We've never been disappointed by an AMG model that's rolled off a Mercedes assembly line. That said, the new 2021 GT Black Series might just blow all the previous incarnations out of the water. Here's what sets the new Black Series apart and why you should start saving your pennies to add one to your collection.
All About the Horsepower
The most exciting spec we've seen thus far about the new GT Black Series is the horsepower. This luxury supercar got a massive upgrade from its last incarnation. The GT R and GT R Pro both cranked out 577 horsepower from the same engine — AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8.
The Black Series is still sporting a 4.0-liter V-8, but that's about all it has in common with the previous GT models. Engineers traded the standard cross-plane crankshaft, changed up the firing order and coaxed even more power out of it. The Black Series will generate 720 horsepower, a massive upgrade when you compare it to the previous GT models.
This upgrade and the other changes to the classic 4.0-liter V-8 are dramatic enough to earn the Black Series engine a brand new code. It might be based on one of the less-popular AMG engines, but there is nothing else like it on the market right now.
Adding Carbon Fiber Everywhere
Carbon fiber is expensive, but Mercedes had no problem using it to deck out its new GT. You'll find carbon fiber nearly everywhere — and unlike many other models that utilize this lightweight material, it's not just used for accents or exterior design elements. The hood, roof, hatch and front/rear fascia are all made of carbon fiber, but you'll also find this lightweight and strong material elsewhere.
Carbon fiber panels help stiffen the body and improve handling. It's equipped with an anti-roll bar, also made from carbon fiber. You can even find this material in the driveshaft and in the torque tube that surrounds it. In most of the world — outside of the U.S., Canada and China — even the seats will be made from carbon fiber. The sway bar, transmission mounts and sheer panels are all also made from this lightweight material.
With all this carbon-fiber weaving in and out of its frame, the GT Black Series is one of the lighter Mercedes models on the market. It features a curb weight of 3,616 pounds. This will undoubtedly contribute to the GT Black Series' rather substantial price tag.
AMG's Traction Control Systems
The GT Black Series has some serious power under the hood, but that shouldn't discourage you from climbing behind the wheel. AMG equipped this luxury car with a nine-level traction control system you can adjust on the fly, depending on your needs and your driving experience.
You'd use level one for wet conditions when you need a little bit of extra help to keep your Mercedes from hydroplaning off the road. Level nine, on the other hand, is for more skilled or experienced drivers, as it essentially shuts off all but the most basic traction control features.
You've got a fantastic variety of driving modes to choose from as well, for everything from daily driving to trips to the track. There are even preprogrammed profiles in the system for popular courses around the world. You can always customize it to ensure you're getting the most comfortable ride possible, no matter where you're driving.
AMG Interior Aesthetic
There is nothing like the Mercedes aesthetic, and the designers have dressed this new GT to the nines. The only thing we're missing out on when it comes to the interior is the carbon-fiber seats, which are only available to overseas markets. You won't be disappointed by the domestic options, though. The interior is all sleek carbon fiber and leather, accented with stitching. The traction control knob sits center-stage, below the AC vents, so you can switch your driving mode on the fly if road conditions suddenly change.
Behind the steering wheel is a fully digital dash. There isn't a ton of space in the back seat, thanks to the carbon fiber roll cage, but this isn't the kind of car you're buying to bring the kids to soccer practice. We don't have a price for the Black Series yet, but we expect it to cost quite a bit more than its predecessor, the $200,000 GT Pro.
The GT Black Series Is Unstoppable
2020 has thrown us for a loop, and it's been difficult to look forward to the rest of this year. With the 2021 Mercedes GT Black Series on the horizon, we can't wait to put it all behind us. Now, we can look forward to getting behind the wheel of this unstoppable new luxury car and leaving 2020 in the dust.
