Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series spied

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Automedia

20th October 2011

We told you it was coming, and here it is. These spy shots are the proof we've been waiting for that the most extreme Mercedes road car ever – the SLS AMG Black Series – is on the way.

Caught testing in Germany, this prototype shows all the signs of the Black Series family - including the blacked-out grille, massively flared bodywork and widened rear axle fitted with larger cross-section tyres. And it's not just visually where this mega-Merc will be rewriting the rule book either.

Under the vented and stretched bonnet will be the same 6.2-litre V8, but tuned to around 650bhp - trailing only to the 661bhp V12 SL65 AMG Black Series, but putting the new 510bhp C63 AMG Black Series firmly in its place.

Throw into the mix carbon-fibre body panels, which will slash the kerbweight, and performance should be extraordinary. A 0-62mph sprint in three seconds and a top speed north of 200mph is expected, putting this car firmly in Ferarri 599 GTO and Lamborghini Aventador territory.

To cope with the huge forces at work, stiffened and lowered suspension, plus bigger carbon-ceramic brakes will be fitted as standard to ensure handling is up to scratch. A wider sports exhaust system should give the Black Series an even bigger voice, too.

When we last spoke to Mercedes, a spokesman suggested this car wouldn't arrive until 2014, but now it's clear he was throwing us off the scent. Judging by the readiness of this mule we can expect to see the finished article as soon as next year.

When it does arrive, it won't be cheap. The SL65 AMG Black Series was prices at a staggering £250,000 in 2008, so expect to pay around £325,000 for the ultimate SLS - almost twice the price ofthe standard coupe.