For those in the know, the words “Black Series” affixed to a Mercedes-AMG vehicle signify something truly extraordinary. Since 2006, this moniker has represented the pinnacle of performance, a fusion of uncompromising sportiness, aggressive design, and technology directly descended from the racetrack. The Mercedes Black Series cars are not mere collectibles; they are built to be driven at the limit, on the most demanding circuits, while still being fully road legal. Continuing this legacy, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series emerges as the ultimate expression of this philosophy, a breathtaking machine and the most potent of its kind ever conceived.
At the heart of this beast lies the most powerful AMG V8 series engine ever created. To achieve this monumental feat, the engine specialists at Affalterbach embarked on a radical redevelopment of the already formidable 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. Despite its reputation for exceptional responsiveness and power delivery, the mandate was clear: surpass the existing AMG GT flagship in every metric. This demanded a revolutionary change, culminating in the adoption of a flat-plane crankshaft, a design typically reserved for thoroughbred racing machines.
“The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive masterpiece, upholding a lineage of excellence dating back to 2006,” states Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “This sixth iteration stands as another AMG landmark, a testament to the unparalleled engineering prowess of Affalterbach. I commend the team for crafting this unique super sports car, which now reigns supreme within our celebrated GT family. The performance, aesthetics, and driving dynamics of the GT Black Series are simply unrivaled. This project served as a remarkable culmination of my tenure at AMG, for which I am deeply grateful.”
The architecture of a V8 engine offers considerable creative freedom in crankshaft design, a pivotal element dictating engine characteristics. V8 engines commonly employ either a ‘cross-plane’ or ‘flat-plane’ crankshaft. AMG, in its previous V8 iterations, utilized the ‘cross-plane’ configuration, characterized by crankpins positioned at 90-degree intervals. Conversely, the ‘flat-plane crankshaft’ aligns all crankpins on a single plane with a 180-degree offset.
Visualizing a cross-plane crankshaft from the front reveals the namesake cross shape. This design excels in delivering exceptional smoothness and robust torque at lower engine speeds, accompanied by the distinctive, deep rumble synonymous with cross-plane V8 engines. To maximize the potential of the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, AMG engineers strategically positioned the exhaust side within the hot internal V of the cylinder banks.
Further performance gains are realized through the implementation of a flat-plane crankshaft. A flat-plane V8 crankshaft resembles that of an inline four-cylinder engine, albeit with wider crankpins accommodating two connecting rods each. In this configuration, ignition alternates between cylinder banks, optimizing the gas cycle. The specific firing order, with a 180-degree crankshaft angle offset (1-8-2-7 4-5-3-6), generates uniformly oscillating gas columns in both the exhaust and intake tracts. This resonance is skillfully harnessed to amplify performance, while also providing a sharper, more immediate throttle response.
The engine propelling the GT Black Series, while rooted in the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo architecture with dry sump lubrication, receives the new internal designation M178 LS2, reflecting its extensive modifications. It churns out a staggering 720 hp at 6,700-6,900 rpm and a massive 590 lb-ft of torque from 2,000-6,000 rpm. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds are meticulously calibrated to the revised firing order, further refining the gas cycle.
Mirroring the flagship four-door AMG GT Coupe, both twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted on anti-friction bearings, enhancing throttle response. However, the GT Black Series turbochargers boast larger compressor wheels, enabling a total boost pressure of 24.6 psi, a significant increase compared to the 19.6 psi of the AMG GT R. While 7,000 rpm is sustainable as a continuous speed, the redline extends to an exhilarating 7,200 rpm. Larger intercoolers ensure optimal charge-air temperatures are maintained. A unique black engine badge visually distinguishes this powerhouse.
The sheer power of the new Handcrafted AMG engine imbues the GT Black Series with a distinct character, evident not only in its relentless power delivery but also in its uniquely aggressive soundtrack. This potent heart propels the Mercedes Black Series from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds and to 124 mph (200 km/h) in under nine seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 202 mph, a figure best explored within the confines of a closed racetrack.
Channeling this immense power to the rear wheels is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, positioned on the rear axle in a transaxle configuration for optimal weight distribution, a hallmark of all AMG GT 2-door models. Specifically tuned for the GT Black Series, it is engineered to manage the increased torque output. Shift performance and response time thresholds have been elevated, catering to the rigors of racetrack driving.
This culminates in a driving experience characterized by heightened agility and responsiveness, encompassing accelerator and engine response, drive programs, start-up behavior, and gear changes. The Race Start function is now even more electrifying, thanks to elevated starting revs, enhanced wheel slip control, and racetrack-ready high-performance tires. Transmission cooling is uprated to meet the intensified demands, and transmission ratios have been subtly adjusted.
A carbon fiber ‘torque tube’ forges the connection between the engine and transmission. Weighing a mere 30.6 lbs, it represents a 40 percent weight reduction compared to its aluminum counterpart in the standard AMG GT. As a structural component of the transaxle drivetrain, it establishes an exceptionally torsionally rigid link, contributing to enhanced driving dynamics and balanced weight distribution. The internal driveshaft is also crafted from lightweight carbon fiber.
Sophisticated and meticulously refined aerodynamics are paramount to the GT Black Series’ agile handling and high-speed stability. Aerodynamicists and designers collaborated closely, mirroring the development process of the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO. ‘Form follows function’ is the guiding principle, evident in every contour and detail of this mercedes black marvel.
The resemblance to the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is unmistakable. The new, significantly enlarged radiator air inlet, directly derived from the AMG GT3 race car, is a prime example. The radiator trim features vertical slats in dark chrome, and with the wheel arch coolers now fed directly via the central inlet, the need for outer air inlets in the front bumper is eliminated. Semicircular flics optimize airflow, boosting front axle downforce and enhancing brake cooling. ‘Air curtains’ manage airflow towards the wheels, working in conjunction with the flics to reduce drag and increase downforce.
The carbon-fiber front splitter offers two manually adjustable settings: Street and Race (Race for track use only). In the Race position, it extends forward, creating a front diffuser with a reversed wing profile. This element, depending on speed, lowers further due to negative pressure, accelerating underbody airflow and generating a ‘Venturi effect’. This draws the car closer to the road, increasing front axle downforce and enhancing steering precision, particularly in high-speed cornering.
Another motorsport derivative is the carbon-fiber hood with dual, large exhaust air outlets in black finished carbon fiber. These outlets expel warm air from the diagonally positioned cooling pack, a technology directly borrowed from racing, increasing overall downforce, reducing air resistance, and optimizing engine cooling airflow. Air is channeled around the A-pillars and side windows to enhance the rear spoiler’s efficiency. Seamlessly integrated front fender vents and exhaust air openings behind the front wheels further increase front axle downforce. Wider side sill panels with black carbon-fiber elements, merging into vertical blades, optimize airflow, with integrated cooling air ducts for rear brake cooling.
The rear profile is defined by a new rear bumper with a large diffuser, rounded twin-tailpipe trims, side wheel arch ventilation, and an innovative two-stage rear spoiler. Both spoiler blades are crafted from adjustable carbon fiber, adaptable to various track conditions. The lower blade is intentionally small and narrow to optimally interact with incoming airflow. Matte black carbon-fiber spoiler supports, meticulously designed with extensive simulations, enhance aerodynamic efficiency and are bolted to the carbon-fiber rear hatch.
The adjustable flap in the upper blade, an active aerodynamic element, adjusts electronically by 20 degrees based on driving situation and AMG DYNAMICS mode, optimizing longitudinal and transverse dynamics. In a flat position, it minimizes air resistance for top speed; inclined, it enhances braking and cornering via increased rear axle downforce. Four activation strategies are linked to AMG DYNAMICS modes (Basic, Advanced, Pro, Master), adapting flap behavior based on driving dynamics recognition. The flap can also be manually controlled via a center console button.
Extensive underbody paneling, addressing both aerodynamic and thermal requirements, features longitudinal fins meticulously optimized to channel airflow to the rear diffuser. This package accelerates airflow, significantly boosting downforce, working in concert with the rear spoiler. These measures culminate in a downforce exceeding 882 lbs at 155 mph.
Lightweight carbon fiber is pervasive, from the roof with a lowered center to the rear hatch and lightweight glass rear windshield, embodying an ‘intelligent material mix’ and ‘lightweight construction’. The laminated front windshield also utilizes lightweight glass. A coiled carbon-fiber transmission mount is another exclusive Black Series component. Carbon-fiber shear panels in the front, underbody, and rear, along with a lightweight integral carrier and carbon-fiber cross tunnel, stiffen the aluminum body shell, enhancing driving precision. The carbon-fiber shear panel under the engine reinforces the front section and steering system, improving steering precision and front axle stability. The integral carrier at the front axle is exclusively crafted for the Black Series in lightweight aluminum.
Standard ceramic high-performance compound brakes with black calipers and white lettering further contribute to weight reduction and exceptional braking performance. Special brake pads and rotors, coupled with enhanced brake cooling, ensure consistent, fade-free deceleration. Light-alloy forged wheels also minimize weight.
AMG coil-over suspension with adjustable spring preload and motorsport-derived technology is tailored for extreme track use. AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system electronically adjusts damping at each wheel based on driving conditions, speed, and road conditions. New, motorsport-based valves for rebound and compression forces react rapidly to suspension movements. Damping characteristics adapt to cornering and braking forces to minimize rolling. Continuously variable adjustment ensures optimal road contact and safety at high speeds. Three damping modes (‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport Plus’) are selectable via the AMG DRIVE UNIT or AMG DYNAMIC SELECT. ‘Sport Plus’ intelligently adapts to track surface quality, optimizing damping on various circuits.
A dual adjustable sway bar made of lightweight carbon fiber is fitted at the front axle. The rear axle features a 3-way adjustable steel sway bar with a hollow tube design for weight savings. Adjustable camber settings at both axles allow for motorsport-level performance optimization on closed tracks.
Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, custom-developed for the Black Series, are available in two compounds: the standard soft-compound Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO1A and a harder compound (Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO2) for high-temperature track use. Tire sizes are 285/35 ZR 19 front and 335/30 ZR 20 rear.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL, for ESP OFF mode on closed tracks, offers nine levels of slip control without ESP intervention. Adjustable via a central console knob, it allows drivers to fine-tune support based on skill and track conditions. Level 1 provides maximum safety in wet conditions; Level 9 allows maximum rear wheel slip. The system anticipates situations using a friction coefficient evaluator, modulating engine output and electronic differential lock to maintain the selected slip level.
The interior design emphasizes the GT Black Series’ racing pedigree. Exclusive nappa leather and black DINAMICA microfiber with orange contrasting topstitching (or optional silver) create a sporty yet luxurious ambiance. The instrument panel and lightweight door panels are trimmed in black DINAMICA microfiber. AMG carbon-fiber bucket seats (or AMG Performance seats in the USA, Canada, and China) offer optimal lateral support.
Digital displays from the AMG GT family include a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch multimedia display, offering AMG-specific display styles (‘Classic’, ‘Sporty’, ‘Supersport’). ‘Supersport’ view features a central rev counter and shift light.
Colored display buttons in the center console control transmission logic, suspension, ESP, exhaust, rear spoiler flap, and start/stop function. These TFT display buttons are intuitive and operable even with racing gloves. The AMG Performance steering wheel, adopted from the AMG GT family, features DINAMICA microfiber trim, a flattened bottom, and integrated Touch Control buttons. AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons include a round controller for drive programs and configurable display buttons for AMG functions.
The AMG Interior Night Package, standard equipment, adds high-gloss black finishes to shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, and seat inserts, further accentuating the car’s sporting character.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series stands as a monumental achievement, a testament to AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance and a worthy bearer of the Mercedes Black legacy. It is more than just a car; it is an experience, a symphony of power, precision, and passion, engineered for the ultimate driving enthusiast.
Technical data at a glance
| 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-liter V8 biturbo |
| Displacement | 3982 cc |
| Output | 720 hp at 6,700-6,900 rpm |
| Peak torque | 590 lb-ft at 2,000-6,000 rpm |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 3.1 s |
| Top speed | 202 mph |
