The model of Mercedes-Benz that Erebus Motorsport will bring to the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship has been spied undertaking development testing at the Nurburgring in Germany.
These images, captured by leading motoring website caradvice.com.au, depict a lightly disguised 2013 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan in full flight at the famed circuit.
The updated model will be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show next January, but will not go on sale in Australia until mid-year.
The most significant difference that will impact the styling of the V8 Supercar are the move away from the current model's quad-headlamp design in favour of the more traditional twin-fixture.
The car's overall profile is said to be “sleeker” than the 2012 variant, thanks largely to the slimming of the currently chunky rear wheel arch profile.
CLICK HERE for caradvice.com.au's full story on the new model
Erebus has formed a partnership with current Ford squad Stone Brothers Racing to campaign three privately entered E63 AMGs in next year's V8 Supercars Championship.
The car's engine and bodywork package are being developed by AMG's Customer Sports department in Germany.
Based on the 6.2 litre V8 seen in AMG's SLS GT3 cars, the V8 Supercars version of the engine will be scaled back to fit within the category's rules, which require the motors to be of 5.0 litres in capacity, running a 10:1 compression ratio and 7,500rpm rev limit.
The team says that it hopes to have its first Mercedes V8 Supercar on-track by late January.
SBR's current drivers Lee Holdsworth, Shane van Gisbergen and Tim Slade are already locked in for next season, as are primary sponsors IRWIN Tools and SP Tools.