At Mercedes-AMG, the Black Series has been synonymous with a very special type of car since 2006: uncompromisingly sporty, with an expressive design and the most consistent technology transfer from motorsport to series production. Black Series models are exclusive automotive rarities. They have not been developed to gather dust in collectors’ garages, but for high-speed use on racetracks, despite being approved for roads. The AMG GT Black Series represents a new highlight in this tradition: It is the most powerful Mercedes-AMG with a V8 series engine.
In order to emphasise the redefinition of the super sports car, the engine specialists in Affalterbach have once again extensively further developed the tried-and-tested 4.0-litre biturbo unit - despite it already being renowned for excellent driveability, power delivery and torque progression. The specifications were clear: Significantly more power than the previous flagship model of the AMG GT family, an even more agile throttle response, maximum torque - all of which meant that a radical change was needed in the form of a new, 'flat' crankshaft.
“The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive highlight and continues a tradition established in 2006. The sixth version of its kind is another AMG milestone and impressive proof of the incredible development expertise in Affalterbach. I am proud of the team who have created a unique super sports car, which now represents the absolute peak of our successful GT family. The performance, looks and driving dynamics of the GT Black Series are second to none. This project was a fantastic end to my work at AMG, for which I am truly thankful,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
There are usually two variants in V8 engines: the ‘cross plane’ where the crankpins of the four pairs of cylinders are at 90-degree angles to each other, which AMG has used in all previous V8 engines, or the ‘flat crankshaft’, where all crankpins are on the same plane with a 180-degree offset ('flat plane').
If you look at the front of a cross-plane crankshaft, you will be able to identify the cross that gives it its name. The benefits of these crankshafts are superb smoothness and high torque at low rotational speeds. The characteristic sound is another hallmark feature of the cross-plane V8 engine.
What does the engine do for the AMG GT Black Series? It gives it a completely independent character, which is not only reflected in the type of power delivery, but also in its very particular sound pattern. And it enables highly impressive driving performance: The two-door vehicle shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and to 200 km/h in under nine seconds. The top speed is 325 km/h.
The interior design emphasises the pole position of the AMG GT Black Series: Exclusive nappa leather is combined with sporty DINAMICA microfibre in black with orange contrasting topstitching. The instrument panel and the newly designed lightweight door panels, which are now equipped with loop pull handles instead of conventional handles, are trimmed in black DINAMICA microfibre. Further orange contrasting topstitching, matt black carbon-fibre trim and the Interior Night Package add further striking highlights. The AMG carbon-fibre bucket seats. In the USA, Canada and China, the Black Series is equipped with AMG Performance seats as standard. The interior is also optionally available with grey contrasting topstitching.
Source: Daimler