Meet the flagship of Mercedes-AMG, the new GT Black Series

Since 2006, Mercedes-AMG has used the Black Series name for its most representative models, vehicles that could be considered competition cars but that hold all the homologations needed to be driven on the road. A good example is the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, the new crown jewel of the brand, derived directly from the AMG GT3 competition car, and featuring the most powerful V8 of all its models.

Competition-level aerodynamics at the driver’s service

Only a few days ago, the Mercedes-AMG already teased itself in video form, but now we can see and admire it in full detail, examining the changes the brand has made to its bodywork. It is clear that the front grille with vertical bars in Dark Chrome colour features larger dimensions, which has allowed the removal of the air intakes previously located at the ends that helped cool the radiators in the wheel arches. In a vehicle of this kind, aerodynamics are extremely important, which is why we find new half-moon-shaped “flics” to optimise airflow, which work together with the “Air Curtains” that direct air towards the wheels, thus improving aerodynamic resistance and increasing downforce with both elements.

Continuing at the front, underneath we find the front splitter made entirely of carbon fibre and manually adjustable in Street and Race modes. The Race mode is reserved exclusively for the track, since this creates a front diffuser shaped like an inverted wing, so that depending on speed this part lowers to accelerate the airflow underneath, creating the Venturi effect. This means the AMG GT Black Series crouches even closer to the ground, increasing downforce and improving stability thanks to greater grip, agility and handling.

We will find many more elements that help the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series increase downforce, such as the side ventilation slots with five slats painted in the same colour as the bodywork, the air outlets on the front wings in carbon fibre, the larger side trim pieces with carbon fibre elements ending in vertical deflectors that optimise airflow, and also the huge air outlets inherited from competition located on the bonnet which, besides helping to evacuate hot air from the engine, redirect it along the A-pillars towards the rear to aid the efficiency of the rear spoiler.

Moving to the rear, we see a new and enormous rear diffuser which also houses the twin exhaust outlets and, on either side, slots that evacuate air from the rear wheel arches. But undoubtedly what will catch our attention most is the huge two-plane rear wing made of carbon fibre and mechanically adjustable, bolted to the tailgate, also in carbon fibre. The lower plane receives air from the front, while the upper plane contains a movable flap that can be adjusted within a 20-degree range depending on the driving style and the selected AMG Dynamics mode (Basic, Advanced, Pro or Master).

Very sporty and technological interior

If carbon fibre is the great protagonist on the exterior, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is dominated by Napa leather combined with Dinamica microfibre and orange contrast stitching. To this we must add the AMG Night package, which comes as standard: the gear paddles, the steering wheel spokes and the inserts of the optional AMG Performance seats are finished in high-gloss black, as are the door sill strips in brushed black stainless steel. It should be noted that, optionally, grey contrast stitching can be installed.

We find a new design for the door panels and the instrument binnacle, where the driver has a fully digital 12.3-inch display that can be customised with three AMG-specific display styles. In the centre console there is a 10.25-inch screen for the infotainment system, below which are the distinctive TFT-technology touch displays used to control and monitor the gear selector, the chassis, the ESP, the exhaust system, the rear wing flap and the Start/Stop function. The AMG Performance steering wheel is also new and features integrated Touch Control buttons.

Under its bonnet, the most powerful V8 from AMG

Faced with such an exercise in engineering, we can expect nothing less than an engine that puts a smile from ear to ear just by starting it. Under its bonnet we find a 4,000 cc twin-turbo V8 delivering 720 CV of power together with 800 Nm of torque sent to the rear wheels, paired with a 7-speed AMG SpeedShift DCT automatic gearbox, with which it can reach 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h in 9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h. Its combined consumption is 12.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are 292 g/km, figures according to the NEDC test cycle.

All this power can be kept under control thanks to the excellent tuning of its chassis, but also through elements such as AMG adjustable-spring suspension and adaptive adjustable damping, which can be adapted from the AMG Drive Unit at the touch of a button or through the driving modes of AMG Dynamic Select, choosing between Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus modes. In addition, when on the track, we will have the AMG Traction Control mode when ESP is switched off, allowing us to adjust the level of assistance we need according to our skill. As standard, contact with the road is made through Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO1A tyres on 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch at the rear, while braking is handled by a high-performance ceramic brake system with black calipers.