Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

This is the closest you are going to get to SLS AMG GT3 performance on public roads. There was a time when just the word ‘AMG’ uses to send a shiver down our spines. The ‘Black Series’ that AMG introduced with the SLK 55 AMG Black Series in 2006 gave us a preview of what bone rattling, earth shattering, performance cars with the 3 pointed star were capable of. Enthusiasts at large were now a spoilt lot, with the shivers down the spine reserved for cars that only carried the ‘Black Series’ badge. The CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007), the SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008) and the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series (2011). Just uttering these names has our ear drums bleeding and heart racing. If you haven’t heard the C 63 AMG Coupe Black yet, we suggest you make the pilgrimage as soon as possible. When you’re done with that pilgrimage, sell your house and let’s go talk to the newest Black Series car, the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series.

“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 fascinating 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 Engine

The additional 60 horses on the SLS AMG Black are achieved by a number of changes to the mill. The V8 now has a maximum engine speed of 8000 rpm compared to the 7200 rpm in the SLS AMG. The air intake ducting had to be modified to suit the increased maximum engine speed. Modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating found only in racing vehicles are what make the fully revised high-speed valve train. There is also increase in peak pressure, resulting in improved performance.

Believe us when we say it, the AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is supported by gas-filled struts that braces the eight-cylinder engine on the body, to eliminate undesired load change reactions when throwing this lithe beast around corners. Keeping in mind that the engine will be subject to a zillion hours at the track, AMG engineers have modified the oil bores in the crankshaft, modified the crankshaft bearings, oil pump and high-strength screwed connections for the conrods. 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”.

Of course, after engineering the V8 to the extreme, AMG couldn’t just ignore the exhaust. The AMG sports exhaust system now is produced ( are we allowed to use that word when talking about something so bespoke?) now in titanium as opposed to steel, saving around 13 kilograms. The new exhaust system has distinctive centre and rear mufflers that provide for a the kind of sound that shatters windows on the other side of earth. The new system continues to use the performance-enhancing fan-type exhaust pipes.

Weight Reduction

The SLS AMG Black is lighter than the SLS AMG by around 70 kilograms. 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 are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRP). The SLS AMG was fitted with the 26.6-kilogram sand-cast aluminium housing, whereas the SLS AMG Black’s carbon-fibre torque tube is only 13.3 kilograms. A number of other parts on the aluminium spaceframe have also been replaced by CRP components. Another 8 kilograms are shaved off by using a lithium-ion battery in place of the conventional starter battery.

The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series can be upgraded with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package. You ( really, you?) get a fixed, adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil that replaces the standard-fit aerofoil which extends automatically at speeds of over 120 km/h. To increase negative lift force on the rear axle the rear aerofoil is braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on the boot lid. A Gurney flap, an eight millimetre-high spoiler lip fitted to the ends of the rear spoiler at an angle of 90 degrees results in a further increase in downforce without significantly increasing drag. While the additional carbon-fibre flics on the front apron just function to direct air into the cooling modules in the standard SLS AMG, here, they reduce downforce at the front axle.

The SLS AMG Black Series gets AMG forged wheels in a series-specific 10‑spoke design, painted in matt black with a high sheen finish which save 4 kilograms.

Ride & Handling

The mechanical differential is replaced by a newly developed, electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear-axle ratio. The new diff is integrated in the compact transmission housing. This system operates with a variable locking effect in acceleration and deceleration mode. The new system also boats of being able to respond more sensitively than before, allowing excellent traction for the driven wheels at all friction levels. AMG also says, in slaloms or when changing lane at high speeds the system has a stabilising effect, as the system is capable of reducing the vehicle’s yaw rate around its vertical axis.

While the basic layout with double wishbones all-round in aluminium remains unchanged, most components have been reworked for better race track performance. AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension with tauter basic tuning and electronically controlled two-stage damping (Sport, Sport +) enables adjusting dynamic characteristic of the vehicle based on driving style. Coil-over spring retainers enable adjustment of wheel loads for finer tuning at the track. Track width has been increased by 20mm at the front axle and 24mm at the rear axle for added grip. Newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tyres improve grip in corners. AMG speed-sensitive steering has newly defined power steering characteristic.

The AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system comes as standard. Any tuner knows that reducing the unsprung mass is the key to getting the best out of a car. The ceramic brake system saves 16 kilograms, and as a result of the reduced unsprung masses, comfort and grip is improved. The reduced rotating masses on the front axle provide for more direct steering response.

Interiors

On the exterior the SLS AMG Black gets the ‘AMG solar beam’ finish as an optional extra, in addition to the six other exterior paint finishes from the SLS AMG. The interiors have two choices available : 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 flattened bottom rim section features Alcantara® all round.

Mercedes AMG also mentions something they call the ‘3D seam’ which runs horizontally along the dashboard, a fine Alcantara® strip in anthracite across the entire width of the leather covering. Red contrasting stitching in the leather gives a real stunning finish to the 3D seam, directing the occupants’ attention on the hand-crafted aspect of the interiors.

The bottom section of the dashboard, the door centre panels, centre sections of the AMG sports bucket seats all are clothed in a combination of designo leather and Alcantara®. Embossed AMG emblems on the head restraints add to the exclusivity. In addition to providing fantastic lateral support at high cornering speeds, the AMG sports bucket seats are also 15 kilograms lighter than the standard AMG sports seats.

True to its intention, the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is not fitted with COMAND APS multimedia system reducing the vehicle’s weight by an additional six kilograms! A carbon-fibre trim element takes the place of the COMAND screen between the vents. COMAND APS can be had as an option. 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. If that wasn’t enough the floor mats also feature red edging.

Available as an option is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, developed by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG together Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. A 1000 W amplifier and 11 loudspeakers working in conjunction with precise distribution of the music signals by the sound processor based on selectable seat positions – driver, co-driver or central deliver a phenomenal music experience. The digital sound processor allows switching between high-end studio sound (“Reference”) and surround sound option. All functions are controlled via optional COMAND APS in a special Bang & Olufsen menu. The 50 W lens tweeters are illuminated adding to the premium feel in the cabin. The 250 W subwoofer is accommodated in the rear shelf.