The Mercedes SLS AMG GT is already a mean machine, packing up a grumpy 591-horsepower from the 6.2-liter V8 engine lying underneath the unusually long hood. But too much is never enough for the guys at the AMG tuning division, and there had been talks about a much powerful and serious version to hit the streets anytime soon. The wait is finally over as the in-house tuning outfit had just revealed their latest monster creation; the SLS AMG Black Series.
Like usual, Mercedes likes to keep their cars being naturally-aspirated, and the same goes to this new Black Series. Even so, they managed to jump up the power output from 590-horsepower all the way to 622-horsepower with a torque figure of 639Nm through a fully-revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, along with modifications to the air intake and adaptation of engine mapping.
The serious work poured down into the 6.2-liter power plant, coupled up with a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission gives the Black Series a slash of 0.3 seconds in the 0-100 time, dropping it down to 3.5 seconds but still retains the top speed of 315km/h.
Power was not the only concern as carbon fiber was extensively used throughout the Black Series to give the heavy beast a better weight to dance around. The chassis and interior saw a wide use of this lightweight material, shedding 70kg to bring its weight down to 1,550kg. The titanium exhaust system and a new lithium-ion starter battery also helped on this weight-shedding effort.
The effort continues all the way down to the rims with lightweight 10-spoke alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slicks to nail the car down to the tarmac. The standard, heavy steel brakes on the SLS were also ditched to give way for the much lighter and tougher two-piece carbon ceramic disc brakes.
In the aerodynamics department, the SLS Black gets a complete makeover for a meaner look and better handling. Other than the optional carbon fiber wing to increase the downforce, it also gets a carbon fiber splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser. A larger central air outlet could also be found to improve cooling and giving it a race car look.
Since this is no longer your normal Grand Tourer, Mercedes had ditched the COMAND infotainment system and gives the cabin red contrasting stitching as a reminder to both the driver and passenger that they are in for a ride of their lives. The car has yet to make an official debut, but is scheduled to do so at the upcoming L.A. Auto Show in two weeks time.
