The 6.2 litre V8 engine produces 631 bhp as compared to the normal SLS AMG's 563bhp. The Black Series weighs 1450kg - 70kg less than the SLS AMG.
Other changes include a carbon driveshaft, lowered gearbox (and thus centre of gravity), increased track, a bodykit and adjustable suspension. Inside, a lot of the trim has been replaced with carbon fibre whilst an Alcantara steering wheel and red stitching make the Black Series stand out.
0-62mph is achieved in 3.6 seconds and top speed is 196mph.
Having driven both the SLS AMG and the C 63 AMG Black Series I can attest to the fact that both are über fast, über desirable cars. The Black Series obviously takes away some of the comfort and luxury of the standard car and replaces it with brutal performance and a soundtrack to make any petrol-head weep tears of joy.
The SLS AMG is a super fast grand tourer. The Black Series will be a super fast supercar. We'll drive one in the new year and report back. Hopefully it won't be painted an atrocious shade of yellow.
Full details from the Mercedes-Benz press release are below.
GT3
performance for the road
Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG
presents the high-end super sports car version of the gull-wing model, the new
SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing version,
the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating mix
of breath-taking design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising
lightweight construction in accordance with the "AMG Lightweight
Performance" strategy. With a DIN kerb weight of 1550 kilograms, the SLS
AMG Black Series achieves a power/weight ratio of 2.45 kg/hp. The AMG
6.3-litre V8 engine generates a power output of 631 hp at 7400 rpm and
accelerates the most dynamic gull-wing model of all time to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds.
The coil-over AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension, the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake
system and the weight-optimised forged AMG light-alloy wheels with newly
developed sports tyres combine with the electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG
SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring an uncompromisingly
emotional shift and response times to raise the SLS AMG Black Series
to a new level. The AMG Aerodynamics package is optionally available to
further boost the vehicle's driving dynamics.
Black Series – a name that resonates with automobile experts and enthusiasts.
Following on from the SLK 55 AMG Black Series from 2006, the CLK 63 AMG Black
Series (2007), the SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008) and the C 63 AMG
Coupé Black Series (2011), the fifth exponent sees the Black Series
entering a new dimension with the gull-wing model.
"The new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series
is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and
engineering from motorsport to the 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 fantastic driving dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees
pure, unadulterated 'Driving Performance'. The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series
is the ultimate choice for fast laps and highly emotional driving
experiences", says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
"The most dynamic gull-wing model of all
time goes by the name of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. 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 area of the engine, power transmission,
suspension and aerodynamics – also according top priority to our "AMG
Lightweight Performance" strategy. Great efforts in the field of
lightweight design have resulted in a DIN kerb weight of 1550 kilograms,"
notes Tobias Moers, head of overall vehicle development and member of the
management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine a byword for thrilling
driving dynamics
The uprated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generating
a power output of 631 hp and 635 Newton metres of torque is a byword for
thrilling driving dynamics, making the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with
a combustion engine at present. Only the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive with a
maximum output of 552 kW comes with greater power reserves.
The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series
accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The top speed stands at 315 km/h.
The additional 60 hp of power in comparison to the 571 hp offered by the SLS
AMG has been achieved by the following measures:
· Increase in maximum engine speed from 7200 to 8000 rpm
·
Fully
revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry
and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating which is otherwise exclusive
to racing vehicles
· Modification of the intake air ducting: derestriction
and adaptation to the new maximum engine speed
· Adaptation of the engine application and increase in
peak pressure
The engineers at
Mercedes-AMG have further optimised the crank assembly in the interests of
optimum stability in tough racing use. The measures carried out here include modified oil bores in the
crankshaft, new crankshaft bearings, a new oil pump and high-strength screwed
connections for the conrods. The entire water
and oil cooling system for the engine and transmission has also undergone
further optimisation. The AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series
is additionally provided with a special support system. A gas-filled strut
braces the eight-cylinder engine on the body, effectively eliminating undesired
load change reactions in highly dynamic driving on the race track. The AMG
6.3-litre V8 engine is hand-built at the AMG hand-finishing section in
Affalterbach, according to the philosophy "one man, one engine". This
hand-made quality is confirmed by the black AMG engine badge bearing the
responsible engine fitter's signature which is a hallmark of the Black
Series models.
The key data at a
glance:
SLS AMG Coupé
Black Series
|
|
Displacement
|
6208 cc
|
Bore x stroke
|
102.2 x 94.6 mm
|
Compression ratio
|
11.3 : 1
|
Output
|
631 hp at 7400 rpm
|
Max. torque
|
635 Nm at 5500 rpm
|
Maximum engine speed
|
8000 rpm
|
Engine weight (dry)
|
205 kg
|
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined
|
20.6 mpg
|
CO2 emissions
|
321 g/km
|
Efficiency class
|
G
|
Acceleration 0-62 mph
|
3.6 s
|
Top speed
|
196 mph
|
The eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine installed as a front mid-engine behind the front axle boasts racing car-style responses and livelier than ever revving ability. The powerful AMG V8 engine's race track aspirations are also apparent in its sound: the newly designed AMG sports exhaust system, produced in titanium for the first time, features distinctive centre and rear mufflers which result in a more powerful and even more striking engine sound. The switch from steel to titanium has spawned substantial weight savings: at just under 17 kilograms, the new AMG sports exhaust system is around 13 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The new system features the performance-enhancing fan-type exhaust pipes which have been in use to date.
Systematic application
of the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy
Lightweight at its core:
with a kerb weight of 1550 kilograms (DIN), the new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is not only 70 kilograms
lighter than the SLS AMG, but also attains the best power/weight ratio of all
AMG Black Series vehicles to date by far. The figure of 2.45 kg/hp will
also bear up to comparison in the super sports car scene. Such a ratio is made
possible by systematic application of the "AMG Lightweight
Performance" strategy. Numerous body elements, such as the bonnet, the
rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the
underbody and the torque tube between engine and transmission consist entirely
of the motorsport material carbon fibre (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic). In
contrast to its 26.6-kilogram counterpart with sand-cast aluminium housing, the
carbon-fibre torque tube weighs only 13.3 kilograms. As previously, power
transmission between the engine and the dual clutch transmission (transaxle
principle) which is flange-mounted on the rear axle is effected by means of a
carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP) drive shaft weighing only 4.7 kilograms.
A number of parts on the aluminium spaceframe have also been replaced by CRP
components. A lithium-ion battery which is used in place of the conventional
starter battery saves a further eight kilograms.
Dual clutch transmission
for even more emotional dynamism
The overall power
transmission system is also a major contributory factor to the outstanding
driving dynamics of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT
DCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed ten millimetres lower in order to
achieve a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and is braced against the body
by gas-filled struts in order to avoid stress cycles. The dual clutch
transmission features four driving modes (C, S, S+ and M). "Sport
plus" and "Manual" in particular provide for markedly sportier
performance than with the SLS AMG and SLS AMG GT models. In addition to an
increase in shifting speed, the reduced response time to shift commands from
the driver and the shifting hardness provide pure dynamism.
An even more thrilling
feature is the automatic double-declutching function during downshifting: the
throttle blips when shifting gear are more pronounced and more strikingly
audible than ever, due to the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. There is also
a new temporary M mode. In C, S or S+ mode, this enables the driver to activate
manual mode without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by
pressing the "up" or "down" shift paddle once. In temporary
M mode the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of gear-shifting in
manual mode in all of the automatic driving programmes, with automatic up- and
down-shifting into the bargain. This allows the driver to devote his full
attention to the vehicle's impressive performance.
New, electronic AMG
rear-axle differential lock
A newly developed,
electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter
rear-axle ratio replaces the mechanical variant; it is integrated in the
compact transmission housing. This system operates with a variable locking
effect in acceleration and deceleration mode; in addition, the electronics respond
more sensitively than to date, enabling excellent traction for the driven
wheels at all friction levels. The electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock
also benefits driving safety: in slaloms or when changing lane at high speeds
the system has a stabilising effect, as it is able to attenuate the vehicle's
yaw rate around its vertical axis. The standard-fit 3-stage ESP®
system featuring the functions "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT Handling
Mode" and "ESP OFF" is precision-tuned to the electronic AMG
rear-axle differential lock. The same applies to the RACE START function, which
provides for perfect traction when accelerating from a standing start in
conjunction with the electronic differential lock.
AMG RIDE CONTROL performance
suspension and sports tyres
The chassis and suspension of the SLS AMG Coupé
Black Series are also new. The basic layout with double wishbones
all-round in aluminium remains unchanged, but barely a component has gone
untouched in the interests of much enhanced race track performance.
The new developments in
detail:
·
AMG
RIDE CONTROL performance suspension with tauter basic tuning and
electronically controlled two-stage damping (Sport, Sport +) for
individual adjustment to the preferred personal driving style
·
Coil-over
spring retainers to enable adjustment of wheel loads for personal race track
set-ups
·
Elastokinematics
50 / 42% more rigid (front/rear axle) for greater stability in fast double
bends
·
Track
width increased by 20 / 24 millimetres (front/rear axle) for added grip in fast
bends
·
New hubs on
front axle and new front stabiliser tuning for added grip, reduced roll angle
in fast cornering
·
AMG
10-spoke light-alloy wheels, in particularly light forged design with optimised
strength, painted matt black with high-sheen finish, dimensions: 10x19 at front;
12x20 at rear. Weight saving: 4.0 kilograms
·
Newly
developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tyres. Dimensions 275/35 R 19 at
front and 325/30 R 20 at rear, for added grip and sporty cornering limit
· AMG speed-sensitive steering with newly defined
power steering characteristic for optimum steering precision and outstanding
control
of the vehicle
of the vehicle
AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake
system as standard
The brake system of the SLS AMG Coupé Black
Series boasts excellent deceleration performance and outstanding stability.
The AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system comes as standard. The
ceramic brake discs measuring 402 x 39 millimetres at the front and 360 x 32
millimetres
at the rear feature increased hardness for enhanced thermal stability, accompanied by a weight reduction of around 40 percent. As a result of the reduced unsprung masses, they optimise both comfort and grip. The reduced rotating masses on the front axle provide for more direct steering response. Weight savings with the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system compared to a conventional steel/aluminium brake system: 16 kilograms.
at the rear feature increased hardness for enhanced thermal stability, accompanied by a weight reduction of around 40 percent. As a result of the reduced unsprung masses, they optimise both comfort and grip. The reduced rotating masses on the front axle provide for more direct steering response. Weight savings with the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system compared to a conventional steel/aluminium brake system: 16 kilograms.
Design inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 customer
sport racing car
The design of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series
derives a special authenticity from its similarity to the SLS AMG GT3 customer
sport racing car. The gull-wing racing car developed in accordance with FIA GT3
rules has quickly become established as a serious contender among the super
sports car elite.
In the 2012 motorsport season the SLS AMG GT3 is competing in more than 15 series on four continents. The triple victory in the 24-hour Dubai race
in January 2012, three driver and team titles in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the FIA GT3 World Championship along with numerous places on the podium at various short-distance,
4- and 6‑hour races demonstrate the SLS AMG GT3's sporty performance in impressive style. To date, the car has notched up 37 victories in the 2012 season (as per 28 October 2012).
In the 2012 motorsport season the SLS AMG GT3 is competing in more than 15 series on four continents. The triple victory in the 24-hour Dubai race
in January 2012, three driver and team titles in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the FIA GT3 World Championship along with numerous places on the podium at various short-distance,
4- and 6‑hour races demonstrate the SLS AMG GT3's sporty performance in impressive style. To date, the car has notched up 37 victories in the 2012 season (as per 28 October 2012).
Wide flared wings with an added width of 13 mm
(front) and 26 mm (rear) on each side create the necessary space for the 275 mm
and 325 mm sports tyres. Darkened headlamps and black surrounds for the rear
lights provide the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series with a muscular and
aggressive look. The vehicle's aerodynamic balance is optimised by the front
apron and rear apron with diffusor along with side sill panels in Black
Series-specific design featuring carbon fibre-reinforced plastic front
splitter, carbon inserts in the side sills and the rear apron made of carbon
fibre. The enlarged air intakes with carbon-fibre flics additionally ensure an
optimum air inflow into the cooling modules at the front.
As on the SLS AMG GT3, the carbon-fibre bonnet
features a central air outlet. Apart from effectively discharging the engine
heat, this outlet also increases downforce at the front axle and improves the Cd
value. The wing-like cross-fin and the star recess in the radiator grille are
finished in high-gloss black to match the exterior mirrors and the fins on the
bonnet. The carbon-fibre insert on the sides, with an air outlet and a black
fin is also reminiscent of the GT3; this feature also helps to reduce the
temperature level in the engine compartment. The upshot is maximum stability,
even in tough race track use.
Matt black AMG forged wheels in Black Series-specific
design
A striking feature on the sides is the
attractive integration of the side skirts, which combine with the side feature
line in appealing fashion. The carbon elements fitted along the bottom at the
sides continue the line of the carbon-fibre front splitter along to the rear.
AMG forged wheels in a series-specific 10‑spoke design, painted in matt black
with a high sheen finish, provide glimpses of the AMG ceramic high-performance
composite brake system.
AMG forged wheels in matt black with a high-sheen rim finish are also available.
AMG forged wheels in matt black with a high-sheen rim finish are also available.
The rear of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series presents
a brawny appearance on a par with that of the front end. The wide wings and the
striking rear diffusor are the predominant features here. The diffusor extends
beyond the profile of the rear apron and produces additional downforce at the
rear axle. This results in greater driving stability at high speeds. Visible
air openings behind black grilles serve to control the dischrage of hot air in
the area of the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. The two sets of twin chrome
tailpipes with a square cross-section provide a visual demonstration of the
gull-wing super sports car's power and dynamism – an impression that is backed
up by a corresponding sound. The exclusive AMG logo with contrasting Black
Series lettering in black adds a discreet yet striking touch at the top
right of the boot lid.
AMG Aerodynamics package with carbon-fibre
components
The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series can be
upgraded with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package. This package features a static,
adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil in the style of the SLS AMG GT3 in place
of the standard-fit aerofoil which extends automatically at speeds of over 75
mph. The rear aerofoil is braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on
the boot lid and provides for even greater negative lift over the rear axle –
not least of all as a result of the Gurney flap, named after its inventor, Dan
Gurney, a former racing driver, designer and team owner. This eight
millimetre-high spoiler lip fitted to the rear aerofoil at an angle of 90
degrees results in a further increase in downforce without significantly
increasing drag. The rear aerofoil is complemented by additional carbon-fibre
flics on the front apron which further increase downforce at the front axle, as
opposed to the more inward-lying standard-fit carbon-fibre flics which serve to
optimise the inflow of air into the cooling modules.
The optionally available expressive colour AMG Solar
Beam is exclusive to the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. Six other exterior
paint finishes from the SLS AMG range are available, including the matt paint
designo Magno Alanite Grey.
Sporty, functional interior exuding high
quality
A functional, sporty racing-car atmosphere is
prevalent inside the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, with high-quality
materials demonstrating precision workmanship and exquisitely designed details.
There is a choice of two colour variants: Alcantara® black or
Alcantara® black/red. With the two-tone variant, the door centre
panels and the applications on the centre console and above the glove
compartment are finished in red. The AMG Performance steering wheel with flat-
bottomed rim section features Alcantara® all round for a good grip.
In the top section the steering wheel features a sporty red 12 o'clock marking. The real metal bezel features a
high-gloss black paint finish to match the high-gloss black surrounds of the air
vents. A particularly high-quality and exclusive Black Series detail is
the so-called "3D seam" which runs horizontally along the dashboard:
a fine Alcantara® strip in anthracite features across the entire
width of the leather covering. Red contrasting stitching in the leather lends
an accomplished finish to the 3D seam, underscoring the interior’s hand-crafted
character.
The combination of designo leather and
Alcantara® features throughout the interior – on the bottom section
of the dashboard, for example, on the door centre panels and on the AMG sports
bucket seats, whose centre sections are covered with Alcantara®.
Embossed AMG emblems on the head restraints are further exclusive eye-catchers.
In addition to providing first-class lateral support at high cornering speeds,
the AMG sports bucket seats are also 15 kilograms lighter than the
standard AMG sports seats.
The absence of the COMAND APS multimedia system
reduces the vehicle's weight by an additional six kilograms as a further
demonstration of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series' uncompromisingly purist
character. In place of the screen between the air vents, a carbon-fibre trim
element exudes an authentic racing atmosphere. COMAND APS is optionally
available. The vehicle's occupants will also discover the motorsport material
carbon fibre on the entire centre console with the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Bold
highlights are added by red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG
sports bucket seats, the centre console, the upper and lower section of the dashboard
and the door panelling. The floor mats similarly feature red edging.
Bang & Olufsen
BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
A
highlight among the optional equipment and appointments is the
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system,
developed
by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1 enables an exclusive music experience of the very highest standard. This is made possible by a 1000 W amplifier and 11 loudspeakers in conjunction with precise distribution of the music signals by the sound processor according to the selectable seat positions – driver, co-driver or central. The DSP digital sound processor additionally enables the user to switch between the high-end studio sound ("Reference") and a surround sound option. All functions are controlled via COMAND APS (optional item) in a special Bang & Olufsen menu. The illuminated 50 W lens tweeters are a special highlight on the dashboard. The 250 W sub-woofer is accommodated in the rear shelf. High-quality loudspeaker covers sporting
the Bang & Olufsen logo indicate the high-end system's exclusive character.
by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1 enables an exclusive music experience of the very highest standard. This is made possible by a 1000 W amplifier and 11 loudspeakers in conjunction with precise distribution of the music signals by the sound processor according to the selectable seat positions – driver, co-driver or central. The DSP digital sound processor additionally enables the user to switch between the high-end studio sound ("Reference") and a surround sound option. All functions are controlled via COMAND APS (optional item) in a special Bang & Olufsen menu. The illuminated 50 W lens tweeters are a special highlight on the dashboard. The 250 W sub-woofer is accommodated in the rear shelf. High-quality loudspeaker covers sporting
the Bang & Olufsen logo indicate the high-end system's exclusive character.
Further
individualisation options are also available (selection):
· AMG carbon-fibre
exterior mirror
· AMG carbon-fibre engine
cover
·
AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package
·
AMG infotainment system (incl. COMAND APS, AMG Performance Media and reversing
camera)
·
Media Interface
The market launch of the
SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will begin in June 2013.
