Mercedes-AMG reveals the new GT Black Series

For the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, the Affalterbach designers have pulled out all the stops when it comes to the art of vehicle design - with the most powerful AMG V8 series engine of all time, the most expressive design, the most elaborate aerodynamics, the most intelligent material mix and the most distinctive driving dynamics.

The new super sports car perfectly embodies the brand's rich tradition in motorsport, as well its many years of expertise in developing complete vehicles that impress in every respect.

The result is an output of 720bhp from a V8 engine with a 'flat' crankshaft, combined with active aerodynamics and a design which stems directly from the current AMG GT3 racing car.

At Mercedes-AMG, the Black Series has been synonymous with a very special type of car since 2006. 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 new GT Black Series engine may be based on the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with dry sump lubrication, but it has been given the new internal code M178 LS2 due to the numerous modifications. It produces 720bhp and delivers a maximum torque of 800Nm. The two-door vehicle shoots from 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 325km/h. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds are adapted to the new firing order and further improve the gas cycle.

Both twin scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted in anti-friction bearings, as in the top-of-the-range four-door AMG GT Coupe. However, in the Black Series, the turbochargers have been given a larger compressor wheel, both delivering a total of 1100kg air per hour.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via the seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual clutch transmission, which has been modified for use in the AMG GT Black Series and adapted to the increased torque. 

The Race Start function is also now even more impressive, thanks to the increased starting revs, the more sensitive wheel slip control and the sports tyres fit for the racetrack. Furthermore, the transmission cooling has been adapted to the tougher requirements, and the transmission ratios have also been slightly modified. The 'torque tube' is made of carbon fibre and, at just 13.9kg, is around 40% lighter than its already weight-optimised aluminium counterpart in the AMG GT. The drive shaft that rotates inside is also made from light carbon fibre.

As with the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO, aerodynamics experts and designers have worked in close collaboration, as 'form follows function' applies more than ever in the case of the Black Series. The radiator trims, adjustable carbon-fibre front splitter, a new carbon-fibre bonnet with two large exhaust air outlets, the innovative two-stage rear aerofoil concept and a fully panelled underbody contributes to the elaborate attention to aerodynamics for the Black Series.

All measures are coordinated to interact with the new rear aerofoil concept. The result of all these measures is a downforce level of well over 400kg at 250km/h.

For use on cordoned-off racetracks in electronic stability control (ESP) OFF mode, the AMG Traction Control enables the driver to get individual support for controlling the immense power of the Black Series - and without any ESP brake intervention whatsoever. The AMG Traction Control has been extensively tailored to meet the requirements of the new Black Series and allows preselection of one of nine slip settings on the live rear axle. Level 1 is programmed for driving in the wet with high safety reserves. Level 9 allows maximum slip on the rear axle. Each setting is displayed on the adjuster itself and in the instrument cluster's central display.

The AMG GT Black Series features the fully digital instrument displays from the AMG GT family with an instrument cluster measuring 12.3-inches in front of the driver, and a 10.25-inch multimedia monitor on the centre console. The innovative, coloured display buttons in the V-shaped central console integrate the display and control of transmission logic, suspension, ESP, exhaust system, rear aerofoil flap and start/stop function.

The TFT display buttons use intuitively comprehensible symbols to show their functions and are easy to operate with just a small tap of the finger. As they still have a mechanical pressure point, they can also be operated whilst wearing racing gloves.

The AMG Performance steering wheel is also adopted from the AMG GT family. It is characterised by its sporty design, a flattened bottom section with a heavily contoured rim and intuitive operation. The steering wheel rim is fully trimmed in Dinamica microfibre, while the steering wheel badge exclusively features the Black Series lettering, along with the AMG logo. The integrated Touch Control buttons can be used to control the instrument cluster and the multimedia display by means of horizontal and vertical finger swipes.