What happens when you pit the Ford Focus ST, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Jaguar F-Type V8 S, Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG Wagon, Audi R8 V-10 Plus,  Nissan GT-R Track Pack, Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, SRT Viper, BMW M6, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Aston Martin Vanquish and the Porsche Cayman S against each other?  You get the best drag race ever.

Watch as Motor Trend takes some of the best cars in the world, for a combined 98 cylinders, 5394 lb-ft of torque, 6140 horsepower, nine turbochargers, and a combined value of $1,895,515.

Short on time, the race starts off around the 2:30 minute mark. Sorry, no spoilers, you’re going to have to watch for yourself, but we will tell you that both Mercedes faire quite well.

The Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series is a car like no other, accelerating to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 195 mph.  Powering the Black Series SLS AMG is a 6.3-liter V8 engine that outputs 631 hp and 635 Nm of torque.  What do all these numbers mean exactly, it means the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is the most powerful AMG model with a combustion engine – or, in other words, it’s an amazing car!

Odds are that if you’re driving a SLS AMG Black Series, you will not cross paths with another.  But, if you find yourself needing needing to make yours stand out even more from the crowd, choosing a unique color is one of the easiest ways to differentiate yourself.

Take for instance one of the latest SLS AMG Black Series to grace the AMG delivery hall.  In “Yosemite Blue” it’s understated yet stunning.

Photos: Mercedes AMG

Readers of car magazine “AUTO BILD Sportscars” have voted the Mercedes SLS AMG Coupé Black Series “Sports car of the year 2013”. The SLS AMG Coupe Black Series is the high-end version of the gull-wing model and well deserving of a first place finish in the series production super sports cars category.

2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

There were 143 vehicles spread across 17 categories in the final round of the poll for “Sports cars of the year 2013”. 77,218 AUTO BILD Sportscars readers voted online for their personal favorites. Following first place for the SLS AMG GT in the category of series production super sports cars in 2012, the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series won this year’s poll.

2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

As the high-end super sports car version of the gull-wing model, the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series was inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing version. The fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating combination of breath-taking design, superlative 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 Coupé Black Series achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 2.45 kg/hp. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generates a power output of 464 kW (631 hp) at 7400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic road-going gull-wing model of all time to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.

2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Black Series

Following up our previous video of the 2014 E63 AMG testing on Germany’s infamous Nurburgring, here’s a second video showing a slightly camouflaged SLS AMG Black Series again running the Ring.

I obviously don’t need to tell you of the SLS AMG Black Series’ track prowess, as it’s been designed from the ground up to tackle road courses like the Ring.  But even knowing how good the SLS AMG Black Series is, it’s always fun seeing it in action.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy of bit of SLS AMG Black Series goodness for yourself.

If you’re looking for a way to pass the time this lovely Monday morning, the good folks at Motor Trend recently took a turn behind the wheel of the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series ($296,075) and Dodge SRT Viper ($114,985).  So how did the two perform?  On paper, the SLS AMG Black is packing 622 hp and a top speed of 196 mph, whereas the SRT Viper comes in slightly higher at 640 hp 206 mph.  In the real world, however, Motor Trend describes the SLS Black Series as more refined and better in virtually every category, albeit at a monstrously higher price tag.  Is it really a fair comparison?  Probably not.  But then again, who’s going to pass up the chance to get behind the wheel of two incredibly high-powered models for the sake of a comparison?  We sure wouldn’t.

Check the video below to see Motor Trend’s full thoughts on both.

Mercedes-Benz USA announced pricing on the new 2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series coupe, one of the latest addition to the AMG lineup. Although extremelly limited, the highly coveted sorts car will be available at Mercedes dealers across the U.S. starting this August at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $275,000 (plus an additional $1,800 destination and delivery charge).

2014 SLS AMG Black Series Coupe

The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series coupe features technology directly taken from the SLS AMG GT3 race car. It’s the fifth Black Series model worldwide, fourth Black Series model in the U.S., from Mercedes-AMG, mixing oustanding design, unsurpassed driving dynamics and lightweight construction. Keeping in line with the “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy, the Black Series Coupe has a a curb weight of 3,616 pounds, giving the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series a power/weight ratio of 5.81 lb/hp. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates a power output of 622 hp at 7,400 rpm and propels the upgraded SLS to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.

Fitted with adjustable coilover AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension, AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system, forged AMG light-alloy wheels, and specialized ultra high-performance tires, the SLS AMG Black Sereis reaches an entirely new level of vehicle performance. Not to be overlooked is the electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring lightening fast shift and response times thanks to its dual clutch technology.

2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series

Following in the footsteps of the SLK55 AMG Black Series from 2006 (European model), the 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series and the 2013 C63 AMG Black Series, the fifth model in the lineup sees the Black Series group enter an entirely new dimension with the iconic SLS AMG. “The new SLS AMG Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to 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 fascinating dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated ‘Driving Performance.’ The SLS AMG Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and a highly emotional driving experience,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“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 engine, transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also giving top priority to our ‘AMG Lightweight Performance’ strategy. Outstanding efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a curb weight of 3,616 pounds,” notes Tobias Moers, Head of Total Vehicle Development and Member of the Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The uprated AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generating a power output of 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque is a synonym for thrilling driving dynamics, making the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine. Only the SLS AMG Electric Drive with a maximum output of 740 hp has more power.

SLS AMG Black Series key data at a glance:

• Displacement- 6,208 cc
• Bore x stroke- 4.02 x 3.72 inches
• Compression ratio- 11.3 : 1
• Output- 622 hp at 7,400 rpm
• Max. torque- 468 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm
• Maximum engine speed- 8,000 rpm
• Engine weight (dry)- 452 lbs
• Acceleration- 0-60 mph 3.5 s
• Top speed- 196 mph

The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, and a Mercedes E 63 AMG compete against Michael Schumachers F1 “Silver Arrow” in the High-Performance Demonstration on the famous Nurburgring North Loop.

The race starts with an A 45 AMG driven by Bernd Mayländer, followed by an E 63 AMG driven by Karl Wendlinger, Nico Rosberg in an SLS AMG Black Series and Bernd Schneider with the SLS AMG GT3. The last car – the Formula 1 Silver Arrow with Michael Schumacher starts and tries to ride across the finish line at the same time with all the other Mercedes-AMG cars.

In its GT form, the Mercedes SLS AMG is an amazing machine, offering up 583 hp, 479 lb.-ft. The SLS AMG is a car that leaves the driver with little to desire.  Mercedes however, took the SLS AMG GT a step further offering a Black Series Version.

The SLS AMG Black Series is a vehicle that’s not only extreme but may well be the best Black Series model ever released by Mercedes. Looking back at the previous Black Series models, that may well be the highest compliment one could give the SLS AMG Black Series.

MBUSA released a video that featuring the super car at the LA Auto show and product manager Will Vetter explaining how Mercedes came to design the SLS AMG Blacker Series and in-depth information about the car itself.

Vetter sums the Black Series up when he reminds us of the cars abilities: 622 hp, 468 lb ft of torque and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, it’s equal parts genius and completely mad.

Watch the video for yourself to see more of the SLS AMG Black Series

For those of us that can’t get enough of the new SLS AMG Black Series, Mercedes-Benz has created a dedicated micro-site for the new car.

The micro-site includes comprehensive performance information on the new AMG models AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine that can generate power output of 464 kW (631 hp) and 635 Newton meters of torque, making the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine at present, can be found on the new micro-site.

SLS AMG Coupé Black Series AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine

Dynamics of the SLS AMG Black Series are also covered, discussing the coil-over AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension, the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system and the weight-optimized forged AMG light-alloy wheels with newly developed sports tires combine with the electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring 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.

SLS AMG Coupé Black Series in AMG Solarbeam

Also available on the site is information on the new model’s lightweight body with a kerb weight of 1550 kilograms (DIN), making the new SLS AMG Coupé Black Series 70 kilograms (154 lbs) lighter than the SLS AMG while still managing to offer the best power/weight ratio of all AMG Black Series vehicles to date by far.

SLS AMG Coupé Black Series Interior

Lastly, the exterior and interior of the car are also discussed including information on the many aerodynamic carbon fibre features including information on the wide flared wings with added 13mm (front) and 26mm (rear) of width on each side that make room for the 275mm and 325mm tires. The interior information covers the two color variants: Alcantara black or Alcantara black/red and the AMG, the performance steering wheel with flattened bottom rim section features Alcantara for a good grip and more.

Visit the new micro-site yourself by clicking the following link: www.mercedes-amg.com/webspecial/slsblackseries

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the SLS AMG Black Series, set to go on sale in June of 2013. The new SLS AMG Black Series, inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing car, comes with more power, less weight and aerodynamic design updates. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generates a power output of 464 kW (631 hp) at 7400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic gull-wing model of all time to 100 km/h 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 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 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 fascinating 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 Källenius, 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.

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 464 kW (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 44 kW (60 hp) of power in comparison to the 420 kW (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 key data at a glance:

The eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine installed as a front mid-engine behind the front axle boasts racing car-style response 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 provide for 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.

Systematic application of the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy

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.

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 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 for 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 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 wheel carriers 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: 10×19 at fron; 12×20 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

AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system as standard

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.

Design inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car

The design of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series derives a special fascination 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 Series with 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 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.

Matt black AMG forged wheels in Black Series-specific design

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 high-sheen rim flange are alternatively 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.

AMG Aerodynamics package with carbon-fibre components

The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series can be upgraded with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package. This package features a fixed, 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 120 km/h. The rear aerofoil is braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on the boot lid and provides for even greater negative lift force on 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 reduce 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.

Sporty, functional interior exuding high quality

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 flattened bottom 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 lend an accomplished finish to the 3D seam, underscoring the 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 ex-factory. 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 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 subwoofer is accommodated in the rear shelf. High-quality loudspeaker covers sporting the Bang & Olufsen logo indicate the high-end system’s exclusive character.

Further individualisation options are also available (selection):

• AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror
• AMG carbon-fibre engine cover
• AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package
• AMG infotainment system (incl. COMAND APS, AMG Performance Media and backup camera)
• Media Interface
• The market launch of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will begin in June 2013.

Yesterday, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series was spied testing around the Nürburgring.  Today, the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series was spied crashing on the Nürburgring.  Not exactly the publicity Mercedes-Benz was hoping for, but as they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity.  Though your supercar bursting into flames shortly after it crashed may be the exception.

The SLS AMG Black Series accident happened on the Nordschleife at the part called “Döttinger Höhe”, a long straight about 2,5km (1.5 miles) long where the Black Series can reach speeds close to 180 mph.

The E-Unit rescue team and the ambulance arrived within minutes to help these AMG test drivers who according to our photographer were uninjured.

Thanks to our good friend Andrus for the tip and GMotors for the photos

It is not long until we will see the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, we’ve been seeing spy photos of the Black Series prototypes on a consistent basis.

Now, thanks to some well placed spies, we have video of the most famous SLS AMG.

No official specs have been released but we will likely see the 6.2-liter AMG V8 engine with 600HP, up from its current 563. The SLS AMG Black Series will be trimmed by around 100 pounds while still being able to cope better with the Black Series own power thanks to strengthened running gear.

Watch the video below to see the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series take a turn on the Nürburgring.

The Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series has been busy out on the roads and on the Nurburgring testing recently. With all its testing, multiple spy photographers to capture a first look at the Black Series model well ahead of its debut later this year.

Based on the videos, we can see that the SLS AMG Black Series will stand apart from the standard SLS AMG by sporting a more aggressive widebody kit and a exaggerated rear diffuser. Though unconfirmed, additional upgrades will include high performance brakes and a sport-tuned suspension along with AMG’s naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 unit that will output more than 600 hp.

This is likely just the beginning of spy photos and information to be released, stay tuned.