2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series Revealed

After there had been released a teaser picture on Friday via the official Facebook page of Mercedes-AMG, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series had been eventually revealed over the weekend. The high-end super sports car version of the gull-wing model was inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing version and it makes the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

As expected, it delivers breath-taking design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction. The overall weight of the SLS-AMG Black Series is 1550 kilograms, thus the power/weight ratio is 2.45 kg/hp.

Furthermore, the car is equipped with AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which produces 631 hp (464 kW) at 7400 rpm and 635 Newton metres (470 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it possible for it to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds. In fact this makes the model the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine. The top speed here is of 315 km/h.

The coil-over AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension, the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system and the weight-optimized forged AMG light-alloy wheels with newly developed sports tyres, the electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission are some of the highlights featured here as a standard. Optionally, customers can be supplied with the AMG Aerodynamics package.

The key data of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine at a glance:

The chassis and suspension of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series are also new. The basic layout with double wishbones all-round in aluminium is still unchanged. However, all the components have been "touched" somehow in the interests of much enhanced race track performance.

The new developments in details:

• AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension with tauter basic tuning and electronically controlled two-stage damping (Sport, Sport +) for individual adjustment to the preferred personal driving style
• Coil-over spring retainers to enable adjustment of wheel loads for personal race track set-ups
• Elastokinematics 50 / 42% more rigid (front/rear axle) for greater stability in fast double bends
• Track width increased by 20 / 24 millimetres (front/rear axle) for added grip in fast bends
• New hubs on front axle and new front stabiliser tuning for added grip, reduced roll angle in fast cornering
• AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, in particularly light forged design with optimised strength, painted matt black with high-sheen finish, dimensions: 10x19 at front; 12x20 at rear. Weight saving: 4.0 kilograms
• Newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tyres. Dimensions 275/35 R 19 at front and 325/30 R 20 at rear, for added grip and sporty cornering limit
• AMG speed-sensitive steering with newly defined power steering characteristic for optimum steering precision and outstanding control of the vehicle

The next feature that comes as a standard here is the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system, which boasts excellent deceleration performance and outstanding stability. In particular, the ceramic brake discs measuring 402 x 39 millimetres at the front and 360 x 32 millimetres at the rear include enhanced hardness for enhanced thermal stability, accompanied by a weight reduction of around 40 percent. The result is reduced unsprung masses, optimized comfort and grip.

Another interesting fact here is that the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series design was inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. The new model however, differentiates with darkened headlamps and black surrounds for the rear lights, which gives it more muscular and aggressive look.

Furthermore, the vehicle's aerodynamic balance is enhanced by the front apron and rear apron with diffusor along with side sill panels in Black Series-specific design featuring carbon fibre-reinforced plastic front splitter, carbon inserts in the side sills and the rear apron made of carbon fibre. The car also includes the carbon-fibre bonnet with a central air outlet.

The aggressive look of the vehicle is additionally enhanced by AMG forged wheels in a series-specific 10 spoke design, painted in matt black with a high sheen finish, provide glimpses of the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system.

The rear of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series shows-off wide wings and striking rear diffuser. It extends beyond the profile of the rear apron and generates additional downforce at the rear axle, which results in greater driving stability at high speeds. Visible air openings behind black grilles serve to control the dischrage of hot air in the area of the AMG titanium sports exhaust system.

In addition, there are two sets of twin chrome tailpipes with a square cross-section. The exclusive AMG logo with contrasting Black Series lettering in black also adds to the exclusiveness of the exterior.

What has been already mentioned as optional equipment is the AMG Aerodynamics package with carbon-fibre components. This package includes a static, adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil and additional carbon-fibre flics on the front apron.

In addition what is also optionally available is the exterior color AMG Solar Beam. Six other exterior paint finishes from the SLS AMG range are available, including the matt paint designo Magno Alanite Grey.

What has remained not discussed here is the interior, which is made with great attention to the detail and precise craftsmanship. High-quality materials demonstrating luxury and prestige. There is a choice of two colour variants: Alcantara® black or Alcantara® black/red.

A highlight among the optional equipment and appointments is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system. It comes with Dolby Digital 5.1 which delivers unforgettable music experience thanks to its 1000 W amplifier and 11 loudspeakers in conjunction with precise distribution of the music signal. The 250 W sub-woofer is accommodated in the rear shelf.

Further individualization options are also available via the AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror, AMG carbon-fibre engine cover, AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG infotainment system (including COMAND APS, AMG Performance Media and reversing camera), Media Interface.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will have a market launch in June 2013. Prices will be confirmed prior launch.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series (2014)

Source: Mercedes-Benz