Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series 6.2 V8 (631 Hp) AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series: A Naturally Aspirated Swan Song

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series represents the pinnacle of a legendary lineage, a limited-production, high-performance variant that served as a dramatic farewell to the iconic gullwing supercar and Mercedes-AMG’s naturally aspirated V8 era. Launched for a brief six-month production run from June to December 2013, this iteration of the SLS AMG was engineered for ultimate track prowess while retaining a degree of road legality. It distilled AMG’s racing heritage into a formidable package, offering a raw, unadulterated driving experience that cemented its status as a highly sought-after collector’s item and a significant milestone in automotive history. Positioned at the extreme end of the luxury sports car segment, the Black Series competed with the most exclusive and performance-oriented machines of its time, showcasing Mercedes-AMG’s capability to craft a truly uncompromising supercar.

Engine and Performance: The Roar of the M159

At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series lies the magnificent M159.980 engine, a 6.2-liter (378.84 cubic inches) naturally aspirated V8. This powerhouse, a highly optimized version of AMG’s famous M156, was pushed to its absolute limits for the Black Series. Engineers achieved an astounding 631 horsepower at a screaming 7400 rpm, a significant increase over the standard SLS AMG’s 563 hp. Torque figures stood at a robust 468.35 lb.-ft. (635 Nm) delivered at 5500 rpm, ensuring brutal acceleration across the rev range. The engine’s high redline of 8000 rpm, combined with its multi-port manifold injection and DOHC valvetrain, provided an intoxicating soundtrack and relentless power delivery that only a large displacement, naturally aspirated V8 can offer.

Power was meticulously managed by a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), specifically recalibrated for the Black Series to deliver faster, more aggressive shifts. This transmission, coupled with a rear-wheel-drive architecture, propelled the car from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.5 seconds, with 0 to 100 km/h achieved in an identical 3.6 seconds. The top speed was an impressive 195.73 mph (315 km/h), a testament to both the engine’s power and the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, despite a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.38, which was slightly higher due to the increased downforce elements. The car’s remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 2.5 kg/Hp (approximately 407.1 Hp per tonne) underscored its exceptional performance capabilities, making it a true track weapon. Fuel economy, as expected for such a performance machine, was modest, rated at 17.2 US mpg combined (13.7 l/100 km), with CO2 emissions of 321 g/km, adhering to Euro 5 emission standards.

Design and Features: Form Follows Ferocity

The design of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series is an aggressive evolution of the already dramatic standard SLS AMG, immediately recognizable by its iconic gullwing doors. Every aesthetic modification served a functional purpose, primarily to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics and cooling. The Black Series features an extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for components like the hood, front splitter, rear diffuser, and side skirts, contributing to a significant weight reduction to a curb weight of 3417.17 lbs (1550 kg).

Visually, the Black Series distinguishes itself with a wider track, flared wheel arches accommodating larger tires (275/35 R19 front and 325/30 R20 rear), and unique forged alloy wheels (10J x 19 front, 12J x 20 rear). The front fascia boasts larger air intakes for enhanced cooling, while the rear features a prominent carbon fiber fixed wing and a more aggressive diffuser, generating substantial downforce for high-speed stability. The interior, while still luxurious, adopted a more driver-focused, track-oriented approach. Lightweight AMG sport bucket seats replaced the standard units, and Alcantara trim became more prevalent, reducing weight and enhancing grip. Despite its hardcore nature, essential amenities like air conditioning and a basic infotainment system remained, ensuring it wasn’t entirely stripped for comfort.

Underneath its menacing skin, the Black Series received a thoroughly revised suspension setup. It featured an AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension with electronically controlled damping, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s handling characteristics. Double wishbone suspension at both front and rear, along with transverse stabilizers, provided exceptional cornering stability. Braking performance was equally impressive, with massive carbon-ceramic ventilated discs (402×39 mm front, 360×32 mm rear) ensuring phenomenal stopping power and fade resistance, essential for track use. Hydraulic power steering with a rack and pinion system provided precise feedback, connecting the driver intimately with the road. Standard assisting systems included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), maintaining safety even under extreme conditions.

Technical Specifications: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series 6.2 V8 (631 Hp) AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT

Legacy and Market Impact of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series holds a unique and significant place in the pantheon of modern supercars. Its extremely limited production run of just six months in 2013, combined with its status as the most extreme and powerful factory-built SLS AMG, immediately cemented its collectibility. It was not just a performance upgrade; it was a philosophical statement from AMG, showcasing their commitment to raw, unadulterated driving pleasure before the widespread adoption of forced induction in their performance models. This makes the Black Series a highly desirable asset for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the purity of a large-displacement, naturally aspirated engine.

In its competitive landscape, the SLS AMG Black Series went head-to-head with some of the most formidable track-focused supercars of its era. Key rivals included the Porsche 911 GT2 RS (997 generation), which offered a different, turbo-charged German performance philosophy, and the Ferrari 458 Speciale, another naturally aspirated masterpiece from Italy known for its exquisite balance and high-revving V8. While each car had its distinct character, the SLS AMG Black Series stood out with its dramatic gullwing doors, its muscular American-style V8 grunt fused with German engineering precision, and its overall sense of occasion.

The historical significance of the SLS AMG Black Series cannot be overstated. It represents the ultimate expression of the first car entirely developed by AMG, rather than being a Mercedes-Benz model tuned by AMG. Furthermore, it marked the swansong of AMG’s iconic M159 naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine, which was subsequently replaced by smaller, twin-turbocharged units in future AMG models (such as the M177/M178 4.0-liter V8). This transition makes the Black Series a poignant reminder of a bygone era, celebrated for its immediate throttle response, linear power delivery, and an exhaust note that remains one of the most revered in automotive history. Its legacy is one of uncompromising performance, exquisite engineering, and an enduring appeal as a modern classic that perfectly blends heritage-inspired design with cutting-edge track capabilities. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe (C197) Black Series is, without a doubt, a car that will be admired and cherished for generations to come.