When Mercedes-AMG launched their first standalone model, the GT, back in 2014, everyone was rightfully expecting it to be a platform onto which more variants and the odd (and inevitable) hardcore model(s) to follow. Then, AMG was known for their lightweight, aero’d up, and hunkered down Black Series cars, a treatment that they gave to the CLK and SL Coupe.
But the months passed without much word about a confirmed AMG GT Black, and the momentary squeal we heard last year turned out to be the GT R, a more powerful and more aggressive permutation that followed many of the same cues as a would-be Black Series model. Also, it was notably very green.
Now, though, it would appear that the Affalterbach mavericks aren’t satisfied with the R being their flagship’s flagship, and at last week’s Frankfurt Motor Show plans were revealed by CEO Tobias Moers that a the GT range will be expanding to include range-topping GT Black. Though, it won’t be until we’ve arrived at the final stretch of the AMG GT’s lifecycle.
Much like its would-be predecessor the SLS Black, the GT will only have earned the right to having been inducted into the Black Series club shortly before its successor makes its grand entrance - a swan-song, if you like. However, seeing as how we’re still at least a couple of years away from that, our own excitement will need to be tempered.
We speculate that the next-generation AMG GT will arrive in 2020, around the 5-year mark after the current car first arrived in the hands of owners as for the 2015 model year. For reference, production for the SLS AMG lasted over 5 model years.
On that assumption, a late 2018 or early 2019 arrival for the Black Series AMG GT seems likely, perhaps coinciding with the company’s foray into the four-door performance saloon market with their as-yet unnamed hybrid-powered Porsche Panamera slayer. Speaking of that particular German rival, given the GT’s loose pricing parity with the 911 range, this upcoming Black should see it positioned as a GT3 (or GT3 RS) alternative.
Power will still be developed from AMG’s M178 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, tuned to produce even more thrust than the GT R’s 430kW/700Nm benchmark. More than mere power and torque, though, they might focus more effort on the motor’s internals to improve response over a wider rev band, possibly increasing the redline to beyond the current 6,250rpm.
The GT R is already made lighter than the GT S Coupe, but the Black will naturally need to take its weight saving programme to a few notched shy of insane, which is a word that might be apt to describe its overall aerodynamic tweaks. With that reduced heft, the car could make use of more closely spaced ratios within the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to improve on the R’s 3.6-second 0-100km/h sprint time.
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