The Red Pig Reimagined: Gorden Wagener’s Modern Mercedes Design

Gorden Wagener closed an extraordinary 29 year chapter with Mercedes-Benz last month, but before stepping away, he left enthusiasts with something unexpected. On his Instagram account, the longtime design chief revealed his vision of what a modern Red Pig could look like today. For anyone who knows the story of the original 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, this is more than just a render. It is a tribute to one of the boldest race cars ever to carry the three pointed star.

Wagener’s interpretation stays loyal to the spirit of the 1971 touring car legend while clearly pushing it into the present. The oversized stance remains dramatic and muscular, but the lighting signature tells you immediately this is a contemporary creation. The classic auxiliary lamps are gone, replaced by LED rings integrated into the front fascia. And in true recent Mercedes fashion, the headlights proudly wear illuminated three pointed stars. It is subtle branding for some, but unmistakable for fans.

The wheels are another thoughtful nod. The five spoke design mirrors the original racer, tying past and present together in a way that feels intentional rather than nostalgic for the sake of it. It looks like something that could roll straight into a modern GT championship while still carrying the DNA of Affalterbach’s most famous sedan.

The original Red Pig itself had a wild life. Built from a damaged W109 S Class, it packed a massive 6.8 liter V8 producing 422 horsepower, making it the fastest German production based car of its time and one of the quickest four door machines in the world. After its racing career, it was sold to the French industrial group Matra, which used it to test aircraft landing gear and tires. That second life ultimately led to its destruction.

Mercedes later recovered the original blueprints and painstakingly recreated the car in the mid 2000s, preserving the legend for future generations. Now, decades later, Wagener has reignited that legend once again through his Iconic Design book, where previously unseen sketches and concepts reveal how he sees the brand’s heritage evolving.

For enthusiasts, this modern Red Pig is not just about design. It is a reminder that bold ideas never truly disappear. They simply wait for the right moment to return.