Mercedes SLS Black Series

The ultimate SLS is revving up for action, Auto Express can reveal. Bosses at Mercedes’ AMG performance division have dropped the strongest hints yet that a high-performance, range-topping SLS Black Series model is being readied.

Talking at the launch of the new SLS Roadster – which we drove last week – AMG performance director Christoph Jung said: “We are certainly thinking about it – it makes a lot of sense. A car that sits between the SLS GT3 and the road car would be good.”

The GT3 racing car uses a 600bhp version of the standard SLS’s 6.3-litre V8 engine, allied to an aerodynamically enhanced exterior and stripped-out cabin – so a roadgoing version would fit the Black Series badge.

This is traditionally reserved for the fastest and most powerful AMG models, and has graced the likes of the mighty 612bhp SL65 AMG in the past. The firm has recently revealed its latest and fourth addition – the 510bhp C63 AMG Black Series.

An SLS Black Series would be the fastest and most powerful AMG model ever produced. Expect engineers to tweak the 6.3-litre V8 to around 650bhp and fit a wild bodykit with lightweight carbon fibre panels. A 0-60mph time of three seconds is likely, with a top speed of 200mph.

Stiffened suspension, uprated brakes and racing-style seats would complete the package.

Given that the SL65 AMG Black Series cost £250,000 when it launched in 2008, and an SLS GT3 is £270,000, the newcomer is likely to be twice the price of the standard car, so don’t expect much change from £325,000.

Jung wouldn’t be drawn on when a Black Series variant would go on sale, but said it could be “at the end of the car’s life cycle”, which is likely to be around 2014.

In related news, Jung confirmed that Mercedes will launch an electric SLS E-Cell in 2013.

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