AppId is over the quota
These pictures are proof that Mercedes is working on a hardcore 208mph Black Series version of its SLS AMG supercar. The powered-up and pared-down Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, spied here in testing for the first time at the Nurburging, will go on sale in 2013, costing around 50 per cent more than the ‘standard’ £168,395 gullwinged-coupe.
Autocar understands the decision to make a Black Series version of the SLS was taken as far back as 2006 when development of the standard AMG supercar first begun. The Black Series’ dramatic bodywork, including a large fixed rear wing, front splitter, rear diffuser and extra cooling on the bonnet, and wider track was first previewed on the SLS GT3 racer at the 2010 New York motor show.
See spy pictures of the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series
AMG engine boss Friedrich Eichler said in 2009 that there was still “a good deal more to come” from the SLS’s 6.2-litre V8 engine, which produces 563bhp and 479lb ft in the standard car.
Mercedes insiders have revealed that outputs of around 600bhp and 500lb ft are likely in the Black Series. A larger air manifold, higher compression ratio and reprofiled camshafts are among the tweaks expected. A mechanical locking differential is also tipped to be included as part of the Black Series upgrades and the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will be beefed up to handle the extra torque.
These performance upgrades, plus a 50kg reduction in kerb weight and improved aerodynamic package, are expected to result in a 0-62mph time of 3.5sec and a top speed of 208mph. The standard SLS can crack 0-62mph in 3.8sec and reach a top speed of 197mph.
See all the latest Mercedes reviews, news and video
Comments: 5 Join the discussion
Previous story | News home | Next story
The redesigned 3 Series, which arrives in the United States in February as a 2012 model, can’t come soon enough for BMW. So far this year, BMW has sold 66,593 3 Series models. That’s 44 percent more sales than the 3Series’ closest competitor, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The 3 Series makeover comes a year or so ahead of the C-Class, which will be assembled in the United States when it undergoes a re-make, and the Audi A4. “While there is still a good amount of distance between the rival entry-luxury vehicles, BMW’s redesign comes as the C-Class has narrowed the gap in recent years,” noted Drury. 
The sales race among entry-luxury models is a critical driver in the race for overall luxury-brand sales supremacy. At the moment, with Toyota’s Lexus crippled by production disruptions caused by the March 11 earthquake in Japan, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are slugging it out for U.S. luxury car sales leadership.
At Friday’s unveiling, Ian Robertson, BMW’s board of management member responsible for global sales and marketing, acknowledged the 3 Series’ importance to the brand. “The 3 Series has driven the BMW Group’s dynamic growth,” he said, adding it also has been a pioneer but introducing a host of variants, which for this generation includes a 4-cylinder engine for the U.S. market, and state-of-the-art technology. It has also earned “affection” from a loyal owner base, said Robertson. He gave a peek at 3 Series advertising that featured athletes in individual and team sports, noting the common thread in winning was passion. The ads close with the tagline “passion wins.”
