New Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series revealed as firm’s most powerful V8 yet!

By: CAR magazine

Yes, the wraps have finally officially come off the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which draws its urge from Affalterbach’s most powerful series V8 engine yet.

Thanks to a twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 re-engineered with a flat crankshaft (AMG even renamed it M178 LS2), the new GT Black series churns out 537 kW between 6 700 and 6 900 r/min along with maximum twisting force of 800 N.m, the latter on tap between 2 000 and 6 000 r/min.

All that oomph is delivered to the rear axle via a strengthened version of the firm’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (with “slightly modified” gear ratios). The turbochargers used in the GT Black Series have been handed a larger compressor wheel, while larger intercoolers have been adopted, too.

Benz’s performance division says new camshafts and exhaust manifolds were adapted to the new firing order. The result? Well, the German company says the GT Black Series takes on a “completely independent character”, including a “very particular sound pattern”.

And, of course, it’s plenty quick. Mercedes-AMG claims the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes a mere 3,2 seconds, with the 200 km/h mark reached in less than nine seconds. The top speed is listed as 325 km/h.

As you’ve no doubt already gathered, the GT Black Series features a raft of aerodynamic upgrades over the standard coupé (as well as wider tracks, fore and aft). Up front, there’s a “significantly larger” radiator air inlet, while AMG has also implemented “flics” in front of the wheels, a manually adjustable carbon-fibre front splitter, two large air openings in the carbon-fibre bonnet, a redesigned rear apron with hefty diffuser and that towering rear wing.

In the interests of weight saving, Mercedes-AMG has employed a carbon-fibre tailgate, a rear windscreen made from thin glass, a carbon-fibre transmission mount and additional carbon-fibre shear panels in the front section, underbody and rear. There are also ceramic high-performance brakes, complete with black-painted callipers and white lettering.

Inside, you’ll find a healthy mix of Nappa leather and Mercedes-Benz’s Dinamica micro-fibre in black with orange contrasting stitching. The conventional interior door handles have been ditched for lighter “loop pull” items, while AMG carbon-fibre bucket seats are also available. Some markets with furthermore be offered the AMG Track Package, which adds a roll-over protection system, four-point seatbelts and a 2 kg fire extinguisher.

“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,” said Tobias Moers, outgoing Mercedes-AMG boss.

“I am proud of the team who have created a unique super sportscar, 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,” he added.

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