6.8L V8 Powerhouse
At the heart of this beastly creation lay a massive 6.8-liter V8 engine, a true powerhouse even by today’s standards. With an output exceeding 400 horsepower, the Red Pig was a force to be reckoned with, capable of blistering acceleration and astonishing top speeds. This formidable powerplant, mated to a modified four-speed gearbox, propelled the Red Pig into the realm of automotive legend.
![detail shot of an engine inside of a red car](https://ejwfh7pywrz.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mf_mercedes_redpig_6-1024x682.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=85&webp=85&ssl=1)
Source: Arthur-Bechtel
![Close up detail shot of a red Mercedes on a racetrack](https://ejwfh7pywrz.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mf_mercedes_redpig_8-1024x684.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=85&webp=85&ssl=1)
Source: Arthur-Bechtel
But it wasn’t just the sheer muscle that set the Red Pig apart; it was the meticulous attention to detail that went into its construction. Every aspect of the car was fine-tuned for maximum performance, from the suspension setup to the aerodynamics. Custom modifications, including flared wheel arches to accommodate wider tires and a distinctive red livery adorned with the iconic AMG emblem, gave the Red Pig its unmistakable presence on the track.
![Red race car with AMG decal on windshield taking a turn](https://ejwfh7pywrz.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mf_mercedes_redpig_1-1024x682.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=85&webp=85&ssl=1)
In 1971, the Red Pig made its racing debut at the grueling 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, a true test of endurance and skill. Despite skepticism from rivals and spectators alike, the Red Pig defied expectations, charging ahead with unbridled ferocity. Its thunderous engine roared through the Ardennes forest, leaving competitors in its wake.
![Color image of several race cars behind a red Mercedes 300SEL with spectators in background](https://ejwfh7pywrz.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mf_mercedes_redpig_14-1024x683.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=85&webp=85&ssl=1)
Source: Facebook via The Roaring Season