Black Series: 6 most monstrous Mercedes in history

BMW has M, Mercedes has AMG. Every serious manufacturer of the premium segment at some point has the idea of ​​​​creating a special division for even faster, more powerful, expensive and exclusive models. The only problem is that if this division is successful, it will start selling more and more of them. And they are becoming less and less exclusive.

To counter the "proletarianization" of AMG, in 2006 the Afalterbach division invented the Black series - really rare, really exceptional in terms of engineering and really incredibly expensive models. A week ago, the company introduced its sixth "black" model: the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which is reason enough to recall the previous five.

Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG 55 Black Series

Maximum speed: 280 km / h

Derived from the SLK Tracksport, which was produced in just 35 pieces, this car was introduced at the end of 2006 and was declared by AMG the ideal vehicle for track and cleanliness enthusiasts. The differences from the "regular" SLK 55 were significant: a naturally aspirated 5,5-liter V8 with 360 to 400 horsepower, hand-adjustable suspension, custom-made Pirelli tires, oversized brakes and a shortened chassis. But even in this case, it turned out to be not easy, so it is impossible to completely disable the electronic stabilization system.

The complex and heavy folding roof of the SLK 55 was unthinkable here, so the company replaced it with a carbon composite fixed roof that lowered both the center of gravity and overall weight. AMG was assured that they would not artificially limit production. But the staggering price did it for them - by April 2007, only 120 units had been produced.

Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series

Maximum speed: 300 km / h

In 2006, AMG launched the legendary 6,2-liter V8 engine (M156) designed by Bernd Ramler. The engine debuted in a special orange C209 CLK prototype. But its real premiere took place in the CLK 63 Black Series, where this unit produced up to 507 horsepower in combination with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The ultra-long wheelbase and huge wheels (265/30R-19 at the front and 285/30R-19 at the rear) necessitated some pretty significant design changes - especially in the heavily inflated fenders. The adjustable chassis was made even stiffer, the interior was diversified with carbon elements and Alcantara. In total, from April 2007 to March 2008, 700 cars of this series were produced.

Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series

Maximum speed: 320 km / h

This project was “outsourced” to HWA Engineering, which turned the SL 65 AMG into a dangerous beast. The 12-valve six-liter V36 was fitted with larger turbochargers and intercoolers to deliver 661bhp. and a record torque for the brand. All this went only to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic.

The roof could no longer be removed and had a slightly lowered line in the name of aerodynamics.

HWA also extended the chassis with lightweight carbon composite. In fact, the only panels that are the same as the standard SL are the doors and side mirrors.

Suspension settings are highlighted for both the track and the wheels (265 / 35R-19 front and 325 / 30R-20 rear, manufactured by Dunlop Sport). Before entering the market in September 2008, the vehicle underwent 16000 kilometers of testing on the Nürburgring Northern Arc. By August 2009, 350 vehicles had been produced and all of them were sold.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series

Maximum speed: 300 km / h

Released at the end of 2011, this car was equipped with another modification of the 6,2-liter V8 engine with the code M156. Here, its maximum power was 510 horsepower, and the torque was 620 Newton meters. Top speed was electronically limited to 300 km/h.

Like all other Black models up to that time, the C 63 AMG Coupe had a manually adjustable suspension and a much wider track. The wheels were 255 / 35R-19 and 285 / 30R-19, respectively. For this vehicle, AMG basically redesigned the front axle, which then inspired the entire next generation of the AMG C-Class. Initially, the company planned to produce only 600 units, but orders grew so quickly that the series was nevertheless increased to 800.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Maximum speed: 315 km / h

The last Black model (before the AMG GT Black hit the market) appeared in 2013. In it, the M159 engine was tuned to 631 hp. and 635 Nm, transmitted to the wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Top speed was electronically limited and the red engine mark was changed from 7200 to 8000 rpm. The titanium exhaust system sounded like a real racing car.

Thanks to the extensive use of carbon composite, the weight has been reduced by 70 kg compared to the conventional SLS AMG. The car was equipped with a special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 with dimensions 275 / 35R-19 at the front and 325 / 30R-20 at the rear. A total of 350 units were produced.

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

Maximum speed: 325 km / h

After more than 7 years of hiatus, "black" models are back, and how! The old Black Series rules have been preserved: "always double, always with a hard top." Under the hood is a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 developing 720 horsepower at 6700 rpm and 800 Nm of maximum torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 3,2 seconds.

The suspension is of course adaptive, but now electronic. There are also some design changes: an enlarged grille, a manually adjustable front diffuser with two positions (street and track). The glass is thinned to save weight, and nearly all panels are made from carbon composite. Total weight 1540 kg.