November 11, 2012

GT3 performance for the road - The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

Mercedes-AMG presents the high-end super sports car version of the gull-wing model, the new SLS AMG Coupe Black Series. Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing version, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating mix of breath-taking
design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction in accordance with the 'AMG Lightweight Performance' strategy. With a DIN kerb weight of 1,550 kg, the SLS AMG Black Series achieves a power/weight ratio of 2.45 kg/hp. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generates a power output of 631 hp at 7,400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic gull-wing model of all time to 62 mph in 3.6-seconds. The coil-over AMG Ride Control performance suspension, the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system and the weight-optimised forged AMG light-alloy wheels with newly developed sports tyres combine with the electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SpeedShift DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring an uncompromisingly emotional shift and response times to raise the SLS AMG Black Series to a new level. The AMG Aerodynamics package is optionally available to further boost the vehicle's driving dynamics.

Black Series - a name that resonates with automobile experts and enthusiasts. Following on from the SLK 55 AMG Black Series from 2006, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007), the SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008) and the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series (2011), the fifth exponent sees the Black Series entering a new dimension with the gull-wing model.

"The new SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to the road. We have drawn inspiration from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car on both a conceptual and a technological level. Boasting numerous lightweight components and fantastic driving dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated 'Driving Performance'. The SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and highly emotional driving experiences," says Ola Kallenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"The most dynamic gull-wing model of all time goes by the name of the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series. Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package. The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the area of the engine, power transmission, suspension and aerodynamics - also according top priority to our 'AMG Lightweight Performance' strategy. Great efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a DIN kerb weight of 1,550 kg," notes Tobias Moers, Head of overall vehicle development and Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine a byword for thrilling driving dynamics
The uprated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generating a power output of 631 hp and 635 nm of torque is a byword for thrilling driving dynamics, making the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine at present. Only the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive with a maximum output of 552 kw comes with greater power reserves.

The SLS AMG Coupe Black Series accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The top speed stands at 315 km/h. The additional 60 hp of power in comparison to the 571 hp offered by the SLS AMG has been achieved by the following measures:
> Increase in maximum engine speed from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm
> Fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating which is otherwise exclusive to racing vehicles
> Modification of the intake air ducting: derestriction and adaptation to the new maximum engine speed
> Adaptation of the engine application and increase in peak pressure

The engineers at Mercedes-AMG have further optimised the crank assembly in the interests of optimum stability in tough racing use. The measures carried out here include modified oil bores in the crankshaft, new crankshaft bearings, a new oil pump and high-strength screwed connections for the conrods. The entire water and oil cooling system for the engine and transmission has also undergone further optimisation. The AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is additionally provided with a special support system. A gas-filled strut braces the eight-cylinder engine on the body, effectively eliminating undesired load change reactions in highly dynamic driving on the race track. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is hand-built at the AMG hand-finishing section in Affalterbach, according to the philosophy 'one man, one engine'. This hand-made quality is confirmed by the black AMG engine badge bearing the responsible engine fitter's signature which is a hallmark of the Black Series models.

The key data
Displacement - 6,208 cc
Bore x stroke - 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio - 11.3 : 1
Output - 631 hp at 7,400 rpm
Max. torque - 635 nm at 5,500 rpm
Maximum engine speed - 8,000 rpm
Engine weight (dry) - 205 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined - 20.6 mpg
CO2 emissions - 321 g/km
Efficiency class - G
Acceleration 0-62 mph - 3.6 s
Top speed - 196 mph

The eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine installed as a front mid-engine behind the front axle boasts racing car-style responses and livelier than ever revving ability. The powerful AMG V8 engine's race track aspirations are also apparent in its sound: the newly designed AMG sports exhaust system, produced in titanium for the first time, features distinctive centre and rear mufflers which result in a more powerful and even more striking engine sound. The switch from steel to titanium has spawned substantial weight savings: at just under 17 kg, the new AMG sports exhaust system is around 13 kg lighter than its predecessor. The new system features the performance-enhancing fan-type exhaust pipes which have been in use to date.

Systematic application of the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy
Lightweight at its core: with a kerb weight of 1,550 kg (DIN), the new SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is not only 70 kg lighter than the SLS AMG, but also attains the best power/weight ratio of all AMG Black Series vehicles to date by far. The figure of 2.45 kg/hp will also bear up to comparison in the super sports car scene. Such a ratio is made possible by systematic application of the 'AMG Lightweight Performance' strategy. Numerous body elements, such as the bonnet, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the underbody and the torque tube between engine and transmission consist entirely of the motorsport material carbon fibre (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic). In contrast to its 26.6 kg counterpart with sand-cast aluminium housing, the carbon-fibre torque tube weighs only 13.3 kg. As previously, power transmission between the engine and the dual clutch transmission (transaxle principle) which is flange-mounted on the rear axle is effected by means of a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP) drive shaft weighing only 4.7 kg. A number of parts on the aluminium spaceframe have also been replaced by CRP components. A lithium-ion battery which is used in place of the conventional starter battery saves a further 8 kg.

Dual clutch transmission for even more emotional dynamism
The overall power transmission system is also a major contributory factor to the outstanding driving dynamics of the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series. The AMG SpeedShift DCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed 10 mm lower in order to achieve a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and is braced against the body by gas-filled struts in order to avoid stress cycles. The dual clutch transmission features four driving modes (C, S, S+ and M). 'Sport plus' and 'Manual' in particular provide for markedly sportier performance than with the SLS AMG and SLS AMG GT models. In addition to an increase in shifting speed, the reduced response time to shift commands from the driver and the shifting hardness provide pure dynamism.

An even more thrilling feature is the automatic double-declutching function during downshifting: the throttle blips when shifting gear are more pronounced and more strikingly audible than ever, due to the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. There is also a new temporary M mode. In C, S or S+ mode, this enables the driver to activate manual mode without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by pressing the 'up' or 'down' shift paddle once. In temporary M mode the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of gear-shifting in manual mode in all of the automatic driving programmes, with automatic up- and down-shifting into the bargain. This allows the driver to devote his full attention to the vehicle's impressive performance.

New, electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock
A newly developed, electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear-axle ratio replaces the mechanical variant; it is integrated in the compact transmission housing. This system operates with a variable locking effect in acceleration and deceleration mode; in addition, the electronics respond more sensitively than to date, enabling excellent traction for the driven wheels at all friction levels. The electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock also benefits driving safety: in slaloms or when changing lane at high speeds the system has a stabilising effect, as it is able to attenuate the vehicle's yaw rate around its vertical axis. The standard-fit 3-stage ESP system featuring the functions 'ESP ON', 'ESP Sport Handling Mode' and 'ESP OFF' is precision-tuned to the electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock. The same applies to the Race Start function, which provides for perfect traction when accelerating from a standing start in conjunction with the electronic differential lock.

AMG Ride Control performance suspension and sports tyres
The chassis and suspension of the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series are also new. The basic layout with double wishbones all-round in aluminium remains unchanged, but barely a component has gone untouched in the interests of much enhanced race track performance.

AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system as standard
The brake system of the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series boasts excellent deceleration performance and outstanding stability. The AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system comes as standard. The ceramic brake discs measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear feature increased hardness for enhanced thermal stability, accompanied by a weight reduction of around 40 per cent. As a result of the reduced unsprung masses, they optimise both comfort and grip. The reduced rotating masses on the front axle provide for more direct steering response. Weight savings with the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system compared to a conventional steel/aluminium brake system: 16 kg.

Design inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car
The design of the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series derives a special authenticity from its similarity to the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. The gull-wing racing car developed in accordance with FIA GT3 rules has quickly become established as a serious contender among the super sports car elite.

AMG Aerodynamics package with carbon-fibre components
The SLS AMG Coupe Black Series can be upgraded with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package. This package features a static, adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil in the style of the SLS AMG GT3 in place of the standard-fit aerofoil which extends automatically at speeds of over 75 mph. The rear aerofoil is braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on the boot lid and provides for even greater negative lift over the rear axle - not least of all as a result of the Gurney flap, named after its inventor, Dan Gurney, a former racing driver, designer and team owner. This eight millimetre-high spoiler lip fitted to the rear aerofoil at an angle of 90-degrees results in a further increase in downforce without significantly increasing drag. The rear aerofoil is complemented by additional carbon-fibre flics on the front apron which further increase downforce at the front axle, as opposed to the more inward-lying standard-fit carbon-fibre flics which serve to optimise the inflow of air into the cooling modules.

The optionally available expressive colour AMG Solar Beam is exclusive to the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series. Six other exterior paint finishes from the SLS AMG range are available, including the matt paint designo Magno Alanite Grey.

Sporty, functional interior exuding high quality
A functional, sporty racing-car atmosphere is prevalent inside the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series, with high-quality materials demonstrating precision workmanship and exquisitely designed details. There is a choice of two colour variants - alcantara black or Alcantara black/red. With the two-tone variant, the door centre panels and the applications on the centre console and above the glove compartment are finished in red. The AMG Performance steering wheel with flat- bottomed rim section features Alcantara all round for a good grip. In the top section the steering wheel features a sporty red 12 o'clock marking. The real metal bezel features a high-gloss black paint finish to match the high-gloss black surrounds of the air vents. A particularly high-quality and exclusive Black Series detail is the so-called '3D seam' which runs horizontally along the dashboard: a fine Alcantara strip in anthracite features across the entire width of the leather covering. Red contrasting stitching in the leather lends an accomplished finish to the 3D seam, underscoring the interior's hand-crafted character.

The combination of designo leather and Alcantara features throughout the interior - on the bottom section of the dashboard, for example, on the door centre panels and on the AMG sports bucket seats, whose centre sections are covered with Alcantara. Embossed AMG emblems on the head restraints are further exclusive eye-catchers. In addition to providing first-class lateral support at high cornering speeds, the AMG sports bucket seats are also 15 kg lighter than the standard AMG sports seats.

The absence of the Comand APS multimedia system reduces the vehicle's weight by an additional six kg as a further demonstration of the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series' uncompromisingly purist character. In place of the screen between the air vents, a carbon-fibre trim element exudes an authentic racing atmosphere. Comand APS is optionally available. The vehicle's occupants will also discover the motorsport material carbon fibre on the entire centre console with the AMG Drive Unit. Bold highlights are added by red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, the centre console, the upper and lower section of the dashboard and the door panelling. The floor mats similarly feature red edging.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
A highlight among the optional equipment and appointments is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, developed by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1 enables an exclusive music experience of the very highest standard. This is made possible by a 1,000 W amplifier and 11 loudspeakers in conjunction with precise distribution of the music signals by the sound processor according to the selectable seat positions - driver, co-driver or central. The DSP digital sound processor additionally enables the user to switch between the high-end studio sound ('Reference') and a surround sound option. All functions are controlled via Comand APS (optional item) in a special Bang & Olufsen menu. The illuminated 50 W lens tweeters are a special highlight on the dashboard. The 250 W sub-woofer is accommodated in the rear shelf. High-quality loudspeaker covers sporting the Bang & Olufsen logo indicate the high-end system's exclusive character.

The market launch of the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series will begin in June 2013.

Pricing is still to be confirmed.

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