(Updated) EREBUS Motorsport has tonight released a media statement confirming the successful shakedown of their first Mercedes Benz E63 AMG V8 Supercar built to Car of the Future Regulations, today (Wednesday).
Team CEO Ryan Maddison was quoted in a brief statement that whilst not delivering substantial information, at least shows signifncant progress from the former Ford team.
Outside of V8 officials, the team elected to test in secret given the signficant media interest in not only their progress, but the AMG product itself. No images were released.
“We are very pleased to announce that today Erebus Motorsport conducted a 20 lap shakedown, under observation of V8 Supercar officials, of the first ever Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V8 Supercar," Maddison said.
“While the car is still in early stages of development we are very happy with the results and look forward to continuing to develop all three of our cars over the coming weeks, to achieve our homologation requirements.
“Further details regarding the progress of our Car of the Future will be released in the lead up to the first official test day in Sydney in February.”
Team Owner Betty Klimenko later posted a glowing review of the test on her official Facebook page and alluded to the different sound of the AMG-developed 5.0-litre V8 engine, that will power the three E-Class racers this year.
"Yes we had a shake down today," she wrote. "It was amazing, the sound, the look (sorry not yet).
"Oh my god, the sound of that engine gave me goose bumps, you will know this car is on track. seeing my dream, actually moving, then speeding away, it was a bit strange.
"Nothing dramatic happened, I mean it, my dream on wheels, did exactly what it was meant to, nothing went wrong, nothing fell out or dripped or spluttered. It all went according to plan which is a big achievenent for both the boys in Germany and here in Queensland."
V8Supercars.com.au will update with more info as we have it..