When a production car in Mercedes-AMG's catalog is pushed to its limits and has its entire being devoted to outright performance, it gains a "Black Series" suffix. These models, of which six exist, at least so far, represented the pinnacle of what the German automaker had to offer.The last time we saw a new Black Series model was in 2020 with the debut of the most powerful Black Series model to date. However, Mercedes-AMG has recently confirmed that the division would bring us another Black Series model. Like its predecessor, the model would offer more power than any Black Series yet. But, exactly how much power did the earlier models have?This article focuses on the power outputs of the Mercedes-AMG Black Series models, arranged in ascending order by horsepower output. Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series Horsepower: 400 hp Mercedes-Benz-SLK_55_AMG_Black_Series-2007-4As with many of the best things in automotive history, the Black Series began because Mercedes wanted to go racing. Before the series started, the German automaker toyed with the idea of creating race cars for a racing series in the Asian market called the Ultimate Experience Asia, which led to the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Tracksport, the basis for the road-going Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series.When it debuted, the SLK 55 AMG had transformed from a roadster with a Vario roof to a full-fledged coupe with a more powerful V8 engine at its core. The jump from the regular AMG's 355 hp to the Black Series' 400 hp was achieved by adding a modified air intake, an AMG sports air filter, and a new exhaust system. More powerful than its standard model, the Black Series was also lighter by 99 pounds, was more poised thanks to its adaptive suspension system, and more exclusive, with only 120 units planned for production. Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series Horsepower: 500 hp 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Coupe Black SeriesIn terms of power, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series was a significant improvement over a car that debuted just a year earlier. Similar in ethos to the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series was, in essence, the road-going version of the Safety Car used in Formula One. Compared to the standard CLK 63 AMG, the Black Series commanded 25 horsepower more, bringing its total output to 500 horsepower, while its torque remained unchanged.Similar to the first Black Series, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series' power increase was achieved through newer hardware, such as a new sport exhaust system and larger intake ducts, working alongside a recalibrated engine control unit to eke out more power from the M157 V8 engine. In addition to powertrain improvements, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series featured adjustable coil-over suspension, interior bracing, wider front and rear tracks, and a DTM-inspired physique. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Horsepower: 510 hp Mercedes-Benz-C63_AMG_Coupe_Black_Series-5At one point, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series was the most powerful C-Class ever created. The 510-hp output from a revised 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine allowed it to secure that title, albeit for a short time. While previous Black Series models managed to get even more power through modifications to pull in more air and ECU adjustments, the changes to the C63 Black Series were more significant.For starters, it borrowed several hardware components from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, including the connecting rods, crankshaft, and forged pistons. Alongside those changes, the Black Series model also used a new engine control unit, while an optimized, larger engine cooling system aided its on-track performance. Interestingly, this is one of the most common Black Series models, second only to the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, with 800 units produced worldwide. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Horsepower: 622 hp 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was a striking car that was already white-knuckle-inducing in its base form, making the Black Series all the more exciting. Borrowing design and styling cues from the GT3 racing variant of the SLS AMG, the Black Series also distinguished itself from the standard SLS AMG by its output. In the regular model, there was 583 hp going exclusively to the rear wheels, which made it a thrilling car. However, the Black Series had to up the ante, sending 622 hp to the back.Not only did the Black Series V8 have more power, but it also revved higher and was chock-full of new hardware, including a completely overhauled valvetrain with modified camshafts, new cam geometry, and more, along with new intake ducting, a new oil pump, and a new support system that eliminated unwanted load-change reactions during track driving.Interestingly, the SLS Black Series was also the first time the SLS was equipped with a titanium exhaust system, which was 28 pounds lighter than the system used in the standard SLS AMG. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is also the rarest Black Series model, with fewer than 200 units brought to the US. Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Horsepower: 661 hp 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series front view driving on trackOf all the Black Series models, the SL 65 AMG Black Series is one of, if not the most, unbelievable in the lineup. While its design, characterized by flared wheel arches that give it the look of always having its elbows out, is one of its most defining features, the centerpiece of the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series was its engine.Nestled in the engine bay, perched over the front axles of the SL 65 AMG Black Series, is a twin-turbocharged V12 engine that churns out unbelievable power and torque, the latter of which was electronically limited to just 738 lb-ft. The difference in power between the standard, already beastly SL65 AMG, and the Black Series is due to the latter employing new, larger turbochargers, modified intake ducting, a unique exhaust system design, and a larger charge cooler. Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Horsepower: 720 hp 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series front, three-quarterAmong the fastest production cars around the Nürburgring, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series ranks third. Debuting in 2020, the sixth Black Series model is, for the time being, remembered as the most powerful ever. The top position in the Black Series lineup is thanks to the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which churns out more output than all the Black Series models ever produced and a large portion of Mercedes-Benz's current lineup.Although the standard Mercedes-AMG GT features a similar twin-turbocharged V8, the Black Series V8 engine uses different hardware, including new camshafts and a flat-plane crankshaft. The last bit is important because it not only changes the engine's sound but also allows it to rev higher. The greater power output is complemented by a noticeable improvement in the GT's aerodynamic package. While it is the most powerful and quickest Black Series model, it is also the most abundant member of that lineup, with over 1,700 units produced worldwide.
