The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series stands as the ultimate expression of AMG’s engineering prowess, a vehicle meticulously crafted to redefine the boundaries of super sports car performance. Born from a lineage steeped in motorsport heritage, this car isn’t just about raw power; it’s a symphony of cutting-edge technology, intelligent material use, and aerodynamic mastery. For enthusiasts and drivers who demand the absolute peak of automotive engineering, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series delivers an unparalleled experience.
Since 2006, the Black Series designation at Mercedes-AMG has signified something truly exceptional: cars that are unapologetically sporty, visually striking, and infused with technology directly derived from the racetrack. These aren’t garage queens; Black Series models are built to be driven hard, to devour apexes and push boundaries, all while remaining street-legal. The AMG GT Black Series elevates this tradition to new heights, housing the most potent AMG V8 engine ever to grace a production car.
To create this new benchmark, the engineers in Affalterbach embarked on a comprehensive reimagining of the already acclaimed 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. Despite its reputation for responsiveness and formidable power, the ambition was clear: surpass the existing AMG GT flagship in every metric. This demanded a radical departure, culminating in the adoption of a flat-plane crankshaft – a fundamental shift in V8 engine design.
Tobias Moers, former Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, aptly described 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.”
The Distinctive V8 Engine Design: Flat-Plane Revolution
The architecture of a V8 engine offers engineers a crucial area for manipulation: the crankshaft configuration. This element profoundly shapes the engine’s character. Typically, V8 engines employ one of two crankshaft designs: the cross-plane or the flat-plane. AMG’s previous V8 engines utilized the cross-plane design, characterized by crankpins positioned at 90-degree intervals. In contrast, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series embraces a flat-plane crankshaft, where all crankpins reside on a single plane with a 180-degree offset.
The cross-plane crankshaft, with its distinctive cross shape when viewed head-on, delivers exceptional smoothness and robust low-end torque. Its characteristic rumble is a defining sonic trait of the traditional cross-plane V8. To maximize the potential of the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo, AMG engineers ingeniously positioned the exhaust side within the engine’s “hot inside V,” nestled between the cylinder banks.
However, to extract even greater performance, the flat-plane crankshaft emerged as the key. A flat-plane V8 crankshaft resembles that of an inline four-cylinder engine, albeit with wider crankpins accommodating two connecting rods each. In this configuration, ignition sequences alternate between cylinder banks, optimizing the gas cycle. The firing order, dictated by the 180-degree crankshaft angle offset (1-8-2-7 4-5-3-6), generates uniformly oscillating gas columns in both the exhaust and intake tracts. These resonant gas columns are harnessed to amplify engine power. Furthermore, the flat-plane design yields a significantly sharper throttle response.
The Most Powerful V8 Engine from Mercedes-AMG: M178 LS2
While rooted in the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo architecture with dry sump lubrication, the engine powering the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series boasts the new internal designation M178 LS2, reflecting its extensive modifications. This powerhouse unleashes 720 hp at 6,700-6,900 rpm and a staggering 590 lb-ft of torque across a broad 2,000-6,000 rpm range. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds, tailored to the unique firing order, further refine the gas cycle.
The twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers, equipped with anti-friction bearings akin to those in the AMG GT Coupe four-door flagship, exhibit even quicker response. However, for the GT Black Series, these turbochargers are enhanced with larger compressor wheels, capable of delivering a formidable 24.6 psi of boost pressure, a significant increase compared to the AMG GT R’s 19.6 psi. The engine’s redline extends to 7,200 rpm, and enlarged intercoolers maintain optimal charge-air temperatures. A black engine badge uniquely identifies this exceptional powerplant.
Blistering Performance: 0-124 mph in Under Nine Seconds
The bespoke AMG engine imbues the GT Black Series with a distinct character, evident not only in its power delivery but also in its visceral soundtrack. This engine translates to breathtaking performance figures: 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, and a blistering 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) in under nine seconds. While its 202 mph top speed is best reserved for closed circuits, it underscores the car’s raw potential.
Modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission: Track-Focused Precision
Power 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 optimal weight distribution, a hallmark of AMG GT 2-door models. This transmission has been meticulously recalibrated for the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, engineered to manage the increased torque output. Shift speeds and response times have been further optimized for track performance.
The result is heightened agility in accelerator and engine response, drive programs, start-up characteristics, and gear changes. The Race Start function is now even more potent, benefiting from elevated starting revs, refined wheel slip control, and track-ready high-performance tires. Enhanced transmission cooling and subtly revised gear ratios further contribute to its track prowess.
A carbon fiber ‘torque tube’ connects the engine and transmission, weighing a mere 30.6 lbs, approximately 40 percent lighter than the aluminum counterpart in the standard AMG GT. This structural element of the transaxle drivetrain creates an exceptionally torsionally rigid link, fostering direct drivetrain connection, enhancing driving dynamics, and contributing to balanced weight distribution. The driveshaft within is also crafted from lightweight carbon fiber.
Sophisticated Aerodynamics: Mastering Downforce and Stability
The advanced aerodynamic package significantly contributes to the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series‘ agile handling and high-speed stability. Aerodynamicists and designers collaborated closely, drawing inspiration from the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars. “Form follows function” is the guiding principle, evident in every detail.
The resemblance to its racing siblings is unmistakable, starting with the enlarged radiator air inlet directly derived from the AMG GT3. Vertical slats in dark chrome adorn the radiator trim, and the central inlet now feeds air directly to the wheel arch coolers, eliminating the need for outer air inlets in the front bumper. Semicircular flics optimize airflow, increasing front axle downforce and enhancing brake cooling. “Air curtains” manage airflow towards the wheels, working in concert with the flics to reduce drag and increase downforce. This design philosophy balances cooling efficiency with reduced air resistance and enhanced front-end downforce.
The carbon fiber front splitter features two manually adjustable settings (Street and Race – Race for track use only). In Race position, it extends forward, creating a reversed wing profile front diffuser. This element, influenced by rising negative pressure at higher speeds, further accelerates underbody airflow, creating a ‘Venturi effect’ that draws the car closer to the road and increases front axle downforce. This translates to enhanced steering precision and directional stability, particularly during high-speed cornering. With the front diffuser in Race position, the new rear spoiler design further amplifies rear axle downforce.
The carbon fiber hood, another motorsport-derived component, features two large exhaust air outlets. These outlets channel hot air from the diagonally positioned cooling pack out of the engine compartment, a technology directly from racing, increasing overall downforce and reducing air resistance while optimizing engine cooling airflow. Air is guided around the A-pillars and side windows to enhance the efficiency of the rear spoiler. Integrated front fender vents and wider side sill panels with carbon fiber elements further contribute to downforce.
The rear view is defined by the new rear bumper with a large diffuser, twin-tailpipe trims, side wheel arch ventilation, and the innovative two-stage rear spoiler. Both carbon fiber spoiler blades are mechanically adjustable for varying track conditions. The upper blade incorporates an electronically adjustable flap that optimizes longitudinal and transverse dynamics based on driving situation and AMG DYNAMICS mode, enhancing braking and cornering stability or reducing air resistance for top speed.
Extensive underbody paneling, almost fully enclosed, incorporates longitudinal fins to optimize airflow to the rear diffuser, accelerating airflow and significantly increasing downforce. These measures contribute to a downforce level exceeding 882 lbs at 155 mph.
Lightweight Construction: Carbon Fiber and Intelligent Material Mix
The lightweight carbon fiber roof, carbon fiber rear hatch, and lightweight glass for the windshield exemplify the ‘intelligent material mix’ and ‘lightweight construction’ principles. A coiled carbon fiber transmission mount is another Black Series exclusive. Carbon fiber shear panels and a lightweight integral carrier further stiffen the aluminum body shell, enhancing driving precision.
The standard ceramic high-performance compound brake system and light-alloy forged wheels further contribute to weight reduction.
AMG Coil-Over Suspension: Adaptive Damping for Track Domination
A double wishbone suspension design ensures exceptional wheel control and stability, enabling high cornering speeds and optimized road feel at the limit. Forged aluminum wishbones, steering knuckles, and hub carriers minimize unsprung mass. Spherical bearings on the rear axle wishbones, derived from motorsport, eliminate play and maintain consistent toe-in and camber even under extreme loads, resulting in precise steering and enhanced cornering performance.
The AMG coil-over suspension with adjustable spring preload, tailored for extreme track use, features technology adapted from motorsport and integrates the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. Electronically controlled dampers at each wheel adapt to driving conditions, speed, and road surface. Two separate valves for rebound and compression forces enable rapid and precise damping modulation.
Drivers can adjust damping characteristics via the AMG DRIVE UNIT or AMG DYNAMIC SELECT modes, choosing between “Comfort”, “Sport”, and “Sport Plus”. “Sport Plus” intelligently adapts damping based on track surface quality, optimizing performance on both smooth and bumpy circuits.
A dual adjustable sway bar made of lightweight carbon fiber at the front axle and a 3-way adjustable steel sway bar at the rear further refine handling. Electronically controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts enhance agility and response. Wide front and rear tracks and manually adjustable camber optimize track performance.
Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, specifically developed for the Black Series, are available in two compounds: a soft compound standard tire and a harder compound option for higher track temperatures. Sizes are 285/35 ZR 19 front and 335/30 ZR 20 rear.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Nine Levels of Grip Mastery
For track use in ESP OFF mode, AMG TRACTION CONTROL offers nine levels of adjustable slip control, allowing drivers to fine-tune assistance without ESP intervention. Operated via a central console adjuster, it provides optimal support for various driving conditions and driver skill levels. Level 1 offers maximum safety in wet conditions, while Level 9 permits maximum rear axle slip.
The system anticipates situations using a friction coefficient evaluator and other data, calculating permissible drive slip and modulating engine output and electronic differential lock accordingly.
Exclusive Interior: Race-Inspired Luxury
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series emphasizes its performance focus with exclusive nappa leather and sporty DINAMICA microfiber in black with orange contrasting topstitching. Lightweight door panels with loop pull handles, matte black carbon fiber trim, and the Interior Night Package further enhance the sporty ambiance. AMG carbon fiber bucket seats (AMG Performance seats in USA, Canada, and China) offer optimal lateral support.
Digital displays with AMG-specific graphics provide comprehensive vehicle information. Display buttons in the center console offer intuitive control of key vehicle functions, and the AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfiber and integrated controls ensures optimal driver engagement.
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 |
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is more than just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance, a fusion of racing technology and road-going refinement, and the ultimate expression of the AMG GT lineage. For those seeking the most exhilarating and capable driving experience, the Black Series stands alone.
