2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS
"AMG Black Series"
Specifications
Configuration: Longitudinal mid-engine
Engine: V8
Displacement: 6.3L
Horsepower: 622 at 8000 RPM
Torque: 468 ft/lbs
Max RPM: 8000 RPM
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch
A Little History
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is the last year Mercedes produced the SLS. The Black Series is the lighter and faster version of the regular SLS. However, the Black Series features exterior styling queues from Mercedes’ FIA GT3 European Championship racecar. For example, the Black Series has small carbon-fiber canards on each front corner panel. The Black Series also has larger air intakes than the regular SLS under its headlights. These allow more air to travel to the front brakes in order to cool them while racing. The hot air is then expelled through grills behind each front wheel. On the sides towards the back, each rear wheel has its own air intake. These also allow air to flow in and cool the rear brakes while racing. The hot air flows out through two grills at the rear of the car.
The interior of the Black Series is more luxurious in comparison to most other cars currently on display. Even with all of its comforts, including carpeting, LCD screens, and navigation, among others, Mercedes was still able to shave off 151 excess pounds from the regular SLS.
The predecessor to the SLS is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, as seen on the wall. The car was created in a collaboration between Mercedes and McLaren who, at the time, were also working together to produce championship-winning Formula-1 cars. The body of the SLR was designed by McLaren, while the drivetrain was designed by Mercedes. Because the body of the SLR was designed by McLaren, it featured butterfly doors instead of the gullwing doors found on the SLS.
Did You Know?
• The Black Series is the world’s most powerful, naturally aspirated V8 engine car.
• Each engine produced by AMG is hand-built by one engineer, as opposed to a team of engineers. This is the signature found inside the AMG on display.
• The Black Series has gullwing doors in order to pay homage to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing.
• Despite having once worked well together, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are now competitors.
