Mercedes-AMG DPi Unlikely for 2017

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

Mercedes-AMG has effectively ruled out a DPi program for next year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as the German manufacturer focuses on launching its GT3 car to the North American market.

Speaking with Sportscar365, AMG Customer Sports coordinator Thomas Jaeger said he was unsure where the information reported by other media outlets came from, which had linked Mercedes to a DPi effort for next year.

“First we have to concentrate on GT3 and we’ll then think about it,” Jaeger told Sportscar365. “It’s not decided yet, to be honest.

“We’re looking at it, but what has been written… I don’t know where this information is from.”

Jaeger said they’ve received multiple inquiries from IMSA teams to utilize the 6.2-liter normally aspirated V8 engine from its GT3 cars, but is currently not in the position to create custom bodywork, which is required for DPi competition.

“There have been a few teams asking for the engine because it’s very reliable, the power and torque is very good and the costs are low,” Jaeger said. “That’s why everyone was asking.

“It’s interesting on one end, on the other hand, the main target is to install the GT3 business here. We have to see.

“North America is the biggest market for AMG. That’s why [GT racing] is very interesting for the brand itself.

“We have the GT road car, which is related to the GT3 car; that’s why the prototypes thing is a little bit different. The main target is GT3.”

So far, only Mazda and Cadillac have green-lighted DPi programs, while both Honda and Panoz are currently evaluating efforts, which could launch sometime over the course of the 2017 season.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John