Presented by RM Sotheby’s – The 2015 launch of the Mercedes-AMG GT continued the brand’s momentum for continued sales and development which was initially set into motion by the preceding SLS AMG model introduced in 2011. In 2016, Mercedes-AMG released GT3 and GT4 Touring Car versions to privateer racing teams. Now, five years of racing developments have birthed the ultimate road-going example of the model, the brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
The drama of the GT Black Series is immediately apparent. The design’s gaping front fascia has been crimped from the GT3, channeling fresh air directly to the radiators via an isolated intake channel. An adjustable, carbon fiber front splitter can deploy from the bumper in moments, thereby maximizing the on-track effectiveness of the Venturi phenomenon for massive improvements in downforce. The Black Series’ bonnet is composed of carbon fiber, as are the roof and tailgate; the cabin glass is also of a thinner specification than the standard GT.
The car’s widened fenders feature GT3-inspired gills and rear slats that vent pressurized air channeled by the car’s suite of underbody curtains, diffusers, and sealed panel joints. The wheel wells feature a network of cooling ducts for the massive carbon-ceramic brakes which have been cleverly integrated into the side skirts and rear diffuser. Being a road car, the GT Black Series could not make use of the GT3’s active rear wing. Instead, the Black Series’ exclusive rear wing design has retained the same surface area of the GT3 design but distributed it over an ingenious two-tier structure that is cantilevered over the rear tailgate. A retuned set of adjustable coilovers and carbon fiber chassis reinforcements throughout, all provide superior rigidity across the coupe’s 104-inch wheelbase.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the ultimate GT not simply because of its repertoire of new features harvested from the GT3 Touring Car. At its heart lies the new ‘M178 LS2’ engine which has been exclusively developed for use in the GT Black Series. This new powerplant features a reconfigured 4.0-liter displacement constructed around a flat pane crankshaft; AMG literature states that the new firing order greatly improves thermal dynamics and throttle response. The pair of twin-scroll turbochargers have also been enlarged over previous iterations of the M178 blueprint; they operate at a ‘normal’ boost setting of 25 PSI.
All told, the GT Black Series’ exclusive new powerplant is factory-rated at an astounding 730 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT with gear ratios optimized for rapid acceleration over top speed. Zero to 60 mph takes just three seconds, with 125 mph arriving just six seconds later en route to a reported top speed over 200 mph.
All told, the GT Black Series’ exclusive new powerplant is factory-rated at an astounding 730 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT with gear ratios optimized for rapid acceleration over top speed. Zero to 60 mph takes just three seconds, with 125 mph arriving just six seconds later en route to a reported top speed over 200 mph.
This vehicle will be offered in RM Sotheby’s new Milan Sale, taking place 15 June at Palazzo Serbelloni in Italy. The sale will be livestreamed and remote bidding options are available.
