Since 2006, Mercedes-AMG has been introducing the special type of version in their performance line-up with additional rarities dubbed the ‘Black Series’, and now the brand has unveiled the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series which features an elaborate aerodynamic design along with the brand’s most powerful ‘Flat Crank’ V8 engine and distinctive driving dynamics.
The track-attack machine is powered by a new engine with an internal code – M178 LS2, an AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine with dry sump lubrication and a flat crankshaft instead of the crossplane crankshaft that is used in previous AMG V8 engines where the crankpins of the four pairs of cylinders are at 90-degree angles to each other.
The flat crankshaft allows the ignition to jump from one cylinder bank to the other with a 180-degree offset characteristic with a firing order of – 1-8-2-7 4-5-3-6. This creates uniform oscillations in the intake and exhaust tracks of the V8 whose resonance can be used to increase performance. The flat-plane crank also allows an agile throttle response.
The engine also employs two twin-scroll turbochargers with larger compressor wheels mounted on anti-friction bearings. Together, the two turbochargers can deliver 1100 kg of air per hour in the Black Series as compared to the 900 kg air per hour in the standard Mercedes-AMG GT R. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series also features larger intercoolers to keep the charge air temperature in the optimum range.
The 4.0-litre Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series engine produces 730 Hp of power and 800 Nm of torque matched to a modified AMG seven-speed SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement and transmits its power to the rear wheel. The governed shift times and performance times have also been revised to be more suitable for racetrack use.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series also features Race Start function, more sensitive wheel slip control, race-ready tyres, modified transmission ratios and enhanced transmission cooling system to handle the harsh racing loads. The Mercedes-AMG GT black also features a Carbon Fibre Torque Tube and a Carbon Fibre driveshaft that enables a rigid connection between the engine and transmission.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series also features an aerodynamically efficient body with a GT3 racing-car-inspired grille, a sharp manually adjustable carbon-fibre splitter air dam, aero ducts flanking the front apron, brake cooling ducts, large air vents on the bonnet, integrates 5 slot louvres, two-stage rear aerofoil, underbody panels etc. The car also features 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display with AMG-specific display styles, “Supersport” view with a central rev counter, V-shaped central console with a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a plethora of control switches.
While Mercedes-AMG has not yet announced if the will introduce the Black Series in the Indian market, the brand recently launched the new AMG GT R priced at INR 2.48 crores ex-showroom.
