Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series [Review]

This you see here is the fifth model in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series since the program ripped extreme variants in 2006. We have since seen versions “pata negra” the SLK, the CLK, the SL65 and C63, but best of all is undoubtedly the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG bestial.

Less weight, improved aerodynamics, more power. Everything you expect from a “pata negra” is present in this device ballistic today we bring to tell how it goes.

“Extreme performance for the road” and “race car driving to the street” are the two holders on which AMG has worked for the development of this extreme variant of its already attractive coupe. No other current model of the house, in fact, has a racing variant to take ideas or inspiration. And is that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 is the mirror in which this gullwing look for ideas.

Ola Källenius, head of AMG, said of his new creation “is a perfect study 100% of technology transfer from our sport with the GT3 road car up, both as a concept in technology”.

The problem is that, as we heard in the presentation in Paul Ricard, technology transfer had more street car racing than vice versa. What does this mean? That the GT3 racing has much in common with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG street, so this Black Series really has few points to be improved relative to a base already very good.

But there are interesting details, yes, but there are things curious, as the fact that the shaft is taken street model (carbon fiber) instead of the GT3, or that both the race and the SLS “normal” share the air conditioning system.

The ultimate goal of the Black Series was to create a fast and effective car circuit. And to mark a clear objective, AMG engineers took the Hockenheimring reference. The idea was to reduce the lap time of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT “normal” in 2.5 seconds on a time of 1:11, which is a large difference (nearly 5% faster per lap). And they have succeeded, with 1:08, which puts him in the days of the 911 GT2 RS and the MP4-12C on the same runway as the German magazine Sport Auto.

The heart of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is a 6.2 V8 liters, with a cut located at 8000 laps, 7,200 up on “conventional”, allowing it to offer 39 extra horses and placed with 622 at 7,400 rpm. The lower pair very slightly, but keeps the same 5,500 rpm. The engine is also placed on a subframe silentblocks gas with respect to the hull to stabilize, a solution also used with the gearbox.

All annexes to the motor organs have also been updated, with electronic gear changes faster and whose central unit is lower to reduce the height of the center of gravity. Admission and other components are also different. suspension has new anchor straps and also new spindles, new geometries and a new invoice bushings. The springs have specific spring rates, and pathways have been widened front and rear. Damping has piloted new operating logic and two sport modes, one called Sport for bumpy circuits and level changes (did someone say Nürburgring?) And one for pristine asphalt.

The Black Series thinning around 50 kilograms compared with the GT. Only titanium exhaust system and subtract achieved almost 15 kilos. Carbon ceramics brakes and forged wheels are other good additions in the battle against weight, especially against the unsprung mass. AMG says that more could have been lightened, but would not be a car “to use every day.” Does wearing all day? How fortunate are some.

Despite intensive thinning, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series still think 100 kilos more than a 911 GT3 “street” type 997. All work on carbon fiber aerodynamic surrounding the car is able to increase in 60 kilos downforce is generated for the wheels to 200 per hour. At the cost of that extra load lost almost 2 km / h top speed, but we doubt anyone to worry.

Bernd Schneider, DTM legend, made ​​of cicerone at Paul Ricard, showing the first real exchange capacities of Black Series. But it was exciting to drive us. And how did it go? Well the first thing we noticed was the lightness of the steering ring and fine coated in Alcantara.

Gas thoroughly and we flood the titanium exhaust sound so exciting. Stopping at the entrance of the curves is a breeze, and the car is completely different note SLS AMG we already knew. The cornering is more “square”, with stronger support, thanks to the reworked suspension and profit gauge, combined with the center of gravity. The electronically controlled differential lock is also able to manage both retention and acceleration, thus turning the curves is a mere formality. The ESP, S+ mode lets you also play with the rear without fear that you do a full spin.

Further highlight on the SLS AMG GT is the aerodynamic poise. Where the model “normal” note “ascension” as you go from 200 per hour, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series always poised and stable note.

Firmer mode of the suspension notice every pebble leaves the asphalt, but it improves feelings about contact with the road, and we feel stuck and in communication with her. But if you get on the open road this way is totally inappropriate.

Yet after a while on circuit driving, got out of the car with a smile from ear to ear. The car is clearly more capable than the normal variant. Is it more impressive? Customers are encouraged to buy one do not have to give up air conditioning or stereo 1,000 watts of SLS AMG GT “normal”. Come on, that seeks to provide comfort for GT but with a split personality car track day. If we left over money would be perfect for us GT.