Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
AMG’s latest ‘Black Series’ is almost ready - complete with GT3-inspired aerodynamics, a new AMG engine and tech from the AMG One hypercar.
We have known for many years that Mercedes-AMG has been planning a hardcore Black Series variant of their AMG GT sports car. And typically of the Affalterbach concern, they only release a limited-edition Black Series as the swansong for a model.
It’s hard to believe that the AMG GT Coupe has been around since 2015. Since its launch, and through various incarnations, it has gone on to make a name for itself, earning immense praise from everyone – even Porsche owners – that have sampled it. Aside from the GT race cars and being the official safety car for F1, one of the model's greatest accomplishments came back in 2016, when the AMG GT R became one of the quickest street-legal cars to ever lap the Nurburgring.
And since then, AMG fans have been clamoring for a Black Series variant. It has been widely acknowledged that the AMG GT R Pro rivals the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, so many expect the Black Series to be an equally hardcore opponent to the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. And it seems increasingly likely that the Black Series will pack adequate firepower to take on the fabled GT2 RS.
For starters, it will be getting significantly more power than the regular AMG GT R. AMG Boss Tobias Moers was recently quoted as saying, “It’s still a 4.0-litre engine and twin-turbo, but it’s a different engine. It’s not a typical AMG V8.” It also won’t use any electrification – somewhat preserving an air of traditionalism for the Black Series.
It is expected to produce around 530kw and 800nm, making it 100kw and 100nm more powerful than the already rapid AMG GT R. Insiders claim that the Black Series will retain its M178 block, but say that it will likely get a new crankshaft and completely redesigned cylinder heads that will see it rev close to 9,000rpm. Power will allegedly route through a dual-clutch automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
The Black Series will be the ultimate AMG GT, meaning that its suspension, aesthetics, and aerodynamics will be significantly ramped up compared to even the GT R and GT R Pro. An updated version of the GT R Pro’s coilover suspension set-up (adjustable for bump and rebound) is expected to be fitted and, interestingly, the GT Black Series will share the AMG One's specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The attached renders are based on recent track spottings of the camouflaged Black Series. And it is clearly evident how different it looks from the other AMG GT models. It is easy to spot the wider fenders, redesigned bumpers, aggressive rear diffuser, quad-exhaust system, and a dual-plane rear wing. The front bumper will sport an even larger Panamericana grille for added cooling, whilst a GT3-inspired bonnet will further assist with cooling. There is also set to be an exaggerated front splitter, and new canards throughout.
With a replacement for the AMG GT slated for reveal in late 2021, it is expected that the Black Series will be unveiled in late 2020, before going on sale in 2021 as the final goodbye to the first-generation AMG GT.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is expected to cost around R4,500,000 to R5,000,000 in South Africa when it arrives, making it one of the most expensive AMG models ever sold locally.
Q: How much power does the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series have?
The Black Series produces around 530kW and 800Nm from its heavily modified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which is 100kW and 100Nm more than the standard AMG GT R.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series worth buying over a Porsche 911 GT2 RS?
The Black Series is absolutely worth considering over the GT2 RS if you want exclusivity and raw power, though the Porsche offers better track refinement and proven reliability at a similar price point.
Q: How many Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series will be made?
Mercedes-AMG typically limits Black Series production to around 1,000 to 2,000 units globally, with only a handful expected to reach South African shores due to the model's limited production run.
Q: What makes the AMG GT Black Series different from the regular GT R?
The Black Series features a completely redesigned engine with new cylinder heads and crankshaft, aggressive GT3-inspired aerodynamics, track-focused suspension, and lightweight construction borrowed from the AMG One hypercar.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is an absolute yes if you have R5,000,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want the ultimate AMG experience. This is AMG's final hurrah for the GT Coupe, packing 530kW of fury and track-bred technology that makes it a genuine rival to the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Sure, it's eye-wateringly expensive, but you're getting a limited-production masterpiece that combines F1 safety car heritage with hypercar tech. The best hardcore German supercar under R6,000,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly this Black Series, though you'll need to act fast as AMG will only make a few thousand globally. If you're serious about track days and want something more exclusive than a GT2 RS, this is your machine.
