Mercedes-Benz has just released some highlights from its old AMG Black Series catalog. Since those cars are amazing, here is a post showing the AMG production cars that have been deemed worthy of the Black Series badges.
The German automaker reemerged these specifications as a mini-retrospective to provide context for a new Black Series car to be released this week. Meanwhile, it reminded me of how sweet the CLK 63 AMG Black Series is. (Means: Chonky Looks Kül.) (Not really).
Anyway, it’s as good an excuse as any to talk about some sweet Mercs.
SLK 55 AMG Black Series
Look at the second-generation Mercedes SLK (R171) long enough, perhaps after a few puffs of modern medicine, and the car begins to look like the superhero SLR McLaren. But the SLK wasn’t really made as a high-performance monster. It was a fun and comfortable backroader. The SLK 55 AMG Black Series, however, was an unusual case thanks to the massive under-hood lug engine and fixed roof.
You can recognize one for its fender flares, carbon fiber trim pieces, and great sports seats. But you won’t have to worry about that, because you’re not likely to ever see one.
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Mercedes says:
- Developed at the AMG Performance Studio for exclusive models, opened in 2006.
- Powertrain: Handmade 5.5-liter V8 AMG with 400 HP, 383 pound-feet of torque.
- Availability: 2006-2007, only 120 units produced. (N / A in the US market)
- Unique Upgrades: Retractable hard top replaced by a lightweight fixed unit, nearly 100lbs shaved from the SLK 55 standard with light weight measurements.
CLK 63 AMG Black Series
Famous beloved, except when it wasn’t, by well-known car driver Jeremy Clarkson, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series is one of the coolest things Mercedes has ever put on the road. I can’t say if it’s supposed to look like a tuner car, a modernized muscle car, or a GT with a bad attitude. I think the answer is “yes everyone” so I probably love it.
The fender flares really intensify the aggression of the second-generation CLK (C209) in a way that is still consistent and looks great. It is not the definitive CLK, since of course the CLK GTR It exists.But it is widely considered one of the best fast Benzes and I am willing to agree. (Although sadly, I haven’t had the privilege of driving one.)
Mercedes says:
- Powertrain: Handmade AMG 6.3-liter V8, producing 500 HP, 465 pound-feet of torque.
- Availability: 2008, 700 units produced worldwide.
- Unique Upgrades: Adjustable Coil Springs, Additional Interior Bracing with Rear Seat Erase, and DTM-Inspired Wide Body with Extended Front and Rear Track
SL 65 AMG Black Series
The Mercedes SL has been on a downward slope since its relevance since the fifth generation (R230) was “facelifted” in the late 2000s to this design. That is my opinion, it is not a fact, but now you are in my blog, so you will have to accept it.
However, the flares from the Black series certainly gave it a certain presence. And a dual turbo V12, I mean, come on. That strikes in any century. Hilariously, that overdeveloped engine was bolted to a five-speed automatic, which seems quite primitive in comparison.
Mercedes says:
- Powertrain: Handcrafted 6.0-liter AMG V12 biturbo with 661 HP, 738 pound-feet of torque.
- Availability: 2009, 350 units produced worldwide
- Unique Upgrades: The only body panels shared with the contemporary SL were the doors and side mirrors; everything else was exclusive to the Black Series and replaced with carbon fiber reinforced plastic panels. The retractable hard top is fixed in place, unlike the conventional SL.
C 63 AMG Black Series
This C-Class is the “Blackkey” Black Series Benz. Compared to the other machines in this line, the widening treatment of the C 63 AMG Black series fender is downright subtle. Still, if you see the rear-facing breather behind each wheel, you might be seeing a real one.
However, watch carefully if you are a fan of car stains because these ground effects have been replicated by the aftermarket.
Mercedes says:
- Powertrain: Handmade AMG 6.3-liter V8 with 510 HP, 457 lb-ft torque.
- Availability: 2013, 800 produced worldwide.
- Unique Upgrades: Extended track and body, roll-up suspension, high-performance AMG two-piece composite braking, and refined aerodynamic improvements on the track.
SLS AMG Black Series
The SLS super GT was never a particularly subtle car, but the standard version is quite stylish as long as you’re not offended by the novel doors that open up. The SLS AMG Black series adds some extra vents, side skirts, and a big, old wing to a generally sleek design, and the result hasn’t aged particularly well.
I’m not against massaging the aggression of fast GT cars a bit more, but there are too many visuals for this version of the SLS to look good on. But, if you want your SLS with an extra HP of 40 or more, this was the one.
Mercedes says:
- Performance: Handmade AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine with 622 HP, torque of 468 lb-ft.
- Availability: 2014, less than 200 imported to the United States.
- Unique Upgrades: Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, a combination of impressive design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction. At a curb weight of 3,417 pounds, the 2014 SLG AMG Black series achieved a power to weight ratio of 5.49 lb / hp.
GT Black Series
(Release date: July 14, 2020). I will update this post when I have more information!
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