Professional drivers Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura and Naoya Gamou, along with gentleman driver Daisuke Toyoda and in-house evaluation drivers, worked closely alongside engineers throughout the process.

The cars are positioned as modern flagships built on the legacy of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA. One of the aims of their development is to preserve and pass on Toyota’s principles of car making to the next generation of engineers. The project brought together LFA development veterans and younger engineers, introduced Toyota-first technologies to boost performance, and embraced a range of unprecedented engineering challenges.

Three key elements of the GR GT

The GR GT was conceived as a road-legal race car, designed with a driver-first philosophy to deliver exceptional performance and a strong sense of car-driver unity. It features a hybrid powertrain combining a newly developed 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with a single electric motor, targeting over 650PS and 850Nm of torque.

Development focused on three key elements: a low center of gravity, lightweight yet rigid construction and optimized aerodynamics.

Development of the GR GT focused on achieving an exceptionally low center of gravity by lowering both the overall vehicle height and the driver’s seating position. A front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout was chosen for precise handling. Heavy components, including the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with dry-sump lubrication and rear-mounted transaxle, were optimally positioned to lower the vehicle’s center of gravity. The driver’s position was tuned so that the driver’s and car’s centers of gravity align, reportedly enhancing unity and handling.

The GR GT features Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame. Additionally, the company says that appropriate use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), plastic and other materials in the body panels has resulted in a strong yet light body.

In pursuit of aerodynamic performance, exterior styling involved a process that was new to Toyota. Although the company usually turns its attention to aerodynamics only after  the exterior styling is finalized, the ideal aerodynamic performance of the GR GT was established first, followed by consideration of exterior styling. Aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked together to achieve styling that pursues aerodynamic and cooling performance.

Developing the GT and FIA GT3-spec race car

The GR GT3 also features a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity and excellent aerodynamic performance. It also meets the specifications of the Federation Internationale d’Automobile (FIA) GT3, which is the top category of production-vehicle-based customer motorsports.

In developing the GR GT and GR GT3, TGR used a range of methodologies informed by its motorsports experience, including vehicle research and development using a driving simulator. By introducing a simulator early in the process, engineers were able to efficiently refine the fundamental characteristics of the cars from the outset.

Alongside simulator-based development, extensive real-world testing was carried out not only on proving grounds such as Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama but also at circuits around the world, including Fuji Speedway and the Nürburgring. These tests allowed TGR to verify high-limit performance and long-term durability. GR GT testing was also conducted on public roads to ensure the vehicle delivers exhilaration, intuitive handling and confidence in everyday driving.

Four-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine + rear transaxle

The GR GT’s 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine, which is TMC’s first to be fitted in a production vehicle, is based on a thoroughly compact and light design concept. With a bore and stroke of 87.5 x 83.1, the engine’s short stroke reduces overall engine height, while its hot-V configuration positions one turbo in each engine bank. The engine also features dry-sump lubrication and an oil pan that is thinner than usual.

The engine’s power is transmitted to the rear transaxle via a CFRP torque tube. In addition to a motor-generator, the transaxle integrates a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet-start clutch in place of a torque converter, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The development targets call for a maximum system output of at least 650PS and a maximum system torque of at least 850Nm. In addition, using a rear transaxle and strategically positioning the drive battery, fuel tank and other heavy components has achieved a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution, enhancing the vehicle’s handling stability and responsiveness.

Development of the powertrain involved advancing studies through the use of race development driving simulators and system benches onto which entire powertrain systems could be mounted. Consideration was also given to thermal management, mounting position and serviceability.

In related news, new drivers and evolved Hilux lead Toyota Gazoo Racing’s charge for Dakar 2026

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Mazda Motor Corporation has begun demonstration experiments of its Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture solution in the Mazda Spirit Racing 3 Future Concept (Car No. 55). The car participated in the seventh round of the 2025 Super Taikyu race series on the Fuji International Speedway in Oyama, Japan.

During the four-hour race, Mazda’s carbon capture device demonstrated it could adsorb CO₂ in exhaust gas under challenging motorsports conditions. The vehicle ran on biodiesel fuel (HVO), a carbon-neutral fuel that has been put to practical use in Europe. The device uses zeolite with a porous structure as a CO₂ adsorbent.

The company has said that it will continue to test the technology in the Super Taikyu race series next year, aiming to improve the CO₂ recovery rate.

In related news, ADAC GSE Rally Cup sees performance increase with Mokka in and Corsa out

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eMpulse Test Systems has supplied a load frame to JRI Shocks for use in its damper development and evaluation programs. The system is operational at JRI’s facility and will also be used to support customer visits, demonstrations and product showcases.

The load frame features servoelectric actuation technology designed for precise force and displacement control, low noise and high repeatability – making it well-suited for damper performance validation, durability assessments and component characterization. By integrating the load frame into customer-facing demonstrations, JRI offers a deeper look at how its products perform under controlled, real-world loading conditions.

“JRI is a respected name in high-performance suspension systems,” said Doug Boals, CTO, eMpulse Test Systems. “We’re proud to support their engineering and customer engagement efforts with a system that delivers precision, fidelity and reliable data.”

Jeff Ryan, vice president of engineering at JRI Shocks, added, “Having a modern load frame in-house allows us to validate damper behavior under controlled conditions and showcase that performance directly to our customers.

“It gives us another tool to demonstrate the engineering behind our products and support data-driven development. The eMpulse machine brings the most advanced damper testing technology that I’ve witnessed in my 48 years solely working in this industry.”

Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, JRI Shocks designs and manufactures advanced shock absorber systems for racing, off-road and performance applications. The demo installation provides an opportunity for its customers to see damper testing firsthand and better understand product behavior before going to track or field testing.

In related news, ADAC GSE Rally Cup sees performance increase with Mokka in and Corsa out

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Altair has launched a collaboration project with Gordon Murray Group (GMG) as part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) facilitated project, M-LightEn. This project aims to use Altair’s optimization solutions and concept development processes to support the development of a next-generation ultra-lightweight, low-embedded-CO₂ platform for Gordon Murray Automotive’s driver-focused vehicles.

The collaboration will use the Altair C123 process, which was designed specifically for rapid and collaborative simulation-led concept development. C123 enables efficient exploration of design trade-offs in structural mass and performance across various manufacturing methods, materials and vehicle architectures.

“We are proud to support GMG on such a forward-looking program,” said Dr Royston Jones, global head of automotive at Altair. “By applying our C123 digital concept development approach, we will help to significantly reduce development time while enabling the creation of highly optimized, ultra- lightweight structures. This aligns perfectly with GMG’s ambition to innovate rapidly and sustainably across its next generation of vehicle platforms.”

Under the direction of Prof. Gordon Murray, the M-LightEn collaborative research project – in partnership with Altair, Brunel University of London, Carbon ThreeSixty and Constellium – aims to develop a production-ready, ultra-lightweight, low-CO₂ monocoque structure to support a range of future high-performance vehicles. This project is match-funded by the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade and facilitated through the APC in partnership with Innovate UK.

Altair’s C123 development

Altair’s C123 is a three-stage concept development process that integrates advanced optimization and simulation technology throughout the early design phases. It enables rapid, collaborative exploration of structural architectures across diverse vehicle platforms, manufacturing methods and materials. Supported by a toolbox built on the Altair HyperWorks design and simulation platform, C123 enables CAD interoperability to streamline the transition from concept to production.

In related news, FIA selects Siemens as official digital twin sponsor

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