Mercedes-Benz and performance partner AMG have been stalwarts of the often rough-and-tumble world of European Touring Car Championship racing and this history is reflected in the new S 63 AMG 35 show car.

And this is more than just a promotional vehicle – the S 63 AMG 35 previews the production version of the S 63 AMG due on-sale later this year.

 
With decals identical to the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the wild newcomer looks sensational with its lowered sports suspension, 20-inch tyres and 4.5cm flares on each wheel arch. Paint is ‘AMG Le Mans red metallic’ in place of the non-metallic fire-red of the ’71 racer (which was actually later repainted in yellow for the 1972 Nurburgring 24-hour and Nuremberg 200-mile race).

Inside, despite the leather/Alcantera trim, the S 63 AMG 35 delivers a race car look with AMG sports seats, racing harnesses, a roll cage and black/carbon-fibre piano lacquer highlights. 

Under the bonnet is a stunning AMG 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 400kW/800Nm. An optional AMG Performance package lifts the output to 420kW/900Nm.

Despite the extra power, the newcomer is considerably more fuel-efficient than its predecessor and is expected to average 10.5l/100kms

Drive is via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission. In ‘C’ mode (controlled efficiency) this transmission works with the engine management system to deliver optimum fuel consumption by starting in second gear and providing automatic start/stop.

Zero to 100km/h takes just 4.5 seconds in the standard version or 4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package.