Mercedes finally revealed today the much awaited SLS AMG Black Series. The Mercedes SLS Black is inspired by the GT3 racing version of the Gullwing, it's lighter than the standard version, and it promises improved driving dynamics. The Mercedes SLS Black Series weighs 3,417 pounds and it has a power-to-weight ratio of 5.49 lb/hp. The power comes from the well-known AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine, which in this application develops 622 hp at 7,400 rpm and 468 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. Merc's official specifications for the SLS AMG Black say it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and that it can reach a top speed of 196 mph. The red line comes at 8,000 rpm. The SLS Black sends its power to the rear wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission, and an electronically-controlled rear-axle differential.
So much power requires improved control capabilities. For this purpose, Mercedes equips the SLS AMG Black with a coil-over Adaptive Performance Suspension system, high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system, lightweight wheels and sport tires.
To get the extra power out of the SLS AMG's engine, Mercedes revised the high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, and adapted the cam geometry. They also optimized the bucket tappets that now feature a special coating that's used for racing cars. They also optimized the car's intake system and re-mapped its ECU.
There are a lot of other technical details, but we wouldn't want to get you bored. What we do want to mention is that the SLS Black comes with a bespoke titanium sport exhaust system that promises an awesome "soundtrack".
The Black Series SLS AMG is 154 pounds lighter than the regular model. To save all this weight, Mercedes uses a lot more CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) in the Black version. The Gullwing's hood, rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the underbody and the torque tube between the engine and the transmission are now made of carbon. The dual-clutch transmission of the SLS Black offers four driving modes (C, S, S+ and M), with the "Sport plus" and "Manual" modes offering a sportier ride. The SLS Black comes with a wider track, a modified suspension; newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tires, speed-sensitive steering and new aerodynamics.
At the interior, you get an Alcantara upholstery and a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound sound system with a 1000-watt amplifier and 11 speakers.
The Mercedes SLS AMG Black's price has not been announced yet, but the carmaker says it's going to put it on sale in the summer of 2013. Mercedes is going to premiere the SLS AMG Black at the 2012 LA Auto Show.
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Options:
-AMG carbon fiber exterior mirror
-AMG carbon fiber engine cover
-AMG Interior Carbon Fiber Package
The U.S. market launch of the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series is scheduled for summer 2013.
Quick Reference:
Performance/Availability:
-On-Sale: Summer 2013
-2014 SLS AMG Black Series: 622hp, 468 lb-ft (SLS AMG GT: 583hp, 479 lb-ft)
-Top Speed: 196 mph
-0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
New Standard Feature Highlights:
-Modified engine components for more power, increased rev limit of 8,000 rpm
-Track increased 0.8" (front) / 0.9" (rear)
-AMG 10-spoke forged alloy wheels in matte black, 10 x 19 (front)/12 x 20 (rear)
-CFRP hood, torque tube, diagonal underbody braces
-Revised AMG speed-sensitive power steering
-AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension
-AMG high-performance two-piece ceramic brakes
-Matte black forged wheels
-Electronically-controlled AMG rear axle differential lock
-Modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission
-New engine brace with gas-filled strut
-Titanium exhaust system
New Optional Equipment Highlights:
-AMG carbon-fiber exterior mirror
-AMG carbon-fiber engine cover
-AMG Interior Carbon Fiber Package
-AMG Aerodynamics Package
-AMG forged matte black wheels with polished rims
-Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
-COMAND multimedia system delete
