The 2023 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, held on 5 February at Mount Panorama Circuit, New South Wales, produced a closely fought overall classification in which the GruppeM Racing entry carried car number 999 to third place overall. IXO Models has captured that result in die-cast metal at 1:18, replicating the EVO-specification GT3 bodywork and the Hong Kong-based team's distinctive livery in a format suited to serious GT endurance collections.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO: C190 Platform, Revised for Competition
Built on the C190 platform, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO is the homologated update of the original 2015 GT3 racer. The EVO revision, introduced in 2020, brought a revised aerodynamic package, updated suspension geometry and improved cooling. Power comes from a naturally aspirated V8 of approximately 6.3 litres, driving through a sequential six-speed paddle-shift transaxle. The engine is front-mid mounted, giving a weight distribution that has made the car a consistent front-runner in GT3 competition worldwide.
Mount Panorama 2023: Three Nationalities, One Podium
GruppeM Racing is a Hong Kong-based squad with a long-standing association with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport across Asia Pacific and international endurance events. For the 2023 Bathurst 12 Hour the team assembled a factory-grade driver line-up: Raffaele Marciello, a multiple Blancpain and GT World Challenge race and championship winner; Maro Engel, a veteran Mercedes-AMG GT factory driver; and Mikael Grenier, a Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Canada-supported driver. The No. 999 entry ran in the team's white, red and black livery and classified third overall on 5 February 2023, one of the sport's more demanding twelve-hour results given Mount Panorama's unforgiving layout.
The IXO Models 1:18 Die-Cast Replica
IXO Models produces this replica in die-cast metal with plastic components as part of their GT and endurance race car range at 1:18. The scale captures the GT3 EVO's revised aero surfaces — front splitter, rear wing, wide-body architecture — along with the GruppeM Racing livery graphics in the team's characteristic white, red and black colour scheme. Die-cast construction at this scale gives sufficient mass and rigidity to faithfully translate the car's proportions, making it a practical display piece for the dedicated shelf or cabinet.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the No. 999 GruppeM Racing car at the 2023 Bathurst 12 Hour?
The No. 999 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO finished 3rd overall at the 2023 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour on 5 February 2023 at Mount Panorama Circuit.
Who drove the No. 999 GruppeM Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO at Bathurst in 2023?
The car was shared by Maro Engel, Mikael Grenier and Raffaele Marciello, all Mercedes-AMG factory or works-supported drivers.
What is the EVO update on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO?
The EVO specification, introduced in 2020, brought a revised aerodynamic package, updated suspension geometry and improved cooling over the original 2015-generation GT3 racer.
Who makes this model and what material is it made from?
The model is produced by IXO Models in die-cast metal with plastic components at a scale of 1:18.
