Mercedes AMG GT S to serve as F1's official Safety Car

Mercedes-Benz has been supplying Formula 1 with official Safety Cars for the best part of two decades. And on the eve of the 2015 season, they have a brand new car that will lead the field.

Say Hello to the AMG GT S - a 510 bhp beast that takes power from its 4.0L biturbo engine. The power is channeled to the rear wheels using a seven speed gearbox. It does 0-100 in 3.8 seconds and tops out at 322 km/hr.

The SLS AMG’s replacement is also fitted with a modified performance exhaust system for more striking and emotive sound.

However, the best way to differentiate the AMG GT S from it’s roadcar variant is through the light bar that is mounted atop a carbon fibre air scoop. When the green light is turned on, drivers are free to overtake the safety car and join the order. When the field settles down, yellow light illuminates, preventing drivers from overtaking.

As has been the case since 2000, Bernd Mayländer will be behind the wheels of the Safety Car with Peter Tibbetts taking an assistive role. The duo will be equipped with WLAN and iPads to follow the action and maintain seamless connectivity with the race control.

"The gull-wing SLS AMG was my official car in Formula 1 for five years,” Maylander said “Now I'm looking forward to the new Me rcedes-AMG GT S, which I have been fortunate enough to get to know during its development phase. The new AMG sports car won me over immediately with its high-calibre race track performance."

The Medical Car also gets a facelift with C 63 S Estate replacing its older brother C 64 AMG Estate.