Mercedes-Benz is well known for producing some of the world’s most competent cars, but when it comes to performance, its in-house AMG division is something of an icon. Talented engineers transform staple luxury models into blisteringly fast machines, ranging from the punchy A45 to the flagship AMG GT. However, AMG also has its own band of skunkworks engineers that know no bounds. Dubbed ‘Black Series’ vehicles, these ferociously fast creations, like all mythical beasts, are few and far between. Today there is news of another…
Meet the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, and just like its forefathers, it has been created as the ultimate expression of AMG performance. Lurking beneath that lengthy bonnet is the most potent V8 ever produced by the Affalterbach team. The latest development of this biturbo ‘hot V’ engine now features a flat plane crankshaft and numerous scientific modifications to improve throttle responsiveness. The net result is a motor that outputs 720bhp and a colossal 590lb ft of torque. That performance potential is translated to the rear wheels via a 7-speed DCT gearbox, something that results in a 0-62mph sprint of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202mph.
This super GT’s menacing looks are far from a simple style statement. Huge intakes and ducts serve to cool its muscular V8, aggressive louvers and slashes relieve high-pressure air at speed, and its skirts and splitters all serve to manipulate the holy grail of performance – downforce. In fact, this Black series features active aerodynamics that continuously trim and alter surfaces for optimum downforce when needed, but contribute to a reduction in drag when blasting down a straight. Take a closer look at this AMG’s substantial double-decker rear wing… The upper element features 20 degree flap that increases downforce up to 155mph, before receding into the wing for a top speed run. A sudden change of direction, or harsh braking, will see it instantly deploy once again.
The AMG GT Black Series’ cockpit is just as focused thanks to extensive Alcantara upholstery and a pair of man-eating carbon bucket seats. If you wantthe full ‘race car for the road’ experience, you can specify the AMG Track Package. This optional pack adds four-point racing harnesses, an X brace behind the seats, fire extinguisher and rollover protection in the form of a lightweight titanium tube cage. A byproduct of this pack is that the additional bracing also boost structural rigidity.
A keen focus has been applied to saving weight in order to further improve dynamic performance. The ‘double-bubble’ roof and tailgate is forged from carbon fibre, and thinner glass has been installed throughout. Even the Black Series’ transmission mounts are formed from a piece of coiled carbon for the ultimate in strength and lightweight construction. The driveshaft and reinforcements to the aluminium body shell are also made from this F1-derived material – not to mention its forged alloy wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 wheels further contributing to the yet to be announced total weight.
Just like its AMG GT R descendant, the Black Series is equipped with adjustable coil-over suspension. Extensive use of knowledge acquired in motorsport from racing GT3 cars has been used to optimise and modify this most focused AMG GT. The driver can also adjust the damping via three selectable modes to ensure the car is optimised for the road surface ahead. Again, carbon fibre and other lightweight materials have been used throughout the suspension in order to reduce unsprung mass.
Pricing for the most extreme Mercedes-AMG thus far has yet to be announced, but we’d expect it to be substantially more than the £143,000 price tag of the AMG GT R.
Keyword: Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series revealed as most AMG V8 of all time