Mercedes-AMG has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, and the new AMG GT Black Series is the pinnacle of their engineering prowess. This isn’t just another AMG GT; it’s a beast unleashed, embodying the most extreme elements of motorsport technology and design. Affalterbach’s engineers have truly outdone themselves, creating a super sports car that redefines the genre, boasting the most powerful AMG V8 engine ever, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and an aggressive design directly inspired by the AMG GT3 racing car. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is not just a car; it’s a statement, a testament to AMG’s racing heritage and their commitment to pushing performance limits.
Since 2006, the Black Series designation at Mercedes-AMG has signified something truly special: uncompromising performance machines with racing DNA injected directly into their road-legal veins. These are exclusive, rare vehicles engineered not for static display, but for dominating racetracks at high speeds, while still being certified for public roads. The AMG GT Black Series elevates this tradition to new heights. It’s the ultimate expression of AMG’s capabilities, featuring the most potent Mercedes-AMG V8 production engine of all time, designed for drivers who demand the absolute maximum.
To achieve this unprecedented level of super sports car performance, the engine specialists at AMG in Affalterbach undertook a comprehensive redevelopment of the already acclaimed 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. Despite its existing reputation for exceptional responsiveness, power delivery, and torque, the mission was clear: surpass the previous AMG GT flagship in every metric. This demanded a radical rethink, culminating in the adoption of a flat-plane crankshaft – a core element in the pursuit of more power, sharper throttle response, and relentless torque.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH at the time of its release, stated, “The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive highlight and continues a tradition established in 2006. The sixth iteration of its kind is another AMG milestone and impressive proof of the incredible development expertise in Affalterbach. I am proud of the team who have created this unique super sports car, which now represents the absolute peak of our successful GT family. The performance, appearance 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.”
The Heart of the Beast: A Distinctive V8 Engine Design
The configuration of a V8 engine offers significant design flexibility, particularly in the crankshaft arrangement. This crucial element profoundly influences the engine’s characteristics. V8 engines typically employ one of two crankshaft designs: the ‘cross-plane’ crankshaft, where crankpins are set at 90-degree angles (utilized in previous AMG V8s), or the ‘flat-plane crankshaft,’ where crankpins are aligned on a single plane with a 180-degree offset.
Visually, a cross-plane crankshaft presents a cross shape when viewed from the front, hence its name. These crankshafts are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and robust low-end torque, contributing to the signature deep rumble characteristic of a cross-plane V8 engine. AMG engineers have optimized the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine’s design by positioning the exhaust side within the engine’s hot ‘inner V,’ nestled between the cylinder banks, maximizing displacement and performance potential.
Unleashing Power: Uniformly Oscillating Gas Columns
The flat-plane crankshaft represents another avenue for boosting engine performance. In a flat-plane V8, the configuration resembles an inline four-cylinder engine, albeit with broader crankpins accommodating two connecting rods each in the V8 layout. Ignition in a flat-plane V8 alternates between cylinder banks, enhancing the gas cycle. The distinctive firing order, with a 180-degree crankshaft angle offset (1-8-2-7 4-5-3-6), generates uniformly oscillating gas columns within both the exhaust and intake tracts. This resonance is strategically leveraged to amplify performance. Furthermore, a flat-plane crankshaft offers a significant advantage in throttle response, making the engine feel incredibly agile and reactive.
The Most Powerful V8: Mercedes-AMG’s Masterpiece
The engine powering the AMG GT Black Series, while rooted in the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo architecture with dry sump lubrication, is designated with a new internal code: M178 LS2. This reflects the extensive modifications implemented. It unleashes a staggering 720 horsepower at 6,700-6,900 rpm and a peak torque of 590 lb-ft, available across a broad rev range from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds are tailored to the unique firing order, further optimizing the gas cycle.
Mirroring the top-tier AMG GT Coupe four-door, the twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted on anti-friction bearings, sharpening throttle response. However, the GT Black Series turbos feature larger compressor wheels, enabling a total boost pressure of 24.6 psi, a significant increase compared to the AMG GT R’s 19.6 psi. While 7,000 rpm is sustainable as a continuous speed, the redline is elevated to 7,200 rpm. Larger intercoolers are crucial for maintaining optimal charge-air temperatures. The engine’s exclusivity is visually highlighted by a distinctive black engine badge.
Blistering Speed: 0-124 mph in Under Nine Seconds
The new handcrafted AMG engine in the GT Black Series endows it with a truly unique character, evident not just in its power delivery but also in its distinctive, ferocious sound. This engine facilitates breathtaking performance figures. The Black Series catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds and reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in under nine seconds. While its top speed is electronically limited to 202 mph, such speeds are best explored within the confines of a closed racetrack.
Transmission Tuned for Track Domination
Power from this formidable engine is channeled to the rear wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Positioned on the rear axle in a transaxle configuration for optimized weight distribution, consistent with all AMG GT two-door models, this transmission has been specifically recalibrated for the AMG GT Black Series. It’s engineered to handle the increased torque output of 590 lb-ft and its shift performance and response times have been pushed beyond previous limits, making it ideal for racetrack environments.
The result is a driving experience characterized by heightened agility in accelerator and engine response, along with optimized drive programs, start-up behavior, and gear changes. The Race Start function is now even more impactful, featuring increased starting revs, more precise wheel slip control, and track-ready high-performance tires. Furthermore, the transmission cooling system has been enhanced to endure more demanding conditions, and the transmission ratios have been subtly adjusted.
The ‘torque tube,’ constructed from carbon fiber, connects the engine and transmission. Weighing a mere 30.6 lbs, it’s approximately 40 percent lighter than the already optimized aluminum component in the standard AMG GT. As a structural element of the transaxle drivetrain, it establishes an exceptionally torsionally rigid link between the engine and transmission. This fosters a direct drivetrain connection beneficial for driving dynamics and contributes to the vehicle’s balanced weight distribution. The driveshaft housed within is also crafted from lightweight carbon fiber.
Aerodynamic Mastery: Sculpted for Speed and Stability
Sophisticated and meticulously refined aerodynamics are crucial for achieving agile driving dynamics and rock-solid stability on high-speed circuits. Mirroring the development approach for the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO, aerodynamic experts and designers collaborated closely to enhance the AMG GT Black Series’ aerodynamic profile. “Form follows function” is the guiding principle, more emphatically than ever in this Black Series iteration.
The resemblance to the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is both visually striking and technically profound. It begins with the new, significantly enlarged radiator air inlet, directly derived from the AMG GT3 race car. The radiator grille features vertical slats finished in dark chrome. Wheel arch coolers are now directly fed air via the central inlet, eliminating the need for two additional outer air inlets in the front bumper. Semicircular flics optimize airflow, boosting downforce at the front axle and enhancing brake cooling. ‘Air curtains’ manage and direct airflow towards the wheels. Together with the flics ahead of the wheels, these enhancements reduce drag and increase downforce. The new design ethos prioritizes maximum cooling efficiency, reduced air resistance, and increased front-end downforce.
The carbon-fiber front splitter offers two manually adjustable settings (Street and Race – Race configuration exclusively for track use), adaptable to diverse track demands. In the extended ‘Race’ position, a front diffuser, shaped like an inverted wing profile, is created beneath the front section. Depending on speed, this element is further lowered by increasing negative pressure, significantly accelerating underbody airflow. This creates a ‘Venturi effect,’ drawing the car closer to the road and amplifying downforce on the front axle. Drivers experience enhanced steering precision in high-speed cornering and exceptional directional stability. Particularly during rapid cornering and under high lateral acceleration, the vehicle responds with agility and clear steering feedback, while maintaining predictable control. When the front diffuser is in ‘Race’ mode, the new rear spoiler design further increases rear axle downforce.
Motorsport-Derived Hood: Enhancing Aero-Performance
Another direct borrowing from motorsport is the new carbon-fiber hood, featuring two prominent exhaust air outlets crafted from black-finished carbon fiber. These large outlets channel hot air, originating from the diagonally positioned cooling pack, out of the engine compartment. This technology, directly descended from racing applications, augments overall downforce. Simultaneously, it reduces air resistance and optimizes engine cooling airflow. Air is strategically channeled around the A-pillars and side windows towards the rear, enhancing the effectiveness of the new rear spoiler design. Seamlessly integrated front fender vents, with five body-colored fins and exhaust air openings behind the front wheels in carbon-fiber fenders, contribute to increased front axle downforce through effective wheel arch ventilation. Airflow around the vehicle is further refined by new, significantly larger and wider side sill panels incorporating black carbon-fiber elements, merging into vertical blades at the front and rear. Additional cooling air ducts are integrated into the side sill panels to facilitate rear axle brake cooling.
Two-Stage Rear Spoiler: Adjustable Downforce
The rear profile is defined by a new rear bumper with a substantial diffuser, twin rounded tailpipe trims positioned outboard, side wheel arch ventilation, and the innovative rear spoiler design. Both spoiler blades are constructed from carbon fiber, mechanically adjustable to adapt to varied track conditions. The lower, secondary blade is intentionally compact and narrow, optimized for the incoming airflow from the vehicle’s front. Lightweight yet robust carbon-fiber spoiler supports, finished in matte black and meticulously designed through extensive simulations, further enhance aerodynamic efficiency. They are bolted to the carbon-fiber rear hatch, also finished in black.
A captivating detail is the adjustable flap within the upper blade. This active aerodynamic element is electronically adjusted by up to 20 degrees, responding to driving conditions and the selected AMG DYNAMICS mode, optimizing both longitudinal and lateral dynamics. In a flat position, it minimizes air resistance for rapid top speed attainment. In the inclined position, the flap enhances braking performance and cornering stability by increasing rear axle downforce.
Four distinct activation strategies are employed, contingent on the selected AMG DYNAMICS mode: Basic, Advanced, Pro, or Master. Some strategies incorporate driving dynamics recognition. For example, in Master mode, the flap remains permanently inclined and extended up to 155 mph. Beyond 155 mph, it retracts to reduce air resistance for quicker top speed achievement. However, during sudden braking or corner entry, the flap immediately reverts to its extended position, optimizing braking and cornering through increased downforce and air resistance. Drivers can manually control flap retraction or extension via a dedicated button on the center console.
Comprehensive Underbody Paneling: Optimizing Airflow
The detailed aerodynamic development extends to the near-fully paneled underbody, addressing both aerodynamic and thermal management (heat dissipation) requirements. The flat underbody features meticulously designed longitudinal fins. These air channels are precisely optimized to ensure ideal airflow to the rear diffuser. This complete system accelerates airflow, significantly increasing downforce. All elements are harmonized and interact with the new rear spoiler design, resulting in a downforce exceeding 882 lbs at 155 mph.
Lightweight Construction: Carbon Fiber Everywhere
The intelligent material mix and lightweight construction philosophy are evident throughout, featuring a lightweight carbon-fiber roof with a lowered center section, a carbon-fiber rear hatch with a small spoiler lip, and a larger lightweight glass rear windshield. The laminated front windshield also utilizes lightweight glass. The coiled carbon-fiber transmission mount is another Black Series exclusive. Additional carbon-fiber shear panels in the front section, underbody, and rear, along with the lightweight integral carrier and carbon-fiber cross tunnel, reinforce the aluminum body shell structure, enhancing overall rigidity.
These components form a cohesive network, amplifying the Black Series’ exceptional driving precision in all maneuvers. The carbon-fiber shear panel beneath the engine connects to the integral carrier, stiffening the front section and steering system, resulting in noticeably more precise steering and enhanced front axle stability. The integral carrier at the front axle is uniquely engineered for the Black Series using a lightweight aluminum construction.
The standard ceramic high-performance compound brake system, featuring black calipers with white lettering, also contributes to weight reduction and high performance. Specialized brake pads and rotors, coupled with enhanced brake cooling, ensure consistent, fade-free deceleration and precise brake modulation. Standard light-alloy forged wheels further reduce unsprung mass.
Suspension Mastery: AMG Coil-Over System
A double wishbone suspension design enhances wheel control, maintaining high camber and toe-in stability. This facilitates high cornering speeds and provides the driver with optimized road feedback during extreme cornering. Wishbones, steering knuckles, and hub carriers on both axles are crafted entirely from forged aluminum to minimize unsprung mass. Spherical bearings on the upper and lower rear axle wishbones are directly derived from motorsport applications. Their design eliminates play, ensuring consistent toe-in and camber even under high loads. The GT Black Series therefore delivers precise steering, clear feedback, and superior cornering performance.
As with the AMG GT R, the Black Series employs an AMG coil-over suspension with adjustable spring preload, featuring technology tailored for extreme racetrack use with high damping forces. Motorsport technology is integrated with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. This electronically controlled system automatically adjusts damping at each wheel based on driving situation, speed, and road conditions. Damping characteristics are modulated rapidly and precisely by two separate valves for rebound and compression forces within the dampers – new valves also based on motorsport technology, reacting even more swiftly to rapid suspension movements. Firmer damping, for example during cornering and braking, effectively minimizes body roll. Continuous damping adjustment relative to speed ensures optimal road contact and enhances safety, even at high speeds.
Drivers can fine-tune adaptive damping characteristics via a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT or through AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Three modes are available: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.” Refined logic provides an improved balance. “Comfort” and “Sport” are suitable for public roads. “Sport” offers firmer damping, a sportier body connection, and reduced comfort – also adaptable for racetracks with slippery conditions. “Sport Plus” is optimized for racetracks and incorporates a unique feature: automatic track surface quality recognition, distinguishing between smooth circuits like Hockenheim and bumpy tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It then automatically adjusts electronic damping levels within “Sport Plus.” This logic was developed through extensive testing on diverse track types and perfected for optimal adaptation.
Carbon Fiber Sway Bars: Reducing Suspension Weight
The front axle features a dual adjustable sway bar made of lightweight carbon fiber. Its default setting offers a short and firm connection. The rear axle counterpart, constructed from steel, provides 3-way adjustment and saves weight through its hollow tube design. From the default “central” position, it can be adjusted to a harder (short connection) or softer (long connection) setting. A carbon-fiber shear panel in the rear underbody enhances driving precision, stiffening the rear-end structure for increased body shell stability. Electronically controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts are retuned to further enhance agility, delivering precise response and clear feedback.
Other suspension enhancements include wider front and rear tracks and manually adjustable camber at both axles. This allows for setting exceptionally high camber values, typically reserved for maximizing motorsport performance on closed tracks.
Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, custom-developed for the Black Series, are a result of collaboration with Michelin®. These high-performance tires are exclusively available for Mercedes-AMG in two compounds, mirroring motorsport practices. The standard factory-equipped tire is the soft-compound Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO1A, with a sidewall design enhancing the AMG GT Black Series’ silhouette. A ‘hard compound’ option is also available for racetrack use in higher temperatures, designated Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO2 and identifiable by the motorsport sticker from Michelin® available at AMG Performance Centers. Tire sizes are 10 J x 19 wheels with 285/35 ZR 19 tires (front) and 12 J x 20 wheels with 335/30 ZR 20 tires (rear).
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Grip to the Power of Nine
For closed-track use in ESP OFF mode, AMG TRACTION CONTROL empowers drivers with individualized support in managing the Black Series’ immense power, entirely without ESP brake intervention. The level of assistance is finely tunable, providing optimal support for each driver and track. Extensively tailored for the new Black Series, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows pre-selection of nine slip settings on the live rear axle. Control is exclusively managed through maps within the engine electronics, without ESP system intervention, mirroring the GT3 racing car’s approach.
Operation is via a dedicated adjuster on the center console, accessible even with racing gloves. Depending on the setting, the system allows varying degrees of rear wheel slip, crucial for diverse road conditions. Level 1 prioritizes wet driving with high safety margins. Level 9 permits maximum rear axle slip. Each setting is displayed on the adjuster and the instrument cluster’s central display.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL surpasses conventional systems by anticipating situations using a friction coefficient evaluator and other data processed by a control unit in milliseconds. The maximum permissible drive slip on the rear wheels is calculated based on the selected AMG TRACTION CONTROL level. When wheels reach this slip level during acceleration, traction control modulates engine output to maintain this level, ensuring continuous acceleration with controlled slip. The system’s algorithms are based on a double control variable model, managing both engine drive torque and the locking level of the electronic differential lock.
Exclusive Interior: Race-Inspired Luxury
The interior design reinforces the AMG GT Black Series’ pole position. Exclusive nappa leather is combined with sporty black DINAMICA microfiber featuring striking orange contrasting topstitching. The instrument panel and newly designed lightweight door panels, now equipped with loop pull handles, are trimmed in black DINAMICA microfiber. Further orange contrasting topstitching, matte black carbon-fiber trim, and the Interior Night Package enhance the interior ambiance. AMG carbon-fiber bucket seats (not available in the USA, Canada, and China) offer low weight and optimal lateral support. In these markets, AMG Performance seats are standard. Silver contrasting topstitching is an optional interior enhancement.
Digital Cockpit: AMG-Specific Displays
The AMG GT Black Series features the fully digital instrument displays from the AMG GT family, including a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch multimedia display. The instrument cluster offers three AMG-specific display styles: ‘Classic’, ‘Sporty’, and ‘Supersport’. The ‘Supersport’ view, with a central rev counter, provides extensive additional information, including a ‘shift light’ prompt in manual transmission mode. Multimedia display visualizations enhance vehicle function experiences, with animated representations of driving assistance, vehicle, and communication systems.
Center Console Control: Display Buttons
Innovative colored display buttons in the V-shaped center console integrate display and control for transmission logic, suspension, ESP, exhaust system, rear spoiler flap, and start/stop function. TFT display buttons use intuitive symbols and are easily operated with a finger tap. Mechanical pressure points enable operation even with racing gloves. Display buttons are complemented by rocker switches for drive programs and audio system volume control.
AMG Performance Steering Wheel: Instant Control
The AMG Performance steering wheel, adopted from the AMG GT family, features a sporty design, flattened bottom section, contoured rim, and intuitive operation. The rim is fully trimmed in DINAMICA microfiber, with a Black Series badge and AMG logo. Aluminum shift paddles enable manual gear changes. Integrated Touch Control buttons manage the instrument cluster and multimedia display.
Standard AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons include a round controller with integrated display and two vertical colored display buttons. Drive programs are activated via the right controller, with settings displayed on the integrated LCD. Freely configurable display buttons and switches on the left offer direct steering wheel control of AMG functions, allowing drivers to remain focused on high-speed driving. The AMG Interior Night Package, standard equipment, features high-gloss black finishes on shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, seat inserts, and black brushed stainless steel door sill panels, further emphasizing the car’s sporty character.
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 |
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