Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Revealed

Mercedes-Benz the fastest-ever version of its SLS supercar, the SLS AMG Black Series.

Preparing for the car’s official debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has released the fist photos of their latest addition to the Black Series line-up.

The SLS AMG Black Series is by far the most impressive Mercedes-Benz supercar to date and if you don’t believe it, just continue reading below.

Distinguished by a series of aerodynamic and bodywork changes from the “normal” SLS AMG, the Black Series is inspired by the GT3 race car. Flared fenders were added to create the necessary space for the sport tires, while the tinted headlamps and black surrounds for the rear light give the car an aggressive look.

The vehicle’s aerodynamic balance is optimized by front, rear and side skirts and a rear diffuser, all wearing the Black Series design signature. The carbon-fiber insert on the sides with air outlet and a black fin is also reminiscent of the GT3, and this feature helps reduce the temperature in the engine compartment for maximum stability, even in tough race track use.

The same V8, more power

The SLS AMG Coupe Black Series features the same 6.3-litre V8 as the standard car, but power is up by 59 horse power to an amazing 622 hp. To help the engine cope with the new power, the rev limit has been increased from 7,200 rpm to 8,000 rpm. Acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour is quicker at 3.5 seconds and top speed is now at 196 miles per hour.

Mercedes-Benz has dropped a total of 154 pounds from the SLS’s weight to remain with 3,417 pounds. A new carbon fibre torque tube is 29.3 pounds lighter than the regular aluminium unit, while ceramic brakes save 35.3 pounds. The titanium exhaust system, the lithium-ion starter battery and fibre-reinforced platic bucket seats and chassis parts have also contributed to the total weight saving effort.

High quality interior

“The interior of the SLS AMG Black Series features high-quality materials with precision workmanship and exquisitely designed details”, said Mercedes-Benz. And if you ask us, they’re not lying. Almost everything is a combination of leather and Alcantara, starting from door pannels or the steering wheel, and ending with the dashboard and the AMG sports seats. Bold highlights come from the red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG bucket seats, the center console, the upper and lower section of the dashboard and the door paneling. For additional weight saving of 13 pounds, the customer may skip the COMAND multimedia system.

AMG Aerodynamics package

If you’re pickier than the regular SLS AMG Black Series costumer, Mercedes-Benz is ready to upgrade your car with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package. This package features an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing with carbon fiber and aluminum elements and a Gurney flap for a further increase in downforce. The Aerodynamics package also includes the exclusive AMG Solar Beam exterior paint as well as six further paint finishes from the SLS AMG range, including the matte magno alanite grey.

“The perfect study”

“The new SLS AMG Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to road. 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. Boasting numerous lightweight components and fascinating dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated ‘Driving Performance.’ The SLS AMG Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and a highly emotional driving experience“, says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package. The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the engine, transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also giving top priority to our ‘AMG Lightweight Performance’ strategy. Outstanding efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a curb weight of 3,417 pounds“, notes Tobias Moers, Head of Total Vehicle Development and Member of the Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The 2014 SLS AMG Gullwing Black Series goes on sale next summer, but Mercedes has yet to announce pricing or production numbers.