Its heart is the most powerful V8 AMG has ever built. The new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series super sports car is priced to match, starting at $325,000.
The Black Series has been known as the pinnacle of performance since 2006 when Mercedes-AMG introduced the branding. The models aren’t designed to gather dust in garages or sit on display appreciating in value. They’re meant to be driven. Fast. Though primarily built for track use, the models are road-approved.
Drivers can choose from two splitter settings: Street and Race.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
The super sports car is track-ready out of the gate. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine that’s been handcrafted by AMG and delivers 720 horsepower. It has a flat-plane crankshaft and has active aerodynamics that have been honed using design from the AMG GT3 racing car. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In addition to the 720 horsepower, the engine generates 590 pound-feet of torque. The car redlines at 7200 rpm.
The connection between the engine and transmission is made of carbon fiber and weighs just 30.6 pounds, making it 40 percent lighter than the same component in the traditional AMG GT. The driveshaft is also made of carbon fiber.
The new engine gets off the line and to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. It can get to 124 mph in less than nine seconds. Its top speed is 202 mph – something Mercedes says is, “only sensible on closed-off racetracks.”
The car’s Race Start function has increased starting revs. its transmission cooling functionality has been adapted to tougher requirements and transmission ratios have been modified.
The car’s wing has large carbon fiber supports.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
The car’s carbon-fiber front splitter has two manually adjustable settings – Street and Race. Race is designed specifically for race track use. When in Race mode, the splitter moves to accelerate air flow to the underbody of the car creating a Venturi effect, increasing downforce.
A large wing, completes with carbon fiber supports, works in tandem to increase downforce even more. The wing has an adjustable top flap that can be retracted or extended using a button on the center console.
Additional body modifications from a typical AMG GT include extensive use of carbon fiber on the body (hood, hatch), use of lightweight aluminum in place of steel, and a lightweight laminated front windshield. Its standard ceramic high-performance compound brake system with black painted brake calipers and white lettering is also lightweight.
The car rides on 19-inch wheels up front and 20s in the back. It’s shoed with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, which were customized for the Black Series car.
Mercedes has customized the interior of the car as well. It is upholstered in nappa leather that’s combined with Dinnamica microfiber in black with orange contrast stitching. The doors have loop pulls instead of handles. Trim is in, what else, carbon fiber.
The car’s fully digital instrument display measures 12.3 inches and is adjacent a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen. Drivers can choose their view of the instrument display: Classic, Sporty, or Supersport.
An AMG Performance steering wheel is standard and outfitted in Dinnamica microfiber.
The AMG Interior Night Package is also included as standard equipment. In this package, the shift paddles, steering wheel spokes and seat insert in the AMG Performance seats are finished in high-gloss black, while the door sill panels are finished in black brushed stainless steel, further emphasizing the car’s sportiness.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships in early 2021.
