Former Mercedes-Benz chief designer Gorden Wagener, after his departure, has revealed a previously unknown concept dedicated to the legendary 1971 racing model. The design study received the unofficial name in honor of the Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, known as the “Red Pig.” This is reported by Carscoops.
The images appeared in the book Iconic Design, published in November 2025. Wagener himself called the project simply an “invisible show car,” without technical explanations or details regarding its creation.
Mercedes-Benz Chief Designer and the New Interpretation of the Red Pig
The concept combines the classic proportions of Mercedes sedans with modern LED elements and sculpted surfaces. The front features a massive chrome radiator grille, stylistically close to the brand’s new electric models, as well as vertical headlights and additional LED rings in the bumper.
The body received widened fenders, a racing livery, and five-spoke AMG wheels with tires. At the rear — a full-width LED light strip and additional light elements in the diffuser. Technical specifications are not disclosed, as this is only a design study.
The “Red Pig” Concept: The History of the Original
The original Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 AMG debuted at the 1971 24 Hours of Spa race. The sedan based on the W109 chassis won its class and finished second overall.
The car was equipped with a 6.8-liter V8 engine producing 428 hp, allowing it to accelerate to 265 km/h. Its weight was 1,635 kg. This very project became an important stage in the formation of AMG long before Mercedes acquired a controlling stake in the company in 1999.
The original race car was later scrapped after the end of its career. In 2006, Mercedes created an exact replica based on a 300 SEL 6.3, using archival drawings and photos.