The most powerful AMG V8 series engine of all time, the most expressive design, the most elaborate aerodynamics, the most intelligent material mix, the closest proximity to motor racing: For the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, the Affalterbach designers have pulled out all the stops when it comes to the art of vehicle design. The new super sports car perfectly embodies the brand’s rich tradition in motorsport, as well its many years of expertise in developing complete vehicles which impress in every respect. The result is an output of 537 kW (730 hp) from a V8 engine with a ‘flat’ crankshaft, combined with active aerodynamics and a design which stems directly from the current AMG GT3 racing car.

At Mercedes-AMG, the Black Series has been synonymous with a very special type of car since 2006: uncompromisingly sporty, with an expressive design and the most consistent technology transfer from motorsport to series production. Black Series models are exclusive automotive rarities. They have not been developed to gather dust in collectors’ garages, but for high-speed use on race tracks, despite being approved for roads. The AMG GT Black Series represents a new highlight in this tradition: It is the most powerful Mercedes-AMG with a V8 series engine and can thus be individually adapted to the special conditions of various race tracks in a more versatile way than ever before.

In order to emphasise the redefinition of the super sports car, the engine specialists in Affalterbach have once again extensively further developed the tried-and-tested 4.0-litre V8 biturbo unit—in addition to it already being renowned for excellent driveability, power delivery and torque progression. The specifications were clear: Significantly more power than the previous flagship model of the AMG GT family, an even more agile throttle response, maximum torque – all of which meant that a radical change was needed in the form of a new, ‘flat’ crankshaft.

Different designs of V8 engines

The design of a V8 engine gives designers plenty of room to play with in one key element: the crank arrangement on the crankshaft. This influences the characteristics of the engine. There are usually two variants in V8 engines: the ‘cross plane’ where the crankpins of the four pairs of cylinders are at 90-degree angles to each other, which AMG has used in all previous V8 engines, or the ‘flat crankshaft’, where all crankpins are on the same plane with a 180-degree offset (‘flat plane’).

If you look at the front of a cross-plane crankshaft, you will be able to identify the cross that gives it its name. The benefits of these crankshafts are superb smoothness and high torque at low rotational speeds. The characteristic sound is another hallmark feature of the cross-plane V8 engine. In order to make optimal use of the displacement and therefore the performance potential in the case of the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the AMG engineers have essentially moved the exhaust side into the hot internal V of the two cylinder banks in the V8 engine.

Uniformly oscillating gas columns for even more power

Another way of increasing performance is by using a ‘flat’ crankshaft. In the flat-plane V8 engine, it looks like an inline four-cylinder model – except for the wider crankpins, which have two connecting rods each in the V8. Ignition in the flat-plane V8 jumps from one cylinder bank to the next, which further improves the gas cycle. The characteristic firing order with a 180-degree crankshaft angle offset is 1-8-2-7 4-5-3-6. This creates uniformly oscillating gas columns in the exhaust tract and on the intake side, whose resonance can easily be used to increase performance. The greatest advantage is an even more agile throttle response.

The most powerful V8 series engine from Mercedes-AMG

The new GT Black Series engine is based on the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with dry sump lubrication, but it has been given the new internal code M178 LS2 due to the numerous modifications. It achieves 537 kW (730 hp) at 6700-6900 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 800 Nm at 2000-6000 rpm. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds are adapted to the new firing order and improve the gas cycle further.

Both twin scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted in anti-friction bearings, as in the top-of-the-range four-door AMG GT Coupé, which optimises their throttle response even further. However, in the Black Series, the turbochargers have been given a larger compressor wheel, meaning that both can deliver a total of 1100 kg air per hour. By way of comparison: The figure is 900 kg/h for the AMG GT R. 7000 rpm is not critical as a continuous speed, the speed is limited at 7200 rpm. And the larger intercoolers guarantee that they always keep the charge-air temperature within the best possible range. The unique standing of the new engine is also reflected in the engine badge, which is kept in black.

0-200 km/h in under nine seconds

What does the engine do for the AMG GT Black Series? It gives it a completely independent character, which is not only reflected in the type of power delivery, but also in its very particular sound pattern. And it enables highly impressive driving performance: the two-door vehicle shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and to 200 km/h in under nine seconds. The top speed is 325 km/h, although only on cordoned-off racetracks.

Orange as an exclusive contrasting colour

The interior design emphasises the pole position of the AMG GT Black Series: Exclusive nappa leather is combined with sporty DINAMICA microfibre in black with orange contrasting topstitching. The instrument panel and the newly designed lightweight door panels, which are now equipped with loop pull handles instead of conventional handles, are trimmed in black DINAMICA microfibre. Further orange contrasting topstitching, matt black carbon-fibre trim and the Interior Night Package add further striking highlights. The AMG carbon-fibre bucket seats (not available in the USA, Canada and China) combine low weight with optimum lateral support. In the USA, Canada and China, the Black Series is equipped with AMG Performance seats as standard. The interior is also optionally available with grey contrasting topstitching.

Displays with AMG-specific graphics 

The AMG GT Black Series features the fully digital instrument displays from the AMG GT family with an instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches in front of the driver, and a 10.25-inch multimedia monitor on the centre console. The instrument cluster offers different designs with the three AMG-specific display styles: ‘Classic’, ‘Sporty’ or ‘Supersport’. The ‘Supersport’ view with a central rev counter features extensive additional information, such as a prompt to shift up in manual transmission mode, the ‘shift light’. The visualisations on the multimedia display enable further vehicle functions to be experienced, e.g. with animated presentations of the driving assistance, vehicle and communication systems.

At your fingertips: display buttons in the centre console

The innovative, coloured display buttons in the V-shaped central console integrate the display and control of transmission logic, suspension, ESP, exhaust system, rear aerofoil flap and start/stop function. The TFT display buttons use intuitively comprehensible symbols to show their functions and are easy to operate with just a small tap of the finger. As they still have a mechanical pressure point, they can also be operated whilst wearing racing gloves. The display buttons are supplemented by the two rocker switches for the drive programs and volume control of the audio system.