Mercedes-Benz unveils the most powerful V8 in its history
Back in the fall of 2014, almost immediately after the premiere of the AMG GT coupe, the head of the sports division of Mercedes-Benz Tobias Moyers promised reporters that sooner or later this model will receive the extreme name Black Series, which inherited the modification of the SLS AMG supercar of the same name. It was expected to be released in 2018, but that only happened now.
However, Moyers, who took over as head of Aston Martin in early August, kept his promise and officially unveiled the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Like all members of the family, this version is also equipped with a 4,0-liter V8 biturbo engine. It is based on the M178 engine, which is still used in the family, but due to many changes and modifications, it receives its own index - M178 LS2.
The unit has a "flat" crankshaft, new camshafts and exhaust manifolds, as well as larger turbochargers and intercoolers. Over time, its power was increased to 730 hp. and 800 Nm, while the most powerful version so far is the AMG GT R, its characteristics are 585 and 700 Nm.
The engine is mated to a 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT robotic transmission, which is torque-adapted and tuned for track performance. Thanks to this, the rear-wheel drive supercar accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 3,2 seconds, and to 250 km / h in less than 9 seconds. The top speed is 325 km/h. In comparison, the AMG GT R version accelerates from 100 to 3,6 km/h in 318 seconds and reaches XNUMX km/h.
The body of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has improved aerodynamics as a result of the collaboration of engineers and designers from the sports division. The car will be equipped with an enlarged Panamericana-style radiator grille with a new air distribution pattern. This reduces the lifting force of the front axle and improves the cooling of the brake discs.
In addition, the supercar received a new front splitter, which is manually adjustable in two positions - street and racing, as well as a new hood with two large deflectors, additional air intakes for rear brake cooling, a huge wing and an almost flat bottom with "ribs" through which air goes to the rear diffuser. The same active aerodynamic elements as the AMG GT R provide the GT Black Series with a crushing force of over 400 kg at 250 km/h.
The adjustable suspension is also borrowed from the R version, as is the rigid yet lightweight body structure. The weight of the supercar has been reduced through the use of carbon parts. The fenders have been widened and the special Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires have been produced for the car. The equipment also includes ceramic brake discs, the ability to deactivate the stabilization system, the optional AMG Track package with a roll cage, four-point seat belts and a fire protection system.
It is not yet clear when sales of the most powerful V8 engine in Mercedes history will begin. The price of the car was also not disclosed.
