The Epitome Of Performance, The Pinnacle Of The GT Family, The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

Previewed at the Sepang International Circuit during the Mercedes-AMG Track Day, the pinnacle of the GT family, Mercedes-Benz presents the AMG GT Black Series.

Built for high-speed use on race tracks and roads, it’s more powerful than the previous flagship model, with an even more agile throttle response and maximum torque.

Outstandingly, all 13 units of this highly-exclusive machine destined for the Malaysian luxury sports car market have been spoken for.

First off, under the hood of the new GT Black Series lurks the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with dry sump lubrication.

Sporting newly developed camshafts and exhaust manifolds, they are adapted to a new firing order, which improves the gas cycle further.

Then, both of its twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers that are mounted in anti-friction bearings, as in the top-of-the-range four-door AMG GT Coupe, optimises its throttle response even further. 

However, for the Black Series, the turbochargers have been given a larger compressor wheel, meaning that both can deliver a total of 1,100 kg of air per hour. 

Married to the engine is a seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, with all power transferred to the rear wheels.

It has been modified for use in the AMG GT Black Series and adapted to the increased torque of 800 Nm, with the previous limits governing shift performance and response time extended.

The transmission is located on the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement for optimal weight distribution, as is the case for all AMG GT models.

Collectively, said setup achieves 537 kW (730 hp) at 6,700 to 6,900 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 800 Nm at 2,000 to 6,000 rpm. 

Due to all of these, it results with different handling traits. As not only is the accelerator and engine response now more agile, but the drive programs, start-up characteristics and gear changes are too.

More so, the ‘Race Start’ function is also now even more impressive, thanks to the increased starting revs, the more sensitive wheel slip control and the racetrack sports tires.

On top of that, the transmission cooling has been adapted to the tougher requirements, and the transmission ratios have also been slightly modified.

Elsewhere, its sophisticated aerodynamics make a significant contribution to high driving dynamics and stability on fast circuits. 

As with the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO, aerodynamics experts have worked in close collaboration, as 'form follows function' applies more than ever.

Specifically, likeness to the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is visually and technically stronger than ever before for the Black Series.

For example, the new and significantly larger cooling air inlet grille, which stems directly from the AMG GT3 racing car. Not to forget the radiator trim that has vertical struts in dark chrome. 

Next, the sickle-shaped flics optimize the air flow, which not only increases downforce at the front axle, but also improves brake cooling.

Another direct derivative from motorsport is the new carbon-fibre bonnet, with two large exhaust air outlets made from black-finished carbon surfaces. 

Also, the air is specifically guided around the A-pillars and side windows to the rear, where it increases the efficiency of the new rear aerofoil concept.

The seamlessly integrated air slots, with five fins in the body colour and exhaust air openings behind the wheels in the front carbon-fibre wings, further help to increase downforce. 

What’s more, the air flowing around the vehicle is also optimised by the new, larger and wider side sill panels with black carbon-fibre fitments, which merge into vertical blades at the front and rear.

Flipping to the rear, it gets a new rear apron with a large diffuser, two rounded twin tailpipe trims on the outside left and right, side wheel arch ventilation, and the innovative rear aerofoil concept. 

Both aerofoil blades are made from carbon fibre, can be mechanically adjusted and therefore adapted to various track conditions. 

In terms of the second lower positioned blade, it was made particularly small and narrow because this is ideal for the air arriving from the front of the car. 

On delivery both blades are set flat and the light yet robust carbon-fibre aerofoil comes in matte black and they are bolted to the carbon-fibre tailgate, which is also black.

Interestingly, the movable flap in the upper blade, plays as an active aerodynamic element that can be electronically adjusted by 20 degrees, to suit the driving and selected AMG ‘Dynamics’ mode.

Notably, for the active aerodynamics element, it is reliant on the AMG Dynamic Select drive program chosen and the AMG ‘Dynamics’ levels, Basic, Advanced, Pro or Master.

Apart from all of that, the detailed aerodynamic work also includes the now almost fully panelled underbody, which meet aerodynamic requirements as well as thermal.

Said flat underbody is equipped with specially designed longitudinal fins. These air directors have been meticulously optimised to ensure optimal air flow to the rear diffuser. 

All measures are coordinated and interact with the new rear aerofoil concept. The result of all these measures is a downforce level of well over 400 kg at 250 km/h.

Other than that, it features a lightweight carbon-fibre roof with a sunken centre, carbon-fibre tailgate with small spoiler lip and larger rear windscreen made from lightweight thin glass.

With all that power it needs major stopping power. As such, it is fitted with a standard ceramic high-performance compound brake system that aids in its low weight and high performance.

Special brake pads and discs together with modified brake cooling guarantee optimal and non-fading deceleration as well as high-precision brake-application options. 

Suspension-wise, it features a double wishbone concept, which locates the wheel with high camber and toe-in stability. 

This enables high cornering speeds and gives the driver optimum road feel when cornering at extreme limits. 

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are made entirely from forged aluminium in order to reduce the unsprung masses. 

Whereas, the spherical bearings on the upper and lower wishbones of the rear axle come straight from motorsport. 

Their design means they have no play, which means toe-in and camber do not change even under high loads. 

Therefore, the AMG GT Black Series allows for precise handling that provides clearer steering feedback and delivers better cornering performance.

Additionally, also fitted is an AMG coil-over suspension with adjustable spring preload. This tech is adapted to meet the specific requirements for extreme race track use with high damping forces.

To reach a lower vehicle centre of gravity for even higher transverse acceleration on flat stretches, the Black Series can also be electronically lowered by up to 10 mm.

Last but not least, is the AMG Traction Control. For use on cordoned-off racetracks in ‘ESP Off’ mode that enables the driver to get individual support for controlling its immense power.

The level of support can be fine-tuned, providing the ideal level of assistance for each driver and each track situation. 

Extensively tailored, the traction control meets the requirements of the new Black Series and allows preselection of one of nine slip settings on the live rear axle. 

Control is exclusively via corresponding maps in the engine electronics and without any intervention in the ESP system, as is also the case with the GT3 racing car.

Having said that, the new AMG GT is truly the embodiment of consistent technology transfer from motorsport to series production and by far the most powerful Black Series yet.