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Mercedes-Benz’s new SLS AMG is an impressive car, but according to Friedrich Eichler, AMG’s chief powertrain engineer, it can be made even better. Just as AMG has released several Black Series models (high-performance variants of already potent AMG offerings), the SLS will likely spawn a Black Series variant as well.
According to Autocar, the SLS AMG Black Series has officially been given the green light for production by Dieter Zetsche, Daimler’s CEO. Plans for the über-SLS have reportedly been in place since 2006, when the decision was made to develop the SLS.
The car will be powered by the same 6.2-liter V-8 as in the standard SLS AMG, but its output will be increased to approximately 600 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. A larger intake manifold, higher profile camshafts, and a higher compression ratio are only three of the many performance tweaks made to the SLS Black Series.
“We’re not at the limit with what’s out there at the moment,” says Friedrich Eichler, head of AMG. “There’s still a good deal more to come from the engine. We’re saving the best for last.”
Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission seen on the normal SLS AMG. Several parts of the driveline will be upgraded to handle the power, including a new locking rear differential.
In addition to increasing the power, AMG plans on shaving around 100 lbs off the SLS AMG’s curb weight. Coupled with the boost in power, the weight savings should allow the SLS AMG to produce a 0 to 60 mph time under 3.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 208 mph.
Insiders at Mercedes-Benz hint that the car is tentatively scheduled to go into limited production in 2013. Expect pricing to begin somewhere around the $300,000 mark, approximately 50 percent more than a normal SLS AMG.
Source: Autocar
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