SLS Report: Mercedes-Benz Prepping SLS AMG Black Series

[HighestOfHigh]

The supercar rumormill is a wild and wily thing, only credible because the real-world cars that form its fodder are themselves so unbelievable. But it's not beyond the pale at all to think Mercedes-Benz's AMG tuning arm might already be hard at work cranking out a lightweight, ultra-performance Black Series version of its new 2010 SLS AMG supercar.

Just revealed officially earlier this month, the SLS AMG already has an all-electric version due to arrive in 2013. And while the SLS AMG itself is intended as a replacement for the McLaren co-built SLR, a black series variant could help Mercedes push into the truly high-end supercar market with a vehicle somewhat more accessible than the SL 65 AMG Black Series that currently tops its noir-themed range.

Not that the "standard" SLS AMG is hurting for power or performance; with its 6.2-liter AMG V-8 piping 571 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car's capable of 3.8-second 0-62 mph runs and a top speed of 197 mph.

Following on from the lessons learned with the SL 65 AMG Black Series, the SLS AMG Black Series could find itself clad with even more lightweight carbon fiber body panels, a highly-tuned version of the 6.0-liter V-12 AMG engine and a much more stripped-down, utilitarian interior. Even with all the weight savings, the SL 65 Black still tipped the scales at a hefty 4,114 pounds, roughly 600 pounds heavier than a standard SLS AMG. Yet it was still capable of 3.9-second 0-60 mph runs thanks to its 661-horsepower twin-turbo V-12 engine.

Applying a similar set of modifications to the SLS AMG could end up with a nearly 700-horsepower car weighing in just over 3,000 pounds and priced from the upper $300,000s. It would likely be capable of low-three-second 0-60 mph times, a top speed in excess of 220 mph and offer unprecedented performance for the Mercedes-Benz marque, possibly eclipsing even the legendary CLK GTR road car.



- http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1035650_report-mercedes-benz-prepping-sls-amg-black-series

 

[Merc1]

I say strip out all the luxury items in what is already a relatively lightweight car for a Mercedes, and add the turbo V8 and you're going to really have something.

I'd say if they can it down to 3100-3200lbs with 700hp the car will be a world beating if the chassis is tuned in usual Black Series fashion if the CLK63 BS is anything to go by.


M

 

[Shining Star]

If they can do a Black Series version....it would be incredible!

 

[Monster]

This sounds like the just the car for the twin turbo 6.2 V8.

 

[NarutoRamen]

SLS Black? Mind = Blown!!

 

[coolraoul]

Sounds very promising... No old, heavy, slow-revving V12 please however, give it a nice sporty engine!!! Like the rumoured bi-turbo V8! This would be totally awesome!!

 

[Gullwing]

No old, heavy, slow-revving V12 please however, give it a nice sporty engine!!! Like the rumoured bi-turbo V8!

Bi-turbo 2.4 liter formula 1 V8 would work for me

 

[Mr Robert]

One of the most expected news this autumn?

 

[NarutoRamen]

Bi-turbo 2.4 liter formula 1 V8 would work for me

Ha ha ha ha...that won't happen.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

After initially announcing the project back in 2006, Mercedes-Benz finally lived up to anticipation when it unveiled its new top-of-the-line SLS AMG at the Frankfurt Motor Show. But despite the supercar's superlative performance figures, the stock SLS is emerging as only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. In addition to an upcoming all-electric version and anticipated roadster, reports are popping up again to confirm that the German automaker is indeed working on a Black Series version that will take the car's performance to the edge of the envelope.

The report in Autocar equates the difference between the existing SLS and the upcoming Black edition to the distance bridged from the Corvette Z06 to the ZR1. That's some standard to live up to, but if reports prove accurate, the SLS AMG Black Series should be up to the task. Whereas the stock SLS offers 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from its 6.2-liter V8, the Black version is tipped to produce upwards of 600 hp and more than 500 lb-ft of twist from the same engine, tweaked with a larger air manifold, higher compression, new camshafts, a mechanical locking diff and more.

Driving through the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and coupled to a revised aerodynamics package and aggressive weight-reduction program, the SLS Black is tipped to drop the stock 0-62 time down from 3.8 seconds to below 3.5 seconds and boost the top speed from 195 to 208 miles per hour. A commensurate 50% price hike to around £155k (~$250k) would put the SLS AMG Black Series on par with the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with the HGTE handling package, set to hit the scene some time around 2013.

- REPORT: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series coming in 2013 — Autoblog

Why so long? Guess it will be the final SLS model. Better have that 700hp model since we have to wait so long.

 

[Guibo]

AMG's Tobias Moers hints strongly at SLS Black Series and race car.

From Motor Trend:
"MT: So you consider the 911 Turbo a competitor, but not the GT2?

TM: The GT2 is too race track oriented. We wanted to have a car that is quite good on normal roads, not just competitive on the track. And this is more or less than the beginning of the SLS story. Maybe something comes up in a few years...you never know...

MT: Are you saying SLS AMG Black Series?

TM: (smiles) Black Series is something we talk about, yes. Race car is something we talk about.

MT: So you will take the SLS racing?

TM: It is something we talk about, sure, because the platform...the car itself...it could be...(sips his beer)"


He goes on to talk about LFA as competitor (nope, too limited & costly) and E63 vs CTS-V (heard they used Pilot Cups for 'Ring lap time; Caddie is non-competitor in Europe).


Link:
What AMG's Dev Chief thinks about SLS, LFA, CTS-V | Car News Blog at Motor Trend

 

[Merc1]

Interesting he doesn't seem to think anything is a competitor to AMG. He seems to be looking the LFA from a marketing point of view, price/units to be produced. Aside from that the LFA is most definitely a competitor. Those are 500 sales Mercedes (or anyone else) could have had.

M

 

[Sunny]

Candid interview. What I don't get is why he compares it IS-F to C55, when it has proved to be pretty competitive to C63 both on road and track.

 

[Merc1]

Candid interview. What I don't get is why he compares it IS-F to C55, when it has proved to be pretty competitive to C63 both on road and track.

I think that was his way of trying to say that Lexus is behind. He has to know truthfully that the IS-F is a full-on competitor to the C63 AMG.

M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

More Rumors Of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

There's no doubt that Mercedes-AMG is serious about the 2011 SLS AMG. The car is being tied closely to the 300 SL Gullwing's racing history, and there's already a GT3 racing version of the car. So the jump to a Black Series version isn't a long one. The latest rumors pitch the car as competition for the hottest modified grand tourers from competing brands like Ferrari.

So what would an SLS AMG Black Series look like? On paper, it would extract even more power from the current 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which is rated at 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That's not likely to be too difficult, as the engine is said to have some headroom left. Smacking on a turbo or two would easily push things north of 600 horsepower, well into the range needed to compete with the likes of the Ferrari 599 GTO.

Cryptic statements from AMG engine boss Friedrich Eichler indicate that the Black Series is indeed on the way, and with the power boost may come a new mechanical limited-slip differential to better channel that power to the ground. Rear-wheel drive and the existing seven-speed dual-clutch transmission are expected to remain the standard.

Following on the Black Series philosophy from Mercedes-AMG's previous examples, a weight-savings and chassis-stiffening regime can also be expected, though with the SLS AMG's already extensive use of aluminum, that may mean resort of lots of carbon fiber to see significant gains. And that, along with the upgraded suspension, drivetrain and aesthetics, is sure to mean a significantly..err, enhanced pricetag. Something alone the lines of a 50 percent jump above the current $183,000 sticker is expected.

Acceleration will be brutal, with 62 mph coming up in less than 3.5 seconds, according to the report, and top speed will increase to a rather brisk 208 mph.

- More Rumors Of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - MotorAuthority