After a revealing teaser campaign,
Mercedes has released details about the GT Black Series. Described as a super
sports car that “perfectly embodies the brand’s rich tradition in motorsport,”
the model features a twin-turbo 4.0-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine that
develops an impressive 720 hp and 800 Nm of
torque.
Besides the flat-plane crank, the engine
has been outfitted with new camshafts, different exhaust manifolds and a dry
sump lubrication system. The engine also
has a new firing order, larger turbocharger compressor wheels and a heck of a
sound.
The engine is connected to a seven-speed
dual-clutch transmission which has been reinforced to cope with the additional
torque. This setup enables the rear-wheel drive model to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and run from 0-200 km/h in less than 9
seconds. If drivers keep their foot planted, the car will eventually hit a top
speed of 325 km/h. Like the AMG GT R, the model has a coil-over
suspension and an adaptive damping system. The car also features adjustable anti-roll bars and an adjustable
camber.
Elsewhere, engineers installed carbon
fiber shear panels, a lightweight integral carrier and a carbon fiber tunnel
cross to stiffen up the body. The model
also has a ceramic braking system with motorsport pads and discs that are “optimized
for fade resistance and temperature stability.”
On the styling front, the Black Series
draws inspiration from the GT3 and GT4 race cars. As a result, the model adopts an aggressive
front fascia with a larger grille, an adjustable splitter and carbon fiber
canards. Designers also installed a new carbon fiber hood which features a ram
air intake and large vents. A closer
inspection also reveals a carbon fiber double bubble roof, carbon fiber side
skirts and a carbon fiber tailgate. The
latter boasts a small spoiler and a two-piece carbon fiber rear wing which can
be adjusted manually or automatically.
Other notable features include a carbon
fiber rear bumper and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system which is separated
by a wide diffuser. The model also has
thinner front and rear glass as well as 10-spoke forged wheels with a matte
black finish. The latter measure
19-inches front and 20-inches rear, and are wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot
Sport Cup 2 R tires. Thanks to all these modifications, the Black Series
generates “well over” 400 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. We can also expect some weight savings, but
the company didn’t mention numbers.
Interior changes are less noticeable, but
the model has been outfitted with carbon fiber sport seats wrapped in Nappa
leather and microfiber upholstery.
Elsewhere, there’s orange contrast stitching and matte black carbon
fiber trim. Other highlights include a
microfiber sport steering wheel and lightweight door panels featuring “loop
pull handles.” Customers looking for something more unique can order the
optional AMG Track Package. It adds four-point harnesses, a fire extinguisher
and a lightweight titanium roll cage.
Unfortunately, the package will only be available in select markets and
the United States won’t make the cut (Americans also have to make do with AMG
Performance seats).
The most interesting interior feature is a
small knob known as AMG Traction Control.
It allows for plenty of fun as it offers nine levels of rear axle
slip. Level 1 is designed for driving in
wet conditions with “high safety reserves,” while Level 9 allows for maximum
slip and tire annihilation.
There’s no word on pricing quite yet, but
we can expect it in due course.