Mercedes-AMG presents the
high-end super sports car version of the gull-wing model, the new SLS AMG Coupé
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 1550 kilograms, 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 7400 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 Seriesto 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 Coupé Black Series (2011), the fifth
exponent sees the Black Series entering a new dimension with the gull-wing
model.
"The new SLS AMG Coupé 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 Coupé 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 Coupé 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 1550 kilograms,"
notes Tobias Moers, head of overall vehicle development and member of the
management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The uprated AMG 6.3-litre V8
engine generating a power output of 631 hp and 635 Newton metres of torque is a
byword for thrilling driving dynamics, making the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series
the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine at
present. Only the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive with a maximum output of 552 kW
comes with greater power reserves.
The SLS AMG Coupé 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 7200 to 8000 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 Coupé 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 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 kilograms, the new AMG
sports exhaust system is around 13 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The
new system features the performance-enhancing fan-type exhaust pipes which have
been in use to date.
Lightweight at its core: with a
kerb weight of 1550 kilograms (DIN), the new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is not
only 70 kilograms 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-kilogram counterpart with sand-cast aluminium
housing, the carbon-fibre torque tube weighs only 13.3 kilograms. 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
kilograms. 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 eight kilograms.
The overall power transmission
system is also a major contributory factor to the outstanding driving dynamics
of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmission is installed ten millimetres 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.
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.
The chassis and suspension of the
SLS AMG Coupé 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.
The new developments in detail:
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 brake system of the SLS AMG
Coupé 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 millimetres at the front
and 360 x 32 millimetres at the rear feature increased hardness for enhanced
thermal stability, accompanied by a weight reduction of around 40 percent. 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 kilograms.
The design of the SLS AMG Coupé
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. In the 2012 motorsport season the SLS AMG GT3 is
competing in more than 15 series on four continents. The triple victory in the
24-hour Dubai race in January 2012, three driver and team titles in the FIA GT3
European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the FIA GT3 World Championship
along with numerous places on the podium at various short-distance, 4- and
6-hour races demonstrate the SLS AMG GT3's sporty performance in impressive
style. To date, the car has notched up 37 victories in the 2012 season (as per
28 October 2012).
Wide flared wings with an added
width of 13 mm (front) and 26 mm (rear) on each side create the necessary space
for the 275 mm and 325 mm sports tyres. Darkened headlamps and black surrounds
for the rear lights provide the SLS AMG Coupé Black Serieswith a muscular and
aggressive look. The vehicle's aerodynamic balance is optimised 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 enlarged air intakes with carbon-fibre flics additionally ensure an
optimum air inflow into the cooling modules at the front.
As on the SLS AMG GT3, the
carbon-fibre bonnet features a central air outlet. Apart from effectively
discharging the engine heat, this outlet also increases downforce at the front
axle and improves the Cd value. The wing-like cross-fin and the star recess in
the radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black to match the exterior
mirrors and the fins on the bonnet. The carbon-fibre insert on the sides, with
an air outlet and a black fin is also reminiscent of the GT3; this feature also
helps to reduce the temperature level in the engine compartment. The upshot is
maximum stability, even in tough race track use.
A striking feature on the sides
is the attractive integration of the side skirts, which combine with the side
feature line in appealing fashion. The carbon elements fitted along the bottom
at the sides continue the line of the carbon-fibre front splitter along to the
rear. 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. AMG forged wheels in matt black with a
high-sheen rim finish are also available.
The rear of the SLS AMG Coupé
Black Series presents a brawny appearance on a par with that of the front end.
The wide wings and the striking rear diffusor are the predominant features
here. The diffusor extends beyond the profile of the rear apron and produces
additional downforce at the rear axle. This 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.
The two sets of twin chrome tailpipes with a square cross-section provide a
visual demonstration of the gull-wing super sports car's power and dynamism -
an impression that is backed up by a corresponding sound. The exclusive AMG
logo with contrasting Black Series lettering in black adds a discreet yet
striking touch at the top right of the boot lid.
The SLS AMG Coupé 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 Coupé Black
Series. Six other exterior paint finishes from the SLS AMG range are available,
including the matt paint designo Magno Alanite Grey.
A functional, sporty racing-car
atmosphere is prevalent inside the SLS AMG Coupé 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 kilograms lighter than the standard AMG sports
seats.
The absence of the COMAND APS
multimedia system reduces the vehicle's weight by an additional six kilograms
as a further demonstration of the SLS AMG Coupé 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.
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 1000 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.
