Mercedes-AMG Honors Hollywood with the 2026 GT63 APXGP Edition
In the world of luxury performance automobiles, few brands command the kind of global recognition and emotional connection that Mercedes-AMG does. Known for combining raw power with refined elegance, AMG has long stood at the intersection of performance engineering and prestige. Now, the brand is embracing an entirely new frontier—cinematic storytelling. To celebrate their integral role in the upcoming Hollywood racing film F1, Mercedes-AMG has revealed the 2026 GT63 APXGP Edition, a stunning and exclusive special-edition coupe that honors the fictional APXGP Formula 1 team featured in the movie. With just 52 examples set for global production, this high-octane tribute seamlessly blends the excitement of motorsports with the artistic flair of filmmaking. Featuring a dramatic black and gold livery, bespoke craftsmanship, and the monstrous twin-turbo V-8 power AMG is renowned for, the APXGP Edition is a cinematic and mechanical masterpiece rolled into one.
A Cinematic Partnership Born at the Track
Mercedes-Benz didn't just lend its name to the F1 movie project—it played a critical, behind-the-scenes role that helped make the film one of the most ambitious automotive productions in recent memory. The German automaker was involved from the conceptual stages all the way through filming, helping to design and supply vehicles used on and off the screen. Central to the film’s authenticity are the APXGP race cars, which are, in fact, Formula 2 machines retrofitted with custom bodywork created by Mercedes to closely mimic real Formula 1 designs. These bespoke designs also accommodated an array of cameras for capturing high-speed action sequences at real Formula 1 circuits, including Silverstone, Spa, and Monza. Mercedes also provided support vehicles like the AMG GT, SL, and G-Class models to appear in various scenes, enhancing the overall realism and brand integration in the movie. Their involvement illustrates how deeply entwined the film is with the real-world motorsport ecosystem, lending it a level of credibility few racing films have ever achieved.
An Iconic Livery Inspired by Fictional Speed
One glance at the AMG GT63 APXGP Edition and it’s immediately clear this is no ordinary Mercedes coupe. Dressed in a matte black finish that exudes stealth and sophistication, the car’s exterior is dramatically elevated by "Race Gold" accents, giving it a sense of elegance and aggression. Gold trim surrounds the Panamericana grille, traces along the rear diffuser, and flows like a ribbon across the car’s sculpted side panels. Perhaps the most striking feature is the checkered flag graphic on the front fender, a visual nod to the world of motorsports, and a symbol of the car's celebratory nature. The fender also features a gold APXGP logo, a fictional brand brought vividly to life through Mercedes' design team. At the rear, complex linework artistically forms the letters "APXGP," showcasing a level of visual detail and branding precision rarely seen outside of concept vehicles or show cars. The 21-inch AMG forged wheels are also finished in matte Race Gold, and the overall appearance of the vehicle is unlike anything else currently offered by the brand. It is both grounded in AMG heritage and inspired by the imagination of Hollywood storytelling.
Track DNA Wrapped in Luxury
The cabin of the APXGP Edition continues the dramatic theme with an interior designed to immerse the driver and passengers in high-performance elegance. Black nappa leather and microfiber suede dominate the seating surfaces and dashboard, stitched together with rich, gold contrast thread that weaves through the cabin like veins of precious metal. The center console, instrument panel, and door trim are adorned with carbon-fiber pieces that incorporate gold metallic thread—an extremely rare feature that subtly sparkles under ambient light, making the cabin feel like the interior of a futuristic spacecraft. The AMG Performance seats are deeply bolstered for spirited driving yet remain plush and comfortable enough for grand touring. The heated AMG Performance steering wheel features a flat-bottom design, wrapped in suede and stitched in gold, while the dashboard glows with digital brilliance from the MBUX infotainment display. Even the floor mats are customized, embroidered with the APXGP name and trimmed in leather. Door sills illuminate the AMG logo in Race Gold, reinforcing the idea that every touchpoint in this vehicle has been carefully crafted for maximum impact.
Performance: The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the APXGP Edition lies the formidable Mercedes-AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, a powerplant that has become legendary in the automotive world for its ferocious performance and thunderous soundtrack. In this configuration, it delivers a staggering 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, delivered to all four wheels via the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The result is breathtaking acceleration—0 to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds—and top-tier handling agility that can rival many supercars. The engine is mated to a 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission that delivers quick, precise shifts, whether the car is cruising comfortably on the highway or ripping down a racetrack straightaway. Rear-wheel steering enhances cornering capability, while the active air suspension system with adaptive damping ensures a composed ride regardless of road conditions. To rein in all that power, AMG’s massive carbon-ceramic brakes—finished in black—deliver fade-free performance and razor-sharp stopping power, even after repeated high-speed runs. This is a car that not only honors the movie's fantasy of speed but lives it in every mechanical sense.
Technology That Complements the Show
While the APXGP Edition is a visual and performance marvel, it’s equally advanced on the technological front. The centerpiece of its digital interface is the MBUX infotainment system, spread across two widescreen displays that provide crystal-clear readouts of everything from navigation to performance metrics. Integrated into this system is the AMG Track Pace software, a suite of data-logging tools that can record lap times, analyze throttle inputs, and monitor cornering forces in real time. It’s essentially a virtual pit crew at your fingertips, perfect for anyone planning to take their GT63 to the track. Meanwhile, for those moments when raw power gives way to relaxation, the Burmester 15-speaker premium audio system offers crystal-clear audio with immersive surround sound. Mercedes has also included comfort and convenience features such as a front-axle lift system for clearing speed bumps and steep driveways, dual-zone climate control, and wireless device charging. A custom AMG indoor car cover is also included, allowing owners to display and protect their vehicle like the piece of functional art it is.
Exclusivity in Every Detail
What makes the APXGP Edition particularly desirable isn’t just its performance or design—it’s the exclusivity that surrounds every inch of this vehicle. With only 52 units being produced for the entire world, the GT63 APXGP Edition is one of the rarest Mercedes-AMG models ever made. A discreet plaque on the center console reads “Limited Edition 1 of 52,” marking its place in this ultra-limited run. Given its rarity, advanced features, and cultural significance, it is expected that the APXGP Edition will become an instant collector’s item. Pricing hasn’t been officially announced yet, but insiders estimate the cost will significantly exceed the base GT63’s price of $191,550. Considering the custom exterior finish, interior materials, and commemorative elements, a final sticker in the $250,000–$275,000 range is not unlikely. With demand expected to far exceed supply, it’s almost guaranteed that these cars will be delivered through invitation-only channels to VIP clientele, Mercedes brand ambassadors, or high-profile collectors with ties to either the automotive or entertainment industries.
The Film Behind the Machine
At the heart of this car’s creation lies the story of F1, the upcoming film that promises to redefine the racing genre in cinema. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, F1 tells the story of a retired racing legend making a dramatic return to the grid alongside a young, up-and-coming driver played by Damson Idris. What sets this film apart is its production style—it was filmed during real Formula 1 races, using cars that mixed practical performance with Hollywood camera rigs. That realism will set it apart from other racing films, as will its ensemble cast, which includes Academy Award winners like Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon. It’s a movie that blends drama, speed, legacy, and human emotion, all wrapped in the blistering spectacle of Formula 1. With Mercedes playing a key role in vehicle design, technical consulting, and even on-screen appearances, the brand isn’t just a sponsor—it’s a storytelling partner. The release of the APXGP Edition serves as a marketing masterstroke that elevates both the film and the car into cultural artifacts of the 2020s.
A Collector’s Dream, A Fan’s Fantasy
More than just a car, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT63 APXGP Edition is a celebration of craftsmanship, cinematic imagination, and the high-speed world of motorsports. It connects the raw, visceral excitement of racing with the storytelling magic of Hollywood, creating something that exists beyond the usual confines of automotive engineering. It’s a car for collectors, for fans, and for dreamers—a rolling piece of art that pays tribute to the fantasies we build around speed, challenge, and glory. In decades to come, this special edition may stand as a symbol of an era when the automotive world looked beyond horsepower and torque to find meaning in narrative, emotion, and collaboration across industries. For now, though, it’s simply one of the most exciting and rare offerings from AMG—and perhaps the most emotionally charged Mercedes in years.
