From the road to the racetrack.
First there was the SLK 55 AMG Black Series in 2006 that started it all. Then, in 2007, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series began to shred some rubber. After that came the SL 63 AMG Black Series in 2008, and Mercedes-Benz left us with the C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe just last year. That’s quite an amazing list of brutal power right there. But, the German automaker wasn’t finished, and it couldn’t be finished with that special Black Series label. The SLS AMG Gullwing was bringing sleek, iconic design to the roadways with screeching tires and its GT3 racing sibling was tearing things up at the racetrack.
But, something was missing. Just like that missing link that we’ve been searching for as humans, there was a connection that needed to be made between the SLS AMG Gullwing and the successful SLS AMG GT3 race car. Well, that missing link was finally discovered in the form of the fifth – and most powerful – Black Series model to date – the SLS AMG Black Series.
“The most dynamic gull-wing model of all time goes by the name of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package. The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the area of the engine, power transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also according top priority to our “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy,” said Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.” Great efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a DIN kerb weight of 1550 kilograms.”
That special mid-front mounted 6.2-liter hand-built AMG engine now has more thrust than ever. Engineers were able to increase power output by sprinkling in some of that special AMG black magic to make it the most powerful AMG model with a combustion engine ever produced. The camshafts were modified and optimized, the intake ducting was improved, and the engine speed was pushed from 7,200 RPM to the 8,000 mark. The oil and water cooling systems for the engine and transmission were altered to accommodate sustained performance and the drivetrain was given a gas-strut support system to prevent shock from the quick gear changes. A special titanium exhaust system that weighs 13 kg (29 lbs.) lighter than its stainless steel counterpart emits a viscous V-8 roar, while a new electronic rear differential lock integrated into the compact transmission housing helps to provide maximum traction at all times. Even the seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT with four driving modes and a new downshift blip system was mounted 10 mm lower to improve the overall center of gravity.
All of that forbidden black magic used in the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is good for a thundering 631 horsepower (464 kW) at 7,400 RPM and 468 lb-ft. (635 Nm) of torque at 5,500 RPM. Hitting 62 mph from a standstill in the super car isn’t just a breeze, it’s a category-five hurricane wind gust that pushes you to speed in just 3.6 seconds while the top speed is set all the way back at 196 mph (315 km/h).
This incredible acceleration is partially due to the new lightweight strategy that Mercedes-Benz and AMG employed while creating such a monster. The super car is 70 kg (154 lbs.) lighter than its more civil sibling though the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic throughout. Things such as the exterior body panels, bucket seats, parts of the aluminum space frame and even the driveshaft that now weighs a mere 4.7 kg (10 lbs.) benefit from the lightweight material. The cherry on top is a lightweight lithium ion battery that replaces the heavier, traditional starter battery.
Much of the aerodynamics and body work of the SLS AMG Black Series Coupe is lighter and more aerodynamic than ever before. The entire design was drawn from the SLS AMG GT3 racer. The front features a new bumper with a splitter and enlarged air intakes and side flics that redirect air into the vents along with new tinted headlights. An aerodynamic carbon fiber hood features a center air outlet to reduce engine temperatures and also improve both the drag coefficient and downforce. Both the front and rear fenders were enlarged for a more muscular stance and to accommodate the larger tires by 13 mm at the front axle and 26 mm at the rear. A pair of side skirts connects the wide fenders and flow into the new rear apron with dual rectangular exhaust outlets, a large diffuser, and new spoiler. As an option, customers can purchase an AMG Aerodynamic package with a larger fixed rear spoiler that mirrors the design of the GT3 racer and a set of new carbon fiber side flics that generate more downforce than the stock components.
Six different colors will be worn by these new components on the SLS AMG Black Series Coupe. Special matt paint designo magno alanite grey will be available as part of the six available colors as well as an exclusive AMG solar beam paint finish.
But let’s not forget the chassis of the new Black Series for this is where the German super car really begins to shine. The AMG Ride Control suspension system has been retuned to be more precise with two-stage damping system paired with new coil-over spring retainers. The track was increased by 20- and 24 mm (front/rear) and benefit from stiffer Elastokinematics and front stabilizer. Unique lightweight forged ten-spoke alloy wheels save 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs.) and wear a special matte black high-sheen finish in a staggered 10 x 19 front and 12 x 20 rear setup. New Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that were newly developed were installed in a 275/35 R 19 front and 325/30 R 20 rear fitment and provide uncompromising grip. New carbon ceramic brakes also come standard in a 402 x 39 mm front and 360 x 32 mm rear size and reduce weight by 40 percent compared to traditional steel brakes.
Even the interior was designed for performance and weight savings. The Command APS multimedia system found in the standard SLS AMG GT models is absent to save every bit of weight possible. An alcantara-trimmed steering wheel with 12 o’clock indicator and flat bottom offers better grip and control for the driver as they are held in place by CFRP AMG sports bucket seats with red racing belts that weigh 15 kg (33 lbs.) less than the standard seats. Carbon fiber is worn throughout the center console and dashboard while design leather and alcantara stretches across the dashboard, seats, door panels, glove box, and arm rest with red contrasting stitching. A special Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system comes standard and utilizes Dolby Digital 5.1, a 1,000-watt amplifier, and 11 speakers with 50-watt illuminated tweeters in the dashboard.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Coupe will be the most powerful model available with a combustion engine for quite some time and carve up many racetracks. The official market launch for the super car is set for June of 2013, so you have some time to save your pennies.
SLS AMG Black Series Coupe Video
httpvh://youtu.be/Z0q5MmDOBco
SLS AMG Black Series Coupe Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.2 liters (6,208 cc)
Bore x Stroke: 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.3 : 1
Maximum Horsepower: 631 horsepower (464 kW) at 7,400 RPM
Maximum Torque: 468.29 lb-ft. (635 Nm) at 5,500 RPM
Maximum Engine Speed: 8,000 RPM
Engine Weight (dry): 205 kg (451.95 lbs.)
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT
Drive: Rear-wheel
-Electronic differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 195.73 mph (315 km/h)
SLS AMG Black Series Coupe Gallery
[Not a valid template]Source: Mercedes-Benz
Is the SLS AMG Black Series Coupe the most hardcore Black Series model ever made? Leave a comment and let us know!
