The new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is a lot. It has the most powerful AMG V8 series engine of all time. It also has the most elaborate aerodynamics, most intelligent materials mix, and the most distinctive driving dynamics according to its maker.
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.
A large wing delivers impressive downforce.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.
V8s usually come in two different varieties. There are cross plane models that have the crankpins of the four pairs of cylinders sitting at 90-degree angles to each other. This is the way all previous AMG V8s have been designed. In a flat-plane crankshaft engine, all the crankpins are on the same plane with a 180-degree offset. This, and host of other modifications have caused Mercedes to give the engine a new internal code: M178 LS2.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
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 car is based on the more traditional AMG GT.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
In addition to the 720 horsepower, the engine generates 590 pound-feet of torque. The car redlines at 7200 rpm.
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.
To support engine functionality, the car features a large radiator air inlet, dark chrome vertical slats in the grille, and wheel arches that feed air into the central inlet.
The automaker adds, ” Semicircular flics optimize the flow of air, which not only increases downforce at the front axle, but also improves brake cooling. The ‘air curtains’ control and direct the flow towards the wheels. Together with the flics in front of the wheels, these enhancements reduce the drag coefficient and increase downforce. The new design language therefore combines maximum cool-air efficiency with lower air resistance and an increased level of downforce at the front.”
Vents in the front and sides of the car help bring cool air in and push out hot air.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.
To increase aerodynamic flow, Mercedes has covered the underbody of the car with panels. With all these measures combined, the auto has a downforce level of over 882 pounds at 155 mph.
The car has details in black on the exterior.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
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 double wishbone suspension allows for high cornering speeds. Mercedes has given the car motorsport spherical bearings on the upper and lower wishbones of the rear axle which do not allow toe-in and camber to change under high loads. Additionally, AMG Ride Control delivers technology-enhanced damping.
The GT’s long hood hides the impressive new power plant.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Available drive modes include: Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. Mercedes is quick to point out that, The system automatically recognizes the quality of the track surface, i.e. whether the car is being driven on a flat Grand Prix course like Hockenheim or a bumpy track like the Nürburgring North Loop. It then automatically adapts the level of electronic damping in ‘Sport Plus’. To develop this logic, the Black Series was tailored to a wide range of different track types and the adaptation perfected.”
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.
Orage contrast stitching is a hallmark of the interior. Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
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.
Microfiber has been employed on the car’s interior.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
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.
