As predicted last week, the gob-smacking Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series has been unveiled in Europe.
Bristling with motorsport-derived technology, the lightweight gullwing tips the scales at 1550kgs (70kgs lighter than the standard SLS AMG) and with an uprated 464kW version of the 6.3-litre V8 engine under the bonnet, requires just 3.6-seconds to cover zero to 100km/h and delivers a top speed of 315km/h.
And those Australians with a sufficiently large credit card need to move equally fast to their local ‘Benz dealer to order one as Mercedes-Benz Australia will secure just a few SLS AMG Black Series vehicles for local sale from mid next year (price unknown at this time).
The fifth Black Series model from AMG, the SLS version is simply breathtaking to look at and breathtaking in the technology it highlights. Coil-over AMG ride control suspension, ceramic composite brakes, lightweight alloy wheels with new-technology high performance tyres and AMG electronic differential are all standard and an advanced aerodynamics kit is a desirable pick from the options list.
“The new SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology from motorsport to the road,” revealed Mercedes-AMG chief Ola Kallenius. “We have drawn inspiration from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car on both a conceptual and a technological level.”
Under the bonnet, the uprated 6.3-litre V8 has a red-line of 8000rpm and delivers maximum power of 464kW at 7400rpm and peak torque of 635Nm at 5500rpm. That’s 44kW more than the regular SLS AMG but still short of the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive’s 552kW.
Among the changes are new camshafts and intake ducting while a gas strut secures the engine to the bodyshell to optimize load change at high speed. And the normal steel exhaust system has been replaced by a titanium system which makes a better noise and saves 13kgs in weight.
As per normal AMG practice, each engine is hand-built at the Affalterbach plant with one technician solely responsible for an engine’s assembly from start to finish.
Carbon fibre is used extensively to save weight and the battery swaps to lithium-ion (saving eight kilos).
Drive is via a new version of the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed automatic - with faster shift times and a more pronounced throttle ‘blip’ on downshifts – and electronic differential with ‘Race Start’ function.
Underneath, the chassis is up to 50 per-cent more rigid, the track is widened by 20mm at the front and 24mm at the rear and the 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels are mounted with newly-developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Inside is the usual AMG Alcantara-trimmed masterpiece with lightweight seats, a magnificent F1-style steering wheel and high-gloss matt black finishes.
File this one under ‘S’ for stunning!
