Watch - Is this the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series?
Video teases new high performance V8 model
Mercedes has released a new teaser video that could preview a Black Series version of its AMG GT sports car. The more potent GT is expected to bridge the gap between the GT S model (pictured) and the race-spec GT3, utilising power from an uprated version of the former car’s 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and wearing a more aggressive bodykit.
Though the teaser video reveals little more than the car’s V8 tone, we’re confident a GT Black Series model would follow the form of its predecessors by gaining a fixed rear wing, wider arches and a larger rear diffuser. Using the discontinued SLS Black Series as example, the GT could also swap its magnesium bonnet for a carbon equivalent, which, combined with other weight saving measures, should help trim around 70kg from the car’s 1570kg kerb weight.
The standard GT S produces 503bhp and 479lb ft of torque, but for the Black Series, AMG will extract more power and more torque. There’s little point in speculating exact numbers, but since its price (expected to be around £60,000 more than the £110,495 GT S) could push it into Ferrari 488 GTB territory, it’ll have to offer enough grunt to compete with the 661bhp Maranello car.
Black Series models are more track-focused (this teaser video is shot on the Hockenheimring GP circuit, after all), so we can also expect a stiffer, adjustable suspension setup, complete with new software settings for the traction and stability control. This is especially exciting given that the standard GT S is hardly lacking in this area, with ‘resolute body control on even the most three-dimensional road surfaces and incredible traction’ (evo 210).
Of course, we won’t know if this is actually an AMG GT Black Series until Mercedes reveals more information. But given how spectacularly brutal the SLS Black Series was, and how much potential the GT S has, we’re crossing our fingers.
Do you think it’s the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series? Or is this another high performance V8 model? Let us know in the comments below.
