The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is not merely a car; it’s a statement. It represents the culmination of years of engineering expertise, a relentless pursuit of performance, and an unwavering commitment to motorsport heritage. Affalterbach’s engineers have truly outdone themselves, crafting a machine that redefines the boundaries of super sports cars. This new Black Series model stands as the most potent AMG V8-powered vehicle ever produced, boasting the most advanced aerodynamics and an intelligent fusion of materials. Its design is aggressively expressive, and its driving dynamics are simply unparalleled. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is a formidable embodiment of the brand’s deep-rooted motorsport legacy and its profound capability in developing holistic vehicles that excel in every conceivable aspect. The result is an awe-inspiring automobile, generating a staggering 720 horsepower from a handcrafted AMG V8 engine, featuring a flat-plane crankshaft, complemented by active aerodynamics and a design ethos directly inspired by the current AMG GT3 racing car.
Since 2006, the Black Series designation at Mercedes-AMG has been reserved for a very special breed of automobile: those that are uncompromisingly sporty, showcase an intensely expressive design language, and embody the most direct technology transfer from the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport to series production. Black Series models are not just cars; they are exclusive automotive rarities, meticulously engineered not to be static showpieces in collectors’ garages, but to deliver blistering performance on race tracks, all while retaining road legality. The AMG GT Black Series elevates this tradition to new heights. It is the standard-bearer, featuring the most powerful Mercedes-AMG V8 series engine ever conceived, a testament to AMG’s engineering prowess.
To truly redefine the super sports car archetype, the engine specialists in Affalterbach undertook an extensive redevelopment of the already acclaimed 4.0-liter V8 biturbo unit. This wasn’t a minor tweak; despite its established reputation for exceptional drivability, potent power delivery, and formidable torque, the team aimed for a paradigm shift. The objectives were clear and ambitious: to extract significantly more power than the previous flagship models within the AMG GT family, to achieve an even more instantaneous throttle response, and to maximize torque output. These demanding targets necessitated a radical engineering departure – the adoption of a new, flat-plane crankshaft.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH at the time of its development, aptly stated, “The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive highlight and proudly continues a tradition that began in 2006. This sixth iteration is another significant AMG milestone and compelling evidence of the extraordinary development expertise residing in Affalterbach. I am immensely proud of the team that has brought to life this unique super sports car, which now represents the absolute zenith of our successful GT family. The performance, visual appeal, and driving dynamics of the GT Black Series are simply unmatched. This project was a fantastic culmination to my tenure at AMG, for which I am truly grateful.”
The Distinctive Heart: A Groundbreaking V8 Engine Design
The architectural design of a V8 engine provides engineers with considerable latitude, particularly in the critical area of crankshaft configuration. This arrangement profoundly influences the engine’s character and performance attributes. Typically, V8 engines employ one of two crankshaft designs: the ‘cross-plane’ crankshaft, where the crankpins of the four cylinder pairs are positioned at 90-degree angles to each other – a configuration AMG has historically utilized in its V8 engines – or the ‘flat-plane crankshaft,’ where all crankpins reside on the same plane, offset by 180 degrees.
Visually, a cross-plane crankshaft, when viewed from the front, reveals the cruciform shape that lends it its name. The advantages of this design include exceptional smoothness of operation and substantial torque generation at lower engine speeds. The distinctive, deep rumble characteristic of cross-plane V8 engines is another defining attribute. To optimize the displacement and unlock the full performance potential of the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, AMG engineers strategically positioned the exhaust side within the ‘hot inside V’ – the inner V-shape formed by the two cylinder banks of the V8 engine.
Unleashing Power Through Uniformly Oscillating Gas Columns
A further avenue for enhancing engine performance lies in the adoption of a flat-plane crankshaft. In a flat-plane V8 engine, the crankshaft’s appearance is akin to that of an inline four-cylinder engine, albeit with wider crankpins, each accommodating two connecting rods in the V8 configuration. Ignition in a flat-plane V8 engine sequences from one cylinder bank to the next, resulting in a more efficient gas cycle. The characteristic firing order, defined by a 180-degree crankshaft angle offset, is 1-8-2-7 4-5-3-6. This firing sequence generates uniformly oscillating gas columns within both the exhaust and intake tracts. These resonant gas columns can be strategically harnessed to amplify engine performance. An even more significant advantage is the markedly improved agility of the throttle response, making the engine feel incredibly sharp and reactive to driver inputs.
The Most Powerful V8 Engine Ever Crafted by 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 been designated a new internal code: M178 LS2. This new designation reflects the extensive array of modifications implemented. This powerhouse churns out an astounding 720 horsepower in the 6,700 to 6,900 rpm range and delivers a peak torque of 590 lb-ft, sustained from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds, meticulously adapted to the novel firing order, further optimize the gas cycle.
Mirroring the top-tier four-door AMG GT Coupe, both twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted on anti-friction bearings. This sophisticated engineering choice further refines throttle response. However, the GT Black Series distinguishes itself with larger compressor wheels within the turbochargers, enabling a total boost pressure of 24.6 psi. To provide context, the AMG GT R operates at 19.6 psi. The engine’s performance envelope is further expanded with a redline culminating at 7,200 rpm, beyond the typical continuous speed threshold of 7,000 rpm. Larger intercoolers are integrated to ensure that the charge-air temperature remains within the optimal range, even under extreme operating conditions. The unique character of this new engine is visually underscored by a distinctive engine badge rendered in black.
Blistering Acceleration: 0-124 mph in Under Nine Seconds
The newly developed Handcrafted AMG engine in the GT Black Series bestows upon it a truly unique persona, not only evident in its power delivery but also in its distinctive and aggressive sound signature. This engine empowers the GT Black Series to achieve breathtaking performance figures. It catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, and reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in under nine seconds. The electronically limited top speed is an astonishing 202 mph, a figure best explored within the confines of closed racetracks.
Modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission
Power from this formidable engine is channeled to the rear wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In keeping with all AMG GT 2-door models, the transmission is positioned on the rear axle in a transaxle configuration, optimizing weight distribution and contributing to the car’s balanced handling. This transmission has been specifically recalibrated and reinforced for duty in the AMG GT Black Series, meticulously adapted to manage the increased torque output of 590 lb-ft. The conventional boundaries governing shift performance and response time have been pushed further, tailoring the transmission for the rigors of racetrack driving.
This comprehensive suite of modifications translates into a driving experience characterized by new and exceptional attributes. The accelerator and engine response are notably more agile, and the drive programs, start-up characteristics, and gear changes are all sharpened. The Race Start function now delivers even more electrifying launches, thanks to elevated starting revs, more finely tuned wheel slip control, and the utilization of high-performance tires designed for racetrack adhesion. Furthermore, the transmission cooling system has been upgraded to meet the amplified demands of track use, and the transmission ratios have been subtly refined.
The ‘torque tube’ serves as the crucial link between the engine and the transmission. Constructed from carbon fiber, it weighs a mere 30.6 lbs, representing a weight reduction of approximately 40 percent compared to its already weight-optimized aluminum counterpart in the standard AMG GT. As a structural component within the transaxle drivetrain, it establishes an exceptionally torsionally rigid connection between the engine and transmission. This rigid link fosters a direct drivetrain connection that is beneficial for driving dynamics and also plays a pivotal role in achieving the vehicle’s balanced weight distribution. The drive shaft that rotates within the torque tube is also fabricated from lightweight carbon fiber.
Sophisticated Aerodynamics: Sculpted for Unrivaled Driving Dynamics
The sophisticated and meticulously optimized aerodynamics of the AMG GT Black Series are pivotal in achieving both agile driving dynamics and unwavering stability at high speeds, particularly on demanding circuits. Continuing the collaborative approach employed for the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO, aerodynamics experts and designers worked in close concert to refine the aerodynamic characteristics of the GT Black Series. ‘Form follows function’ is not just a design principle here; it is the guiding philosophy for the new Black Series.
The visual and technical kinship with the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is stronger than ever before. This connection is immediately evident in the new, significantly enlarged radiator air inlet, directly descended from the AMG GT3 racing car. The radiator trim features vertical slats finished in dark chrome. With the wheel arch coolers now also directly fed with air via this central inlet, the need for two additional outer air inlets in the front bumper is eliminated. Semicircular flics are strategically positioned to optimize airflow, not only increasing downforce at the front axle but also enhancing brake cooling efficiency. ‘Air curtains’ are employed to manage and direct airflow towards the wheels. In concert with the flics positioned in front of the wheels, these enhancements contribute to reducing the drag coefficient and increasing downforce. The new design language, therefore, seamlessly integrates maximum cool-air efficiency with minimized air resistance and elevated levels of downforce at the front.
The carbon-fiber front splitter offers two manually adjustable settings: ‘Street’ and ‘Race’ – with the ‘Race’ setting exclusively intended for racetrack use. This adjustability allows for adaptation to diverse track conditions. When extended forward to the ‘Race’ position, a front diffuser in the form of a reversed wing profile is created beneath the front section. Depending on driving speed, this element is further lowered by the increasing negative pressure. This phenomenon significantly accelerates airflow on the underbody, creating a ‘Venturi effect’ that effectively draws the car closer to the road surface and amplifies downforce on the front axle. The driver can discern these aerodynamic benefits through the steering: the Black Series exhibits even greater steering precision when cornering at high speeds and demonstrates exceptional directional stability. Especially during high-speed cornering and under substantial lateral acceleration, the vehicle delivers an agile response with clear steering wheel feedback, while remaining remarkably controllable at all times. When the front diffuser is in the ‘Race’ position, downforce at the rear axle can be further augmented by the newly designed rear spoiler.
Hood with Integrated Exhaust Air Openings: Enhancing Aero-Performance
Another direct derivative from motorsport engineering is the new carbon-fiber hood, featuring two large exhaust air outlets crafted from black-finished carbon-fiber surfaces. These substantial outlets strategically channel warm air, originating from the diagonally positioned cooling pack, out of the engine compartment. This technology, directly borrowed from motorsport, contributes to increasing overall downforce. Simultaneously, it reduces air resistance and optimizes the air mass flow dedicated to engine cooling. The airflow is also specifically guided around the A-pillars and side windows towards the rear, where it enhances the effectiveness of the new rear spoiler design. Seamlessly integrated front fender vents, incorporating five fins in body color and exhaust air openings behind the wheels in the front carbon-fiber fenders, contribute to increased downforce at the front axle through effective wheel arch ventilation. The airflow around the vehicle is further optimized by new, significantly larger and wider side sill panels featuring black carbon-fiber elements, seamlessly merging into vertical blades at the front and rear. Additional cooling air ducts are integrated into the side sill panels to facilitate brake cooling at the rear axle.
Two-Stage Rear Spoiler Concept: Maximizing Downforce
The rear aesthetic is defined by the new rear bumper, incorporating a large diffuser, dual rounded twin-tailpipe trims positioned outboard on the left and right, side wheel arch ventilation, and the groundbreaking rear spoiler design. Both spoiler blades are constructed from carbon fiber, offering mechanical adjustability to adapt to varying track conditions. The second, lower blade is intentionally designed to be particularly small and narrow, an ideal configuration for the airflow arriving from the front of the car. Lightweight yet robust carbon-fiber spoiler supports, painted matte black and meticulously engineered through extensive simulations, further enhance aerodynamic efficiency. These supports are securely bolted to the carbon-fiber rear hatch, which is also finished in black.
A particularly noteworthy detail is the adjustable flap integrated into the upper blade. This active aerodynamic element is electronically adjusted by up to 20 degrees, adapting to the driving situation and the selected AMG DYNAMICS mode to optimize both longitudinal and transverse dynamics. In a flat position, it minimizes air resistance, facilitating quicker attainment of top speed. When inclined, the flap enhances braking performance and cornering stability by increasing downforce at the rear axle.
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 more rapidly. However, in scenarios involving sudden braking or corner entry, the flap instantaneously reverts to its extended position to optimize braking and cornering through increased downforce and air resistance. Drivers also have the option to manually retract or extend the flap using a dedicated button located in the center console.
Extensive Underbody Paneling: Optimizing Airflow
The comprehensive aerodynamic development extends to the now nearly fully paneled underbody. This paneling is engineered to fulfill not only aerodynamic requirements but also thermal management demands (heat dissipation). The flat underbody incorporates specially designed longitudinal fins. These air channels are meticulously optimized to ensure ideal airflow to the rear diffuser. The entire underbody design accelerates airflow, significantly amplifying downforce. All these measures are carefully coordinated and interact synergistically with the new rear spoiler design. The cumulative effect of these aerodynamic enhancements is a downforce level exceeding 882 lbs at 155 mph.
Lightweight Carbon Fiber: A Material Philosophy
Lightweight and robust carbon fiber is extensively employed throughout the AMG GT Black Series, reflecting an ‘intelligent material mix’ and a ‘lightweight construction’ philosophy. The carbon-fiber roof, featuring a lowered center section, and the carbon-fiber rear hatch, incorporating a small spoiler lip and a larger rear windshield fabricated from lightweight glass, are key examples. Moving to the front, lightweight glass is also utilized for the laminated front windshield. The coiled carbon-fiber transmission mount is another exclusive Black Series component. Additional carbon-fiber shear panels in the front section, underbody, and rear stiffen the entire aluminum body shell structure. These panels, along with the lightweight integral carrier and the carbon-fiber cross tunnel, enhance body shell stability. These elements form a cohesive network, contributing to the high driving precision of the Black Series in all driving maneuvers. The carbon-fiber shear panel beneath the engine is connected to the integral carrier, stiffening the entire front section and steering system, resulting in noticeably more precise steering and further stabilizing the front axle. 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 brake calipers and white lettering, is also characterized by low weight and exceptional performance. Special brake pads and rotors, coupled with enhanced brake cooling, guarantee optimal and consistent deceleration, along with high-precision brake application. The 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 design enables elevated cornering speeds and provides the driver with optimized road feel when pushing the car to its limits in corners. Wishbones, steering knuckles, and hub carriers on both the front and rear axles are entirely fabricated from forged aluminum to minimize unsprung mass. Spherical bearings on the upper and lower wishbones of the rear axle are directly derived from motorsport technology. Their design eliminates play, ensuring that toe-in and camber remain consistent even under extreme loads. Consequently, the GT Black Series delivers precise steering, provides clear steering feedback, and enhances cornering performance.
Similar to the AMG GT R, the Black Series utilizes an AMG coil-over suspension with adjustable spring preload. This system incorporates technology adapted to meet the specific demands of extreme racetrack use, characterized by high damping forces. Motorsport-derived technology is seamlessly integrated with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. This electronically controlled system autonomously adjusts damping at each wheel, responding to 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 are newly developed and also rooted in motorsport technology, exhibiting even more agile responses to rapid suspension movements. A firmer damping rate, particularly during cornering and braking, effectively reduces body roll. The continuous adaptation of damping to suit current speed ensures optimal road contact, enhancing safety, even at high velocities.
Drivers can also fine-tune the adaptive damping characteristics at the touch of a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT or by utilizing the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Three modes are available: ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Sport Plus’. Refined logic enhances the trade-off between comfort and performance. ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ are suitable for public roads. In ‘Sport’, damping is firmer, providing a sportier body connection and reduced comfort. It can also be selected for racetracks with slippery conditions due to wet surfaces. ‘Sport Plus’ is optimized for racetrack use and incorporates a special feature: the system intelligently recognizes the quality of the track surface, differentiating between smooth Grand Prix circuits like Hockenheim and bumpy tracks like the Nürburgring North Loop. It then automatically adjusts the level of electronic damping within ‘Sport Plus’. This sophisticated logic was developed through extensive testing of the Black Series on a diverse range of track types, ensuring perfected adaptation.
Carbon Fiber Suspension Components: Further Weight Reduction
The front axle is equipped with a dual adjustable sway bar constructed from lightweight carbon fiber. The sway bar’s default setting provides a short and firm connection. Its counterpart at the rear axle is 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 setting (short connection) or a softer setting (long connection). The carbon-fiber shear panel in the rear underbody further enhances driving precision. This lightweight and rigid component stiffens the rear-end structure, further stabilizing the body shell. Electronically controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts have also been recalibrated to further enhance agility and deliver high-precision response and clear feedback.
Additional suspension enhancements include the wide track at both the front and rear, and manually adjustable camber at both axles. This adjustability allows for setting exceptionally high camber values, typically reserved for motorsport applications on closed racetracks, to maximize performance.
Bespoke Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, specifically tailored for the Black Series, have been developed in collaboration with Michelin®. As is customary in motorsport, this high-performance tire is exclusively available for Mercedes-AMG in two compounds. The standard factory-equipped tire is the soft-compound Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO1A, whose sidewall design enhances the visual profile of the AMG GT Black Series. A ‘hard compound’ version is also available as a retrofitting option for racetrack use in higher temperatures. In addition to the Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO2 designation, it can be identified by the tire compound availability through the AMG Performance Center and the distinctive motorsport sticker from Michelin. Tire sizes are 285/35 ZR 19 on 10 J x 19 wheels at the front and 335/30 ZR 20 on 12 J x 20 wheels at the rear.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Nine Levels of Grip Precision
For closed-track driving in ESP OFF mode, AMG TRACTION CONTROL empowers drivers with individualized support in managing the immense power of the Black Series, entirely without ESP brake intervention. The level of support is finely tunable, providing ideal assistance for each driver and track condition. AMG TRACTION CONTROL has been meticulously calibrated to meet the specific demands of the new Black Series, allowing preselection of one of nine slip settings on the live rear axle. Control is exclusively achieved through corresponding maps within the engine electronics, without any intervention from the ESP system, mirroring the approach in the GT3 racing car.
Operation is via a dedicated adjuster located in the central console, accessible even while wearing racing gloves due to its central dashboard position. Depending on the selected setting, the system permits varying degrees of slip on the rear wheels, proving invaluable across diverse road conditions. Level 1 is programmed for wet conditions, prioritizing high safety reserves. Level 9 allows for maximum slip at the rear axle. Each setting is visually displayed on the adjuster itself and within the instrument cluster’s central display.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL offers a significant advantage over 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 the wheels reach this slip threshold during acceleration, the traction control system modulates engine output to prevent exceeding the limit, ensuring continued acceleration within the specified slip parameters. The system’s algorithms employ a double control variable model, governing not only engine drive torque but also the locking level of the electronic differential lock.
Exclusive Interior: Orange Accents and Driver-Focused Design
The interior design of the AMG GT Black Series emphatically reinforces its pole position. Exclusive nappa leather is combined 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 amplify the interior’s sporty character. AMG carbon-fiber bucket seats (not available in the USA, Canada, and China) combine low weight with optimal lateral support. In the USA, Canada, and China, the Black Series is equipped with AMG Performance seats as standard. The interior is also optionally available with silver contrasting topstitching.
Digital Displays: AMG-Specific Graphics and Information
The AMG GT Black Series features the fully digital instrument displays from the AMG GT family, incorporating a 12.3-inch instrument cluster in front of the driver and a 10.25-inch multimedia display on the center console. The instrument cluster offers various designs, with three AMG-specific display styles: ‘Classic’, ‘Sporty’, or ‘Supersport’. The ‘Supersport’ view, featuring a central rev counter, provides extensive supplementary information, including a ‘shift light’ prompt for upshifts in manual transmission mode. Visualizations on the multimedia display enhance the experience of vehicle functions, such as animated presentations of driving assistance, vehicle, and communication systems.
Center Console Display Buttons: Intuitive Control at Your Fingertips
Innovative, colored display buttons in the V-shaped center console integrate the display and control of transmission logic, suspension, ESP, exhaust system, rear spoiler flap, and start/stop function. The TFT display buttons utilize intuitive symbols to represent their functions and are easily operated with a light finger tap. Their mechanical pressure point allows operation even while wearing racing gloves. The display buttons are complemented by two rocker switches for drive program selection 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 with a heavily contoured rim, and intuitive operation. The steering wheel rim is fully trimmed in DINAMICA microfiber, while the steering wheel badge exclusively features the Black Series lettering alongside the AMG logo. Aluminum steering wheel shift paddles facilitate manual gear changes for even sportier driving. Integrated Touch Control buttons enable control of the instrument cluster and multimedia display through horizontal and vertical finger swipes.
As standard, the AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons include a round controller with an integrated display, and two vertically positioned colored display buttons with switches. AMG drive programs are activated using the right controller, with the selected setting displayed on the color LCD integrated into the controller.
Two freely configurable display buttons and additional switches on the left side allow direct control of further AMG functions from the steering wheel. This design enables drivers to maintain full concentration on high-speed driving without removing their hands from the wheel. Each required function is represented by a display icon, customizable by the driver using the respective switch. This allows for defining two preferred AMG functions and altering settings with a simple finger tap.
The AMG Interior Night Package is included as standard equipment. Within this package, shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, and seat inserts in the AMG Performance seats are finished in high-gloss black, while door sill panels are finished in black brushed stainless steel, further emphasizing the car’s inherent sportiness.
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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