Mercedes-AMG has long been synonymous with pushing the boundaries of automotive performance, and the new GT Black Series is a testament to their relentless pursuit of speed and driving dynamics. This isn’t just another AMG; it’s the Black Benz embodiment of their motorsport heritage, distilled into a road-legal machine. Affalterbach’s engineers have truly outdone themselves, crafting a vehicle that redefines what a super sports car can be. From its heart-pounding 720 horsepower handcrafted AMG V8 engine to its aggressively sculpted aerodynamic profile and track-honed chassis, the AMG GT Black Series is built to dominate both on the asphalt and in the hearts of driving purists. This new flagship model not only carries the Black Series torch but ignites it to a whole new level of intensity.
Since 2006, the Black Series badge at Mercedes-AMG has signified something truly exceptional: cars that are unapologetically hardcore, visually striking, and infused with motorsport DNA. These aren’t mere showpieces; they’re built to be driven hard, to attack apexes and devour racetracks, all while bearing the privilege of road legality. The AMG GT Black Series elevates this philosophy to its zenith. It boasts the most potent Mercedes-AMG V8 series production engine ever created, a powerplant that alone sets it apart in the pantheon of black benz legends.
To achieve this unprecedented level of performance, the engine masters in Affalterbach embarked on an extensive redevelopment of the already formidable 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. Despite its reputation for responsiveness, power delivery, and sheer torque, the team aimed for a significant power surge over the previous AMG GT range-topper, even sharper throttle response, and an even more ferocious torque curve. This ambition necessitated a fundamental shift in engine design, culminating in the adoption of a revolutionary flat-plane crankshaft.
“The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive masterpiece and continues a lineage that began in 2006,” states Tobias Moers, formerly Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “This sixth iteration is another AMG landmark, a powerful demonstration of the extraordinary engineering expertise within Affalterbach. I commend the team who have created this unparalleled super sports car, which now represents the absolute pinnacle of our successful GT family. The performance, the striking appearance, and the visceral driving dynamics of the GT Black Series are simply unmatched. This project was a truly incredible culmination to my time at AMG, for which I am deeply grateful.”
Distinctive V8 Engine Architecture: The Heart of the Black Benz
The configuration of a V8 engine offers considerable design flexibility, particularly in the crankshaft arrangement. This crucial component dictates the engine’s character. V8 engines typically employ one of two crankshaft designs: the cross-plane crankshaft, where the crankpins of each cylinder pair are positioned at 90-degree intervals – a design AMG has historically favored – or the flat-plane crankshaft, where all crankpins lie on a single plane with a 180-degree offset.
Examining a cross-plane crankshaft from the front reveals the cross shape that lends it its name. These crankshafts excel in delivering exceptional smoothness and substantial torque at lower engine speeds. The signature burbling exhaust note is another defining characteristic of the cross-plane V8. To optimize engine packaging and performance within the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo, AMG engineers strategically positioned the exhaust side within the hot inner-V of the cylinder banks.
Unlocking Power with Uniformly Oscillating Gas Columns
Further performance gains are achieved through the implementation of a flat-plane crankshaft. In a flat-plane V8, the crankshaft resembles that of an inline four-cylinder engine, albeit with wider crankpins to accommodate two connecting rods per pin in the V8 configuration. Ignition in a flat-plane V8 alternates between cylinder banks, enhancing the gas cycle. The distinct firing order, characterized by a 180-degree crankshaft angle offset (1-8-2-7 4-5-3-6), generates uniformly oscillating gas columns in both the exhaust and intake tracts. The resonance of these columns can be effectively harnessed to boost power output. Furthermore, a flat-plane crankshaft contributes to a more immediate and responsive throttle feel, a crucial attribute for a high-performance black benz.
The Most Powerful V8 Ever from Mercedes-AMG
While the new engine in the GT Black Series builds upon the foundation of the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo with dry sump lubrication, its extensive modifications have earned it a new internal designation: M178 LS2. This powerhouse churns out an astounding 720 hp at 6,700-6,900 rpm and a massive 590 lb-ft of torque, available from 2,000-6,000 rpm. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds are tailored to the unique firing order and further optimize the gas exchange process.
Mirroring the top-tier AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, both twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers are fitted with anti-friction bearings, further sharpening throttle response. However, in the GT Black Series, these turbochargers are equipped with larger compressor wheels, enabling them to deliver a total boost pressure of 24.6 psi, a significant increase compared to the 19.6 psi of the AMG GT R. While 7,000 rpm is easily sustained, the redline is pushed to an exhilarating 7,200 rpm. Larger intercoolers ensure optimal charge-air temperatures are maintained, even under extreme driving conditions. The exclusivity of this new engine is visually underscored by a distinctive black engine badge, a hallmark of this ultimate black benz.
Lightning-Fast Acceleration: 0-124 mph in Under Nine Seconds
The bespoke Handcrafted AMG engine in the GT Black Series endows it with a truly unique character, evident not only in its raw power delivery but also in its distinctive and ferocious sound. This engine translates to breathtaking performance figures: the Black Series catapults from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds, and reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in under nine seconds. While its top speed is electronically limited to 202 mph, this velocity is best reserved for the controlled environment of a racetrack.
Enhanced AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed Transmission
Harnessing and deploying this immense power to the rear wheels is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Positioned on the rear axle in a transaxle configuration for optimal weight distribution, as in all AMG GT 2-door models, this transmission has been specifically recalibrated for the AMG GT Black Series to handle the increased torque output. Shift speeds and response times have been further optimized for track performance.
These enhancements contribute to a driving experience that is both more visceral and responsive. Accelerator and engine response are heightened, and drive programs, start-up behavior, and gear changes are all sharpened. The Race Start function is now even more dramatic thanks to increased launch revs, more sensitive wheel slip control, and the use of high-performance track-focused tires. Furthermore, transmission cooling capacity has been increased to withstand the rigors of track driving, and gear ratios have been subtly revised.
Connecting the engine and transmission is a carbon fiber ‘torque tube’. Weighing a mere 30.6 lbs, it is approximately 40 percent lighter than the already weight-optimized aluminum component used in other AMG GT models. As a structural element of the transaxle drivetrain, it provides an exceptionally torsionally stiff connection, fostering direct drivetrain responsiveness that benefits driving dynamics and contributes to the car’s balanced weight distribution. The driveshaft housed within the torque tube is also constructed from lightweight carbon fiber.
Sophisticated Aerodynamics: Sculpted for Speed and Stability
The meticulously engineered aerodynamics package plays a pivotal role in the AMG GT Black Series’ agility and high-speed stability on the track. Building upon the aerodynamic expertise developed for the AMG GT R and AMG GT R PRO, engineers and designers collaborated closely to further refine the aerodynamic characteristics of this black benz. “Form follows function” is the guiding principle, more emphatically than ever before.
The visual and technical kinship with the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is unmistakable. It begins with the new, significantly enlarged radiator air inlet, directly derived from the AMG GT3 race car. The radiator grille features vertical slats in dark chrome, and with the wheel arch coolers now fed directly via the central inlet, the two additional outer air inlets in the front bumper are eliminated. Semicircular flics optimize airflow, increasing downforce at the front axle and improving brake cooling. ‘Air curtains’ precisely manage airflow towards the wheels. Combined with the flics ahead of the wheels, these enhancements reduce drag and increase front axle downforce. The new design language seamlessly blends maximum cooling efficiency with reduced air resistance and enhanced front-end downforce for this ultimate black benz.
The carbon fiber front splitter is manually adjustable to two settings (Street and Race – the latter exclusively for track use), allowing adaptation to various track configurations. In the extended ‘Race’ position, it creates a front diffuser with an inverted wing profile beneath the front section. Depending on speed, this element is further lowered by increasing negative pressure, accelerating underbody airflow and generating a ‘Venturi effect’ that draws the car closer to the road, further increasing front axle downforce. The driver benefits from enhanced steering precision during high-speed cornering and exceptional directional stability. Especially during fast cornering and under high lateral acceleration, the car exhibits agile responses and clear steering feedback while remaining effortlessly controllable. When the front diffuser is in ‘Race’ position, the newly designed rear spoiler further augments rear axle downforce.
Hood with Integrated Air Outlets: Enhancing Aero Performance
Another direct motorsport innovation is the new carbon fiber hood, featuring two prominent exhaust air outlets crafted from black finished carbon fiber. These large outlets vent hot air from the diagonally positioned cooling pack out of the engine compartment. This motorsport-derived technology enhances overall downforce, reduces air resistance, and optimizes airflow for engine cooling. Air is also channeled around the A-pillars and side windows towards the rear, increasing the efficiency of the new rear spoiler design. Seamlessly integrated front fender vents with five body-colored fins and exhaust air openings behind the front wheels further contribute to front axle downforce through effective wheel arch ventilation. The airflow around the vehicle is also refined by the new, significantly larger and wider side sill panels with black carbon fiber elements, merging into vertical blades at the front and rear. Additional cooling air ducts are integrated into the side sill panels to provide rear brake cooling.
Two-Stage Rear Spoiler Concept: Tunable Downforce
The rear view is dominated by the new rear bumper incorporating a large diffuser, twin rounded exhaust outlets positioned outboard, side wheel arch ventilation, and the innovative rear spoiler design. Both spoiler blades are constructed from carbon fiber and are mechanically adjustable to adapt to varying track conditions. The lower, secondary blade is intentionally compact to optimize airflow arriving from the front of the car. Lightweight yet robust matte black carbon fiber spoiler supports, meticulously designed through extensive simulations, further enhance aerodynamic efficiency. They are bolted to the carbon fiber rear hatch, also finished in black.
A particularly intriguing detail is the adjustable flap integrated into the upper blade. This active aerodynamic element is electronically adjusted by up to 20 degrees, adapting to driving conditions and the selected AMG DYNAMICS mode, optimizing both longitudinal and lateral dynamics. In a flat position, it reduces drag for quicker acceleration to top speed. In the inclined position, it enhances braking performance and cornering stability by increasing rear axle downforce.
Four distinct activation strategies are employed based on the selected AMG DYNAMICS mode (Basic, Advanced, Pro, or Master). Some strategies incorporate driving dynamics recognition. For example, in Master mode, the flap remains permanently inclined and extended up to 155 mph. Beyond this speed, it retracts to minimize drag and facilitate reaching top speed. However, during sudden braking or corner entry, the flap instantly returns to its extended position to maximize braking and cornering performance through increased downforce and air resistance. The driver can also manually control flap retraction and extension via a dedicated button on the center console.
Extensive Underbody Paneling: Optimized Airflow Management
The comprehensive aerodynamic refinement extends to the near-fully paneled underbody, addressing both aerodynamic and thermal management (heat dissipation) requirements. The flat underbody features meticulously designed longitudinal fins. These air channels are optimized to ensure ideal airflow to the rear diffuser. The entire underbody package accelerates airflow, significantly increasing downforce. All aerodynamic measures are carefully coordinated and work in concert with the new rear spoiler design, resulting in a downforce exceeding 882 lbs at 155 mph.
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Construction: A Weight-Saving Philosophy
The lightweight carbon fiber roof with a lowered center section, along with the carbon fiber rear hatch featuring a small spoiler lip and a larger lightweight glass rear windshield, are key elements of the ‘intelligent material mix’ and ‘lightweight construction’ philosophy. The laminated front windshield also utilizes lightweight glass. The coiled carbon fiber transmission mount is another exclusive Black Series component. Additional carbon fiber shear panels in the front section, underbody, and rear stiffen the aluminum body shell, along with the lightweight integral carrier and carbon fiber cross tunnel, enhancing body shell rigidity. These elements form an interconnected network, contributing to the Black Series’ exceptional driving precision in all maneuvers. The carbon fiber shear panel beneath the engine connects to the integral carrier, stiffening the front section and steering system, resulting in noticeably more precise steering and enhanced front axle stability. The integral carrier at the front axle is exclusively designed for the Black Series using lightweight aluminum construction.
The standard ceramic high-performance compound brake system, featuring black painted calipers with white lettering, is also characterized by low weight and exceptional performance. Special brake pads and rotors, combined with enhanced brake cooling, ensure consistent, fade-free deceleration and precise brake modulation. Standard lightweight alloy forged wheels further contribute to weight reduction.
AMG Coil-Over Suspension: Adaptive Damping for Track Domination
A double wishbone suspension design enhances wheel control, maintaining high camber and toe-in stability. This enables high cornering speeds and provides the driver with optimized road feel at the limits of adhesion. Wishbones, steering knuckles, and hub carriers on both axles are crafted entirely from forged aluminum to minimize unsprung mass. Spherical bearings on the upper and lower wishbones of the rear axle are directly derived from motorsport. Their zero-play design ensures that toe-in and camber remain consistent even under extreme loads. This translates to precise steering, clear steering feedback, and superior cornering performance for this ultimate black benz.
As with the AMG GT R, the Black Series utilizes an AMG coil-over suspension with adjustable spring preload, featuring technology tailored to the demands of extreme track use with high damping forces. Motorsport technology is seamlessly integrated with the AMG RIDE CONTROL continuously variable, adaptive damping system. This electronically controlled system automatically adjusts damping at each wheel based on driving situation, speed, and road conditions. Damping characteristics are modulated rapidly and precisely by two separate valves for rebound and compression forces within the dampers. These new valves, also derived from motorsport, react even more quickly to rapid suspension movements. Increased damping rates during cornering and braking effectively minimize body roll. Continuous damping adjustment based on speed ensures optimal road contact, enhancing safety even at high velocities.
The driver can also adjust adaptive damping characteristics via a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT or through AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Three modes are available: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.” The refined logic provides an improved balance between ride and handling. “Comfort” and “Sport” are suitable for public roads. “Sport” offers firmer damping, a sportier body connection, and reduced comfort – it can also be selected for racetracks with slippery conditions due to wet weather. “Sport Plus” is ideal for track use and features a unique capability: the system automatically detects track surface quality, distinguishing between smooth Grand Prix circuits like Hockenheim and bumpy tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It then automatically adjusts damping levels within “Sport Plus” accordingly. This sophisticated logic was developed and perfected through extensive testing of the Black Series across diverse track types.
Carbon Fiber Sway Bars: Further Weight Reduction in Suspension
The front axle is equipped with a dual adjustable sway bar made from lightweight carbon fiber. Its default setting is a short, firm connection. The rear axle sway bar is made of steel, offers 3-way adjustability, and saves weight through its hollow tube design. From the default “central” position, it can be adjusted to a firmer setting (short connection) or a softer setting (long connection). A carbon fiber shear panel in the rear underbody enhances driving precision. This lightweight and rigid element stiffens the rear-end structure, further increasing body shell rigidity. Electronically controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts are retuned to further enhance agility, delivering precise response and clear feedback.
Additional suspension enhancements include wider front and rear tracks and manually adjustable camber on both axles. This allows for setting extremely high camber values, typically used only to maximize track performance on closed circuits.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO Tires: Bespoke Grip
Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, custom-developed for the Black Series, ensure exceptional grip. As is customary in motorsport, this high-performance tire is exclusively available for Mercedes-AMG in two compounds: the standard factory-equipped soft-compound Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO1A, featuring sidewall enhancements that complement the AMG GT Black Series silhouette. A ‘hard compound’ option is available for track use in higher temperatures as a retrofit. Identified by the Michelin® Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO2 designation and a motorsport sticker from Michelin, this compound is available through the AMG Performance Center. Tire sizes are 285/35 ZR 19 on 10 J x 19 wheels (front) and 335/30 ZR 20 on 12 J x 20 wheels (rear).
AMG TRACTION CONTROL: Nine Levels of Grip Management
For closed-track use with ESP OFF, AMG TRACTION CONTROL provides drivers with customizable support in managing the Black Series’ immense power, without any ESP brake intervention. The level of assistance is finely adjustable, offering optimal support for each driver and track condition. Extensively tailored for the Black Series, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows preselection of nine slip settings on the live rear axle. Control is exclusively managed through engine electronics mapping, without ESP system intervention, mirroring the GT3 racing car.
Operated via a dedicated adjuster on the center console, accessible even with racing gloves, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows for on-the-fly adjustments. Depending on the setting, the system permits varying degrees of rear wheel slip, catering to diverse road conditions. Level 1 prioritizes wet-weather driving with high safety margins. Level 9 allows maximum rear axle slip. Each setting is displayed on the adjuster and in the instrument cluster’s central display.
AMG TRACTION CONTROL offers a significant advantage over conventional systems by anticipating situations using a friction coefficient evaluator and other data processed by a control unit in milliseconds. The maximum permissible drive slip on the rear wheels is calculated based on the selected AMG TRACTION CONTROL level. When wheel slip reaches this threshold during acceleration, the system modulates engine output to maintain the specified slip level and ensure continued acceleration. The system’s algorithms, based on a double control variable model, manage not only engine torque but also the locking level of the electronic differential lock, providing ultimate control over this black benz power.
Exclusive Interior Design: Orange Accents and Track Focus
The interior design of the AMG GT Black Series reinforces its track-focused, pole-position status. Exclusive nappa leather is paired with sporty black DINAMICA microfiber featuring striking orange contrasting topstitching. The instrument panel and newly designed lightweight door panels, now equipped with loop pull handles instead of conventional handles, are trimmed in black DINAMICA microfiber. Further orange contrasting topstitching, matte black carbon fiber trim, and the Interior Night Package enhance the interior ambiance. AMG carbon fiber bucket seats (unavailable in the USA, Canada, and China) combine low weight with exceptional lateral support. In the USA, Canada, and China, AMG Performance seats are standard. The interior is also optionally available with silver contrasting topstitching.
AMG-Specific Digital Displays: Information at a Glance
The AMG GT Black Series features the fully digital instrument displays from the AMG GT family, comprising a 12.3-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 10.25-inch multimedia display on the center console. The instrument cluster offers customizable designs with three AMG-specific display styles: ‘Classic’, ‘Sporty’, and ‘Supersport’. The ‘Supersport’ view, with a central rev counter, provides extensive additional information, including a shift light prompt in manual transmission mode. Visualizations on the multimedia display further enhance the user experience, with animated displays of driving assistance, vehicle, and communication systems.
Center Console Display Buttons: Intuitive Control
Innovative, colored display buttons in the V-shaped center console integrate display and control for transmission logic, suspension, ESP, exhaust system, rear spoiler flap, and start/stop function. These TFT display buttons use intuitive symbols and are easily operated with a light touch. Their mechanical pressure point ensures operability even while wearing racing gloves. The display buttons are complemented by rocker switches for drive programs and audio system volume control.
AMG Performance Steering Wheel: Control at Your Fingertips
The AMG Performance steering wheel, adopted from the AMG GT family, features a sporty design, a flattened bottom section, a deeply contoured rim, and intuitive controls. The steering wheel rim is fully trimmed in DINAMICA microfiber, while the steering wheel badge exclusively features Black Series lettering and the AMG logo. Aluminum steering wheel shift paddles enable manual gear changes. Integrated Touch Control buttons control the instrument cluster and multimedia display via horizontal and vertical finger swipes.
Standard AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons include a round controller with an integrated display and two vertically positioned colored display buttons with switches. AMG drive programs are activated using the right controller, with the selected setting displayed on the integrated color LCD.
Two freely configurable display buttons and additional switches on the left side allow direct control of further AMG functions from the steering wheel, enabling drivers to maintain focus on high-speed driving without removing their hands from the wheel. Each function can be represented by a display icon, customizable by the driver, allowing for personalized assignment of the two preferred AMG functions for fingertip access.
The AMG Interior Night Package is standard equipment, featuring high-gloss black finishes on shift paddles, steering wheel spokes, and AMG Performance seat inserts, along with black brushed stainless steel door sill panels, further emphasizing the car’s sporty character as the ultimate black benz.
Technical Data: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-liter V8 biturbo |
| Displacement | 3982 cc |
| Output | 720 hp at 6,700-6,900 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 590 lb-ft at 2,000-6,000 rpm |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 3.1 s |
| Top Speed | 202 mph |
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty A-Class Sedan to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT R.
MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.
Accredited journalists can visit our media site at media.mbusa.com.
