It is on secret we like AMGs here. They are big and powerful and sound like Brontosaurs farts which I suppose sound pretty cool. Couple that with a smattering of luxury and they make for on hell of a car. The current top of the heap is the Mercedes Benz SLS. By all accounts it is very good so when the wizards at AMG’s black division got ahold of it special became legendary.
As always the guys at AMG bring the thunder with a 6.3L V8 that pumps out 622hp. This is good for a 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. The SLS AMG Black tips the scales at a very unMercedes like 3,417 lbs. That’s not light weight by anyone’s standards but in a world of nearly 4,000 lb Camaros that’s not too bad.
Mercedes-AMG presents the most extreme version of the celebrated SLS, the 2014 model-year SLS AMG Black Series. Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, the fifth Black Seriesmodel from Mercedes-AMG boasts a mix of breathtaking design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction in line with the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy. With a curb weight of 3,417 pounds, the 2014 SLS AMG Black Seriesachieves a power/weight ratio of 5.49 lb / hp. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates 622 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic SLS of all time to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds.
The SLS AMG Black Series achieves a whole new level of performance with its AMG Adaptive Performance Coil-over Suspension, AMG high- performance ceramic two-piece brake system and weight-optimized, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with new sport tires. Additional highlights include electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring spectacular shift and response times. The available AMG Aerodynamics package delivers a further boost to the vehicle’s handling and dynamics. The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series went on sale in the U.S. in summer 2013.
Black Series is a name that resonates with automobile experts and enthusiasts worldwide. Following the SLK55 AMG Black Series from 2006 (European model), the 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series and the 2013 C63 AMG Black Series, the fifth in the lineup sees the Black Seriesenter a whole new dimension with the iconic SLS AMG.
“The new SLS AMG Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to 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 dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated ‘Driving Performance.’ The SLS AMG Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and a highly emotional driving experience,” says Ola Källenius, outgoing Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package. The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the engine, transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also giving top priority to our ‘AMG Lightweight Performance’ strategy. Outstanding efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a curb weight of 3,417 pounds,” notes Tobias Moers, incoming CEO and former Head of Total Vehicle Development and Member of the Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
, Mercedes Benz,
AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine – synonymous with thrilling driving dynamics
The uprated AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, making the 2014 SLS AMGBlack Series the most powerful AMG high- performance automobile with a combustion engine. Only the SLS AMG Electric Drive with a maximum output of 740 hp has more power.
The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and onward to a top speed of 196 mph of power. Compared to the 583 hp delivered by the SLS AMG GT, the additional 39 hp of theBlack Series is a result of the following enhancements:
Increase in maximum engine speed from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm
Fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts geometry and optimized bucket cam followers featuring a special coating that is typically used on race vehicles
Modification of intake air ducting: de-throttling and adaptation to match the new maximum engine speed
Adaptation of engine mapping and increase in intake pressure
The engineers at Mercedes-AMG have further optimized the crankshaft assembly for optimum stability in tough race track conditions. This includes modified oil bores in the crankshaft, new crankshaft bearings, a new oil pump and high-strength connecting rod bolts. The entire water and oil cooling system for the engine and transmission has been optimized further.
The AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Black Series also has an additional specialized mounting system. A gas-filled strut braces the eight-cylinder engine against the body, effectively eliminating undesired load shifts during highly-dynamic race-track driving. In line with the AMG philosophy “one man, one engine,” the 6.3-liter V8 engine is hand-built in the AMG factory in Affalterbach, Germany. This hand-made quality is confirmed by the black AMG engine badge bearing the signature of the engine builder, which is a hallmark of the Black Series models.
Key data at a glance:
SLS AMG Black Series
Displacement 6,208 cc
Bore x stroke 4.02 x 3.72 inches
Compression ratio 11.3 : 1
Horsepower 622 hp at 7,400 rpm
Max. torque 468 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm
Max. engine speed 8,000 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 452 lbs
Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.5 seconds
Top speed 196 mph
With a front mid-engine layout behind the front axle, the naturally aspirated V8 boasts racing car responsiveness and exceptional high-revving performance. The racetrack credentials of the powerful AMG V8 engine are also apparent from its sound.
Produced for the first time in titanium, the newly designed AMG sport exhaust system features performance-enhancing, fan-type exhaust manifolds with distinctive center and rear mufflers, delivering a more powerful and even more striking engine sound. The switch from steel to titanium results in substantial weight savings: at just under 37.5 pounds, the new AMG sports exhaust system is around 28.7 pounds lighter than its predecessor