A New Flagship

Mercedes-benz’s high-performance division, AMG, has just pulled the wraps off its most powerful-ever road car. Based on AMG’S two-seat GT coupe, the Mercedes-amg GT Black Series boasts a 4-litre, twin turbocharged V8 engine that produces 720bhp, which is good enough for a 3.2-second 0-100km/h acceleration time and a maximum speed of 325. Although based on the current AMG V8’s architecture, the Black Series’ M178 LS2 motor might as well be regarded as brand new, as it features a racing-style flatplane crankshaft, as well as revised camshafts, exhaust system and turbochargers — and enthusiasts will surely delight in the fact that it’s red-lined at 7,300rpm. Torque is marginally down compared with the regular engine, but it still pushes out 800Nm of twist, which is available at 2,000-6,000rpm. Other radical tweaks include revisions to the Speedshift transmission (the seven-speed dual-clutch box has been upgraded to handle the increased power, and there’s a new and considerably lighter carbon-fibre driveshaft) as well as the aerodynamics, with a vast active biplane rear aerofoil and modified front splitter and diffuser. Weight reduction is also part of the formula, with carbon used for the car’s underbody, roof and rear hatch. As for the dynamic systems, the traction control has nine settings — and if all that isn’t crazy enough, AMG also offers a Track Pack that outfits the car for weekend jaunts at the circuit, with race harnesses, fire extinguisher and an internal body cage.