PERFORMANCE DRIVEN - Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series
AMG’s upcoming Black Series is said to have more power than a 911 GT2 RS
We’ve known for some time that Mercedes-AMG will be releasing a ‘Black Series’ variant of their AMG GT R, as a swansong for the current AMG GT range. Not just because AMG bossman Tobias Moers has confirmed it, but because it’s been spotted pounding around the Nurburgring.
And now, thanks to an Instagram post by someone who claims to have ordered one, we know that it will produce far more power than the AMG GT R Pro (pictured). Instagram user ML (@fastcarsandguns) has ordered one from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and even went as far as posting his ‘Offer to Purchase’. He went on to say that according to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the production of the supercar is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020, with deliveries expected to be in full swing by early 2021.
The most important bit of information he posted though, was the cars power output. He claims that it will produce in excess of 700 horsepower – which translates to over 522kw. To put that into perspective, that is more power than the 515kw Porsche 911 GT2 RS and just shy of the McLaren 720S’ 527kw output. Although, the post does say “it has 700+ HP”, so the final output is anyone’s guess. It’s also worth noting that Tobias Moers says that the Black Series is aimed at the GT2 RS and the 720S, so those power outputs are more than likely.
The AMG GT4-inspired GT R Black Series is expected to use a modified version of the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that powers the regular AMG GT R and the GT R Pro. In both those models however, power stands at 430kw, but we do know that in the AMG GT 63 S, the very same motor – albeit with some minor differences – boasts an output of 470kw. It remains to be seen if Mercedes will incorporate any of its EQ hybrid technology into the Black Series. Expect it to best the GT R Pro’s 0-100kph sprint time of 3.6 seconds and 318kph top speed.
What will be interesting to see is how AMG manage to unleash all of that power. Just about all of the high-powered AMG sedans currently on offer, i.e. E63 S, GT 63 S, etc. all have an AMG-tuned 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system to cope with the incredible amount of power. The AMG GT R and GT R Pro are rear-wheel driven, which is why many originally predicted that AMG would opt for a slightly more conservative output, in the region of around 450kw.
Much like the SLS AMG before it, the AMG GT R Black Series will likely go on an extensive diet, becoming a road-legal race car, whilst sprouting an even more aggressive exterior than seen on the GT R. Expect larger brakes, a revised suspension setup and tweaked steering, to aid its track-focused handling. Thanks to these revisions and a massive hike in power, it should easily eclipse the GT R Pro’s best Nurburgring effort of 7:04 – which in itself was 4 seconds quicker than the McLaren 720S, but a mammoth 17 seconds slower than the 911 GT2 RS.
If the Instagram post is to be believed, it’s likely the AMG GT R Black Series will be unveiled at next year’s Geneva International Motor Show. And much like its SLS AMG Black Series predecessor, expect a mega price and extremely limited production numbers.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: How much power does the Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series have?
The Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series produces over 522kW (700+ horsepower), making it more powerful than the 515kW Porsche 911 GT2 RS and nearly matching the McLaren 720S's 527kW output.
Q: What engine does the AMG GT R Black Series use?
The Black Series uses a heavily modified version of the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine that powers the regular AMG GT R, but tuned to produce significantly more power than the standard 430kW output.
Q: When will the Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series be available?
Production of the AMG GT R Black Series is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020, with deliveries starting in early 2021 according to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Q: What cars is the AMG GT R Black Series competing against?
According to AMG boss Tobias Moers, the Black Series is specifically aimed at competing with the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the McLaren 720S in terms of performance and positioning.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series worth buying?
If you've got the budget for a track-focused supercar that can embarrass a GT2 RS at the lights, the Black Series represents the ultimate expression of AMG's naturally aspirated philosophy before everything goes hybrid.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series is shaping up to be an absolute weapon, but with expected pricing likely to exceed R4 million in South Africa, it's strictly for those with serious cash and a need for speed. This is the kind of car you buy when a regular AMG GT R's 430kW feels pedestrian and you want something that can genuinely challenge a McLaren 720S. If you're shopping in this rarified air and want the most hardcore Mercedes money can buy, the Black Series should definitely be on your shortlist. However, for most South African buyers looking for serious performance, the regular AMG GT R at around R2.5 million offers 90% of the thrills for significantly less money.
