Mercedes-AMG has long been synonymous with exhilarating performance and cutting-edge automotive engineering. Since 2006, the Black Series designation has represented the pinnacle of AMG’s capabilities, embodying uncompromising sportiness, aggressive design, and the closest possible link between motorsport technology and road-legal production cars. These exclusive machines are not designed for static display; they are built to dominate racetracks while still offering the thrill of road usability. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series emerges as the newest and most formidable member of this elite lineage, boasting the most potent AMG V8 series engine ever created.
To truly redefine the super sports car, the engine specialists at Affalterbach embarked on an extensive redevelopment of the already acclaimed 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. Despite its established reputation for responsiveness, power delivery, and robust torque, the ambition was to surpass all previous benchmarks within the AMG GT family. The mandate was clear: achieve significantly greater power, sharpen throttle response to an even finer edge, and maximize torque output. This pursuit of automotive perfection necessitated a radical engineering shift, culminating in the adoption of a brand-new flat-plane crankshaft.
Tobias Moers, former Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, aptly summarized the significance of this vehicle: “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 Distinctive Heart of the Beast: A Flat-Plane Crankshaft V8
The configuration of a V8 engine inherently provides design flexibility, particularly concerning the crankshaft arrangement. This critical component profoundly influences the engine’s character and performance. Traditionally, V8 engines employ one of two crankshaft designs: the ‘cross-plane’ and the ‘flat-plane’. AMG, in all its previous V8 iterations, utilized the cross-plane design. However, for the GT Black Series, engineers opted for the ‘flat-plane crankshaft’, a design where all crankpins reside on the same plane with a 180-degree offset.
Visualizing a cross-plane crankshaft from the front reveals the ‘cross’ shape that lends it its name. The advantages of this design are notable: exceptional smoothness and abundant torque even at lower engine speeds. The signature rumble of a cross-plane V8 is a sound deeply ingrained in automotive enthusiasts’ hearts. To optimize the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo’s potential, AMG engineers strategically positioned the exhaust side within the engine’s ‘hot inside V’, nestled between the two cylinder banks.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating a cross-plane crankshaft configuration, highlighting the 90-degree angle between crankpins for balanced V8 engine performance.
Unleashing Power Through Uniform Gas Columns
The pursuit of even greater performance led AMG engineers to explore the advantages of a flat-plane crankshaft. In essence, a flat-plane V8 engine, when viewed head-on, resembles an inline four-cylinder engine, albeit with wider crankpins accommodating two connecting rods each in the V8 configuration. The firing order in a flat-plane V8 engine sequences ignition from one cylinder bank to the next, optimizing the gas cycle. The specific firing order, characterized by 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 phenomenon can be effectively harnessed to boost engine performance. Furthermore, a significant benefit of the flat-plane design is a noticeably more agile throttle response, crucial for a track-focused machine like the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
Alt text: Flat-plane crankshaft diagram showcasing the 180-degree offset crankpins, enabling uniform gas flow and enhanced throttle response in high-performance V8 engines.
The Most Powerful V8 Engine to Ever Emerge from Mercedes-AMG
While the engine powering the new GT Black Series is fundamentally rooted in the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo architecture with dry-sump lubrication, it has undergone extensive modifications warranting a new internal designation: M178 LS2. This powerhouse churns out an astonishing 720 horsepower within the 6,700-6,900 rpm range and unleashes a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft, sustained from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm. Camshafts and exhaust manifolds, redesigned to align with the new firing order, further optimize the engine’s gas cycle.
Mirroring the top-tier AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, the twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted on anti-friction bearings, enhancing throttle response. However, the GT Black Series elevates performance further with larger compressor wheels within the turbochargers, enabling a total boost pressure of 24.6 psi, a significant increase compared to the 19.6 psi in the AMG GT R. While 7,000 rpm is not considered a critical continuous speed, the redline extends to an exhilarating 7,200 rpm. Larger intercoolers ensure that charge-air temperatures remain within the optimal range under extreme operating conditions. Adding to the engine’s exclusivity, a distinctive black engine badge visually sets it apart.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series engine badge, signifying its unique and high-performance M178 LS2 V8 engine.
Blistering Acceleration: 0-124 mph in Under Nine Seconds
The bespoke Handcrafted AMG engine at the heart of the GT Black Series imparts a truly unique character, manifesting not only in its raw power delivery but also in its distinctive and visceral sound. This formidable engine propels the Black Series to breathtaking performance figures: a 0 to 60 mph sprint in a mere 3.1 seconds and a 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) dash in under nine seconds. While the top speed is electronically limited to 202 mph, this velocity is best reserved for the controlled environment of closed racetracks.
Modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission
Channeling the engine’s 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, mirroring all AMG GT 2-door models, this transmission has undergone specific modifications for the GT Black Series to accommodate the increased torque output of 590 lb-ft. The thresholds governing shift performance and response times have been recalibrated to prioritize racetrack prowess.
These enhancements contribute to a driving experience characterized by heightened agility in accelerator and engine response, drive programs, start-up behavior, and gear changes. The Race Start function is now even more impactful, benefiting from elevated starting revs, more sensitive wheel slip control, and high-performance tires engineered for racetrack conditions. Furthermore, the transmission cooling system has been adapted to endure more demanding use, and the transmission ratios have been subtly adjusted for optimal performance.
Connecting the engine and transmission is the ‘torque tube’, crafted from carbon fiber. Weighing a mere 30.6 lbs, it achieves a remarkable 40 percent weight reduction compared to its already optimized aluminum counterpart in the standard AMG GT. As a structural element within the transaxle drivetrain, it establishes an exceptionally torsionally rigid link between the engine and transmission. This direct drivetrain connection enhances driving dynamics and contributes to the vehicle’s balanced weight distribution. The driveshaft rotating within the torque tube is also constructed from lightweight carbon fiber.
Sophisticated Aerodynamics: Sculpted for Unrivaled Driving Dynamics
The meticulously engineered and optimized aerodynamics play a pivotal role in achieving the GT Black Series’ agile driving dynamics and unwavering stability at high speeds on demanding circuits. Continuing the collaborative approach seen in the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO, aerodynamic experts and designers worked in close synergy to refine the aerodynamic characteristics of the Black Series. In this realm, ‘form follows function’ reigns supreme.
The visual and technical kinship with the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is more pronounced than ever. This connection begins with the new, significantly enlarged radiator air inlet, directly derived from the AMG GT3 racing car. The radiator trim features vertical slats finished in dark chrome. With wheel arch coolers now directly fed by the central inlet, the need for two additional outer air inlets in the front bumper is eliminated. Semicircular flics optimize airflow, augmenting downforce at the front axle and improving brake cooling. ‘Air curtains’ precisely manage airflow towards the wheels. Collectively, these enhancements, along with flics positioned ahead of the wheels, reduce drag and amplify downforce. The new design language effectively balances maximum cooling efficiency with minimized air resistance and enhanced front-end downforce.
Alt text: Detailed view of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series front aerodynamics, highlighting the splitter, flics, air curtains, and large radiator air inlet for optimized airflow and downforce.
The carbon-fiber front splitter offers two manually adjustable settings: ‘Street’ and ‘Race’ (the latter exclusively for racetrack use), adaptable to varying track demands. When extended to the ‘Race’ position, a front diffuser, shaped like an inverted wing profile, emerges beneath the front section. Depending on driving 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 increasing downforce on the front axle. Drivers experience the benefits in enhanced steering precision during high-speed cornering and exceptional directional stability. Particularly during rapid cornering and under substantial lateral acceleration, the vehicle exhibits agile responses with clear steering feedback while remaining easily controllable. When the front diffuser is in the ‘Race’ position, the newly designed rear spoiler further amplifies downforce at the rear axle.
Hood with Exhaust Air Openings: Enhancing Aero-Performance
Another direct infusion of motorsport technology is the new carbon-fiber hood, incorporating two large exhaust air outlets crafted from black-finished carbon-fiber surfaces. These sizable outlets channel warm air, originating from the diagonally positioned cooling pack, out of the engine compartment. This motorsport-derived technology elevates overall downforce while simultaneously reducing air resistance and optimizing air mass flow for engine cooling. Air is also strategically guided around the A-pillars and side windows towards the rear, enhancing the effectiveness of the new rear spoiler design. Seamlessly integrated front fender vents, featuring five fins in body color and exhaust air openings behind the front wheels within the carbon-fiber fenders, contribute to increased front-axle downforce through effective wheel arch ventilation. The airflow around the vehicle is further refined by new, significantly larger and wider side sill panels with 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.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series carbon-fiber hood with large exhaust air outlets, improving aerodynamics and engine cooling.
Two-Stage Rear Spoiler Concept: Adjustable Aerodynamic Dominance
The rear profile is defined by the new rear bumper, featuring a substantial diffuser, dual rounded twin-tailpipe trims on the outer edges, side wheel arch ventilation, and the innovative rear spoiler design. Both spoiler blades are constructed from carbon fiber, mechanically adjustable to adapt to diverse track conditions. The lower, second blade is intentionally compact and narrow, ideally positioned to interact with the airflow arriving from the front of the car. Lightweight yet robust carbon-fiber spoiler supports, finished in matte black and meticulously designed through extensive simulations, further enhance aerodynamic efficiency. These supports are bolted to the carbon-fiber rear hatch, also finished in black.
A particularly 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 situations and the selected AMG DYNAMICS mode to optimize longitudinal and transverse dynamics. In a flat position, it minimizes air resistance, aiding in achieving top speed more rapidly. 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 instance, in Master mode, the flap remains permanently inclined and extended up to 155 mph. Beyond 155 mph, it retracts to reduce air resistance and facilitate reaching top speed. However, upon sudden braking or corner entry, the flap instantaneously returns to its extended position to optimize braking and cornering through increased downforce and air resistance. Drivers can also manually control flap retraction or extension via a dedicated button on the center console.
Alt text: Rear view of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series showcasing the two-stage adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a key element in its advanced aerodynamics system.
Extensive Underbody Paneling: Optimizing Airflow
The comprehensive aerodynamic refinement extends to the almost fully paneled underbody, designed to meet both aerodynamic and thermal demands (heat dissipation). The flat underbody incorporates meticulously designed longitudinal fins. These air channels are precisely optimized to ensure ideal airflow to the rear diffuser. The entire underbody package accelerates airflow, significantly increasing downforce. All aerodynamic measures are harmonized and work in concert with the new rear spoiler design, culminating in a downforce exceeding 882 lbs at 155 mph.
Carbon Fiber Extravaganza: Lightweight and Robust Construction
The lightweight carbon-fiber roof with a lowered center section, along with the carbon-fiber rear hatch featuring a small spoiler lip and a larger lightweight glass rear windshield, are integral components of the ‘intelligent material mix’ and ‘lightweight construction’ philosophy. Moving to the front, the laminated front windshield also utilizes lightweight glass. The coiled carbon-fiber transmission mount is another Black Series exclusive component. Additional carbon-fiber shear panels in the front section, underbody, and rear stiffen the entire aluminum body shell structure, complemented by the lightweight integral carrier and carbon-fiber cross tunnel, further enhancing body shell rigidity. These elements form a cohesive network, amplifying the Black Series’ high driving precision in all maneuvers. The carbon-fiber shear panel beneath the engine, connected to the integral carrier, stiffens 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 exclusively crafted for the Black Series using a lightweight aluminum construction.
The standard ceramic high-performance compound brake system, featuring black painted calipers and white lettering, is also characterized by low weight and exceptional performance. Special brake pads and rotors, coupled with optimized brake cooling, guarantee consistent and fade-free deceleration along with high-precision brake application. Standard light-alloy forged wheels further contribute to weight reduction.
AMG Coil-Over Suspension: Adaptive Adjustable Damping for Track Domination
A double wishbone suspension design enhances wheel control, maintaining high camber and toe-in stability. This enables elevated cornering speeds and provides the driver with optimized road feedback during extreme cornering. Wishbones, steering knuckles, and hub carriers on both axles are forged from aluminum to minimize unsprung mass. Spherical bearings on the upper and lower rear axle wishbones, directly derived from motorsport, eliminate play, ensuring consistent toe-in and camber even under high loads. Consequently, the GT Black Series delivers precise steering, clear feedback, and superior cornering performance.
Mirroring the AMG GT R, the Black Series employs an AMG coil-over suspension with adjustable spring preload, incorporating technology tailored for extreme racetrack use and high damping forces. Motorsport technology is seamlessly integrated with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. Electronically controlled, this system automatically adjusts damping at each wheel based on the current handling situation, speed, and road conditions. Damping characteristics are modulated rapidly and precisely by two separate valves for rebound and compression forces within the dampers. These valves, also motorsport-derived, react with enhanced agility to rapid suspension movements. Increased damping rates during cornering and braking effectively minimize body roll. Continuous damping adjustment according to speed ensures optimal road contact, enhancing safety even at high velocities.
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 ensures an improved balance between modes. ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ are well-suited for public roads. ‘Sport’ provides firmer damping, a sportier body connection, and reduced comfort, also suitable for racetracks in slippery conditions. ‘Sport Plus’ is optimized for racetracks, intelligently recognizing track surface quality (e.g., smooth Grand Prix circuits versus bumpy tracks like the Nürburgring North Loop) and automatically adjusting electronic damping levels within ‘Sport Plus’. This logic was developed and perfected across a diverse range of track types.
Carbon Fiber Suspension Components: Further Weight Reduction
The front axle features a dual adjustable sway bar crafted from lightweight carbon fiber. Its default setting provides a short and firm connection. The rear axle counterpart, made of steel, offers 3-way adjustability and achieves weight savings through its hollow tube design. From the default ‘central’ position, it can be adjusted to a harder (short connection) or softer (long connection) setting. The carbon-fiber shear panel in the rear underbody enhances driving precision by stiffening the rear-end structure, further stabilizing the body shell. Electronically controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts are retuned to further amplify agility, delivering high-precision response and clear feedback.
Additional suspension enhancements include wider front and rear tracks and manually adjustable camber at both axles. This allows for exceptionally high camber settings, typically reserved for motorsport applications on closed racetracks to maximize performance.
Developed in collaboration with Michelin®, a Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tire, custom-tailored for the Black Series, is standard. In motorsport tradition, this high-performance tire is exclusively available for Mercedes-AMG in two compounds. The factory-equipped tire is the soft-compound Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO1A, with sidewall markings enhancing the AMG GT Black Series silhouette. A ‘hard compound’ option is available for racetrack use in higher temperatures, identified by the Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO2 designation and a motorsport sticker from the French tire manufacturer, available through AMG Performance Centers. Tire sizes are 285/35 ZR 19 on 10 J x 19 wheels (front) and 335/30 ZR 20 on 12 J x 20 wheels (rear).
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Nine Levels of Grip Mastery
For closed-track use in ESP OFF mode, AMG TRACTION CONTROL empowers drivers to individually manage the Black Series’ immense power, completely bypassing ESP brake intervention. The level of support is finely adjustable, providing ideal assistance for each driver and track condition. Extensively tailored for the new Black Series, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows preselection of nine slip settings on the live rear axle. Control is exclusively managed via maps within the engine electronics, without ESP system intervention, mirroring the GT3 racing car.
Operated via a dedicated adjuster on the center console, accessible even with racing gloves, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows for on-the-fly adjustments. Depending on the setting, the system permits varying degrees of rear wheel slip, crucial for diverse road conditions. Level 1 prioritizes wet driving with high safety margins, while Level 9 allows 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 proactively 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 threshold during acceleration, traction control modulates engine output to maintain the specified slip level, ensuring continued acceleration. The system’s algorithms employ a double control variable model, managing not only engine drive torque but also the locking level of the electronic differential lock.
Exclusive Interior: Orange Accents and Performance Focus
The interior design reinforces the AMG GT Black Series’ pole position. Exclusive nappa leather is paired with sporty DINAMICA microfiber in black, accented by striking orange contrasting topstitching. The instrument panel and newly designed lightweight door panels, now featuring loop pull handles instead of conventional 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 (unavailable in the USA, Canada, and China) combine low weight with optimal lateral support. In these markets, AMG Performance seats are standard. Silver contrasting topstitching is also available as an interior option.
Alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series cabin, showcasing the exclusive nappa leather, DINAMICA microfiber, orange contrast stitching, and carbon-fiber bucket seats.
Digital Displays and Intuitive Controls
The AMG GT Black Series features the fully digital instrument displays from the AMG GT family, comprising a 12.3-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 10.25-inch multimedia display on the center console. The instrument cluster offers customizable designs with 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. Visualizations on the multimedia display enhance user experience with animated presentations of driving assistance, vehicle, and communication systems.
Center Console Display Buttons: Control at Your Fingertips
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 utilize intuitive symbols and are easily operated with a light touch. Their mechanical pressure point allows for 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 and Feedback
The AMG Performance steering wheel, adopted from the AMG GT family, is characterized by its sporty design, flattened bottom section, heavily contoured rim, and intuitive operation. The rim is fully trimmed in DINAMICA microfiber, while the steering wheel badge exclusively features Black Series lettering and the AMG logo. Aluminum steering wheel shift paddles facilitate manual gear changes for a sportier driving experience. Integrated Touch Control buttons manage the instrument cluster and multimedia display via horizontal and vertical finger swipes.
Standard AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons include a round controller with an integrated display and two vertically positioned colored display buttons with switches. The right controller activates AMG drive programs, with the selected setting displayed on the integrated color LCD. Two freely configurable display buttons and additional left-side switches enable direct steering wheel control of further AMG functions, allowing drivers to maintain focus on high-speed driving. Each function can be represented by a display icon, customizable by the driver to define and quickly access their preferred AMG functions with a tap.
The standard AMG Interior Night Package adds high-gloss black finishes to shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, and seat inserts in AMG Performance seats, along with 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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