Currently reading: Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series on sale at £335,000

Twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 propels 911 GT2 RS rival from 0 to 62mph in 3.2sec and on to a top speed of 202mph

The long-awaited Black Series version of the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car has arrived on the market priced at £335,000 - making it roughly three times the cost of the base GT and £140,000 more than the current range-topping GT R Pro.

The GT Black Series’ twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre engine - AMG's most powerful series-production V8 yet - puts out 720bhp and 590lb ft of torque. That’s 143bhp and 74lb ft more than the next-fastest variant, the GT R Pro. The Black Series’ V8 has been modified so extensively from the existing unit that it has been given its own engine code.

The new engine features a racing-spec flat-plane crankshaft, unlike the regular versions. Its altered cylinder firing order provides improved throttle response, the ability to rev more cleanly at higher revs and more power. The distinctive engine sound has been heard in an official video. New camshafts, bigger turbos mounted on anti-friction bearings, a beefier intercooler and an uprated exhaust system all reap the benefits of the new layout.

The result is a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.2sec, 0-124mph in 9.0sec and a top speed of 202mph. Power is put through the rear wheels only via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, itself modified for better shift response and with altered ratios. It combines with a revised Race Start function, promising even more impressive launches.

16 Mercedes amg gt black series

The motorsport theme is apparent in the exterior appearance of the GT Black Series, which looks much like one of Mercedes’ GT3 or GT4 racing cars. At the front, a larger air intake combines with airflow-optimising ‘flics’, a two-stage manually adjustable carbonfibre splitter and a carbonfibre bonnet with downforce-boosting exhaust air openings and cooling slats.

Wider sill panels contain brake cooling ducts, while a rear diffuser and huge two-piece spoiler feature. The latter features flaps which can adjust by up to 20 degrees to reduce air resistance or improve stability depending on the driving situation. Combined with an almost fully flat underbody, the aero measures give the car claimed downforce of 400kg at 155mph.

Back to top

Weight reduction comes courtesy of extensive use of carbonfibre. As well as the bonnet, roof and tailgate, details such as the transmission mount, new body stiffening structures and even the driveshaft are carbonfibre.

Lightweight forged wheels - 19in at the front and 20in at the rear - hide standard-fit ceramic brakes with Black Series-specific components. Even the front and rear glass is thinner. However, no weight figure has been quoted yet.

The GT Black Series follows the GT R in using adjustable coilover suspension combined with an adaptive damping system. Aluminium components reduce unsprung weight and solid rear wishbone bearings taken straight from AMG’s motorsport programme are said to improve steering sharpness and feedback.

Among the multiple driving mode settings (which also include a nine-mode traction control system) is a new function in Sport Plus that can detect the race track surface and set the car up accordingly. The camber is also manually adjustable, while AMG has worked with Michelin to develop a specific Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre with soft and hard compound options.

Inside, the GT Black Series gains a unique interior spec that mixes leather and microfibre with black and orange stitching and matt black carbonfibre trim. Weight-saving door panels with loop pull handles also feature. Options include carbonfibre bucket seats and the AMG Track Package, which adds titanium rollover protection, four-point belts and a fire extinguisher.

Buyers can choose from a range of nine 'Magma Beam' paint colours, and will receive their car in autumn. 

READ MORE

2021 Mercedes S-Class drops disguise ahead of launch 

The history of Mercedes-Benz AMG - picture special

Delayed Mercedes-AMG One tests ahead of 2021 deliveries

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Join the debate

Comments
9
Add a comment…
flt158 3 August 2020

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

Is the Mercedes-AMG GT Black series a limited production car?

I don't see anything about that in this short article. 

Safe driving, 

Flt 158

si73 3 August 2020

I think it looks brutal and I

I think it looks brutal and I quite like it, massively aggressive styling and I would imagine that the styling suits the noise it's bound to make. Awesome expensive toy for the ultra rich. Lucky them.
abkq 15 July 2020

If Mercedes wants to make a

If Mercedes wants to make a high performance GT, and given Mercedes's vast resources, it should be a ground-up new design, not this embarrassing Honda Type-R's kind of punching vent holes and adding aero kit.