Mercedes-AMG is saying goodbye in the only way it knows how: with a wild, V8-powered Black Series.
Not only are the boffins in Affalterbach saying goodbye to the AMG GT, they’re farewelling Tobias Moers after almost seven years as chairman.
This Viking funeral on wheels will be here next year in “limited numbers”.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series uses an upgraded version of the GT’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, now codenamed M178 LS2. It’s the first AMG V8 to use a flat-plane crankshaft.
Outputs are up considerably, with the Black Series producing 537kW of power at 6700-6900 rpm and 800Nm of torque at 2000-6000rpm. It does the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.2 seconds.
In comparison, the GT R produces 430kW of power and 700Nm of torque and takes 3.6 seconds to reach 100km/h.
Various upgrades have been made to the engine, including new camshafts and exhaust manifolds plus larger intercoolers.
The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has also been beefed up to handle the higher torque output. The prop shaft connecting is made of carbon fibre and is around 40 per cent lighter than its aluminium counterpart in the regular GT, weighing just 13.9kg.
Numerous modifications have been made to the exterior to aid aerodynamics. These include an almost fully-panelled underbody and a larger radiator air inlet inspired by that of the AMG GT3 racing car, which lowers air resistance and increases the level of downforce at the front.
The GT Black Series features a new carbon fibre bonnet with two large exhaust air outlets. Carbon fibre is also used for the front wings, roof, and boot lid. Weight is also kept down through the use of thinner glass for the windscreen and rear window.
There’s also a front splitter made of carbon fibre that can be manually adjusted to either Street or Race settings, while at the back there’s a new rear apron.
You can’t miss the new, two-piece carbon-fibre rear wing. It features an electric flap in the upper blade that can be adjusted by up to 20 degrees with the press of a button.
As in the GT R, there’s coil-over suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. The camber and anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles can be manually adjusted, while ceramic high-performance compound brakes stop the car.
The 19-inch wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tyres.
The AMG Traction Control has been recalibrated for the Black Series and allows you to select one of nine slip settings for the rear axle.
Inside, the Black Series uses unique orange contrasting stitching. Seats are upholstered in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre, while the shift paddles and steering wheel spokes are finished in high-gloss black trim.
Like the rest of the GT range, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
A track package is optional, featuring a titanium tube roll cage, four-point seatbelts and a 2kg fire extinguisher.
On the Black Series, outgoing chairman Moers said, “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,”
“This project was a fantastic end to my work at AMG, for which I am truly thankful.”
