Despite turning 6 years old, we’ve yet to
see the Mercedes-AMG GT family welcome its hottest member, the GT R Black
Series. The formal introduction should happen in the second half of the year,
but meanwhile, the track-focused model continues testing at the track, with the
latest spy video showing it in action on the Nurburgring.
Not much has changed from a visual
standpoint compared to last time we saw the prototype, as the camouflage was
still covering up the more aggressive exterior comprising of the Panamericana
grille, new front and rear bumpers, hood with power domes and huge wing placed
on the boot lid.
There’s more than meets the eye, as the GT
R Black Series will also incorporate new suspension and beefier brakes, in
addition to aerodynamic enhancements. Furthermore, power will come from a new
version of AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing upward of 700 horsepower. Right
now, the 4.0L develops 577 horsepower in both the GT R and GT R Pro models of
the series.
We know that the two GT Rs have the
ability to sprint to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and can max out at 318 km/h, so the Black Series will likely drop the acceleration time
to roughly 3 seconds while also adding a few miles per hour to the top speed.
When it finally breaks cover, likely prior to the end of the year, the GT R
Black Series is understood to serve as the swansong of the GT lineup. Expect a
price tag several (if not tens of) thousands north of the GT R Pro’s starting
MSRP of US$ 206,645.
