The AMG lineup is considered exclusive among some of the fastest vehicles out there. The GT R and the GT Black Series are two of the fastest and most brilliantly-engineered AMGs. Mercedes has discontinued the production of the GT R, and according to reports, the GT Black Series has just been discontinued as well. The GT Black Series is the faster and the much better performer of the two. It was the flagship in the Mercedes-AMG global lineup and the quickest AMG money can buy. It is a purpose-built race car that is also street legal.
The Mercedes-AMG GT R and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series are perhaps the most important cars in Mercedes' history, as they share a similar design language and have been made with one purpose: to move like no other car out there. The AMG GT Black Series has also set the fastest RWD car lap record in Nürburgring. This itself shows how much effort AMG has put into making the vehicle.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Vs Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series: Engine
The Black Series badge has only been worn five times before in the history of AMG automobiles. A Black Series Mercedes is a wild thing. It is lighter, faster, and harder than whatever it is originally based on. AMG has taken its time with this one. The first AMG GT was launched back in 2015, followed by the GT C, after which came the even better and faster GT R, which was again replaced by the GT R Pro, which finally came with an integrated roll cage and manually adjustable suspension. Now, finally, there is the GT Black Series, which promises to be better than every GT ever built before it.
The AMG GT R is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which churns out over 577 HP at 6,250 RPM, and makes 516 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the power is sent to the rear wheels only. The vehicle can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in under 3.6 seconds. The specialty of the GT R is its rear-wheel steering, which allows the wheels to turn in the opposite direction under 60 MPH for easy maneuverability, and in the same direction above 60 MPH for faster cornering.
The GT Black Series makes use of the same 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine, but AMG has managed to squeeze out every bit of performance from the vehicle by making it produce 720-hp at 6,700 RPM, and 290 lb-ft of torque at 2100 RPM. The flat-plane crankshaft, which allows the vehicle to rev high, has been made more efficient and has a higher compression ratio. Mercedes-AMG claims that the GT Black Series hits 0-60 MPH in 3.2 seconds, and it tops out at 202 MPH.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Vs Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series: Interior
The GT R is well crafted and offers a fairly luxurious cabin for a vehicle that has a sporty and aggressive nature. The interior is equipped with loads of carbon fiber, with a splash of Alcántara and Nappa leather for luxury. The interior also features dual-zone automatic climate control, available keyless entry, and push-button start, as well as stainless steel illuminated door-sill trim, heated power AMG Performance seats, with a three-position memory system.
The GT Black series, on the other hand, has a much more aggressive interior compared to any AMG GT model. The seats are carbon racing seats that offer a spot-on driving position. There is a fabric door handle instead of the metallic version to save weight, and the interior also features a roll-cage for added stability and safety. There are no seatbelts, but a racing harness keeps the driver in place. The main creature comfort features available are air conditioning, cruise control, and keyless go. Every element in the interior is made with performance as the priority.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Vs Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series: Exterior
The AMG GT R looks nothing short of a Batmobile that's made in Germany. The design language is similar to the decade-old SLR and even the SLS AMG, but that's not a downgrade, as those vehicles are automotive icons in all honesty. The long sweeping bonnet with the mid-engine layout gives the car a very recognizable silhouette. The headlamps are sharp with full-LED units, and so are the taillamps. The vehicle features a small integrated spoiler at the rear, and the wheel arches are flared to accommodate the giant wheels. There is a small boot at the back, and the body of the car is made entirely from Aluminum and Carbon fiber to keep the weight down to 3,594 lbs.
The Black Series is angrier than the GT R, with the front pan Americana grill getting even bigger to cool down the engine more efficiently. The Black Series has a full carbon fiber hood and roof, thinner glass at the front and rear, 10 mm drop in overall height, and a giant carbon fiber spoiler at the back to make the car go faster. It looks similar to GT R apart from the new front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser. Overall, the design is similar to the GT R with some sporty additions.
The GT Black Series is priced at $325,000, and it is offered in one fully loaded trim. It offers supercar-like performance, and it is one of the fastest RWD cars ever made. The GT R, however, is now discontinued. When new, it was priced at $165,600, and was offered as a coupe and a roadster. The GT R left an amazing legacy behind, which is now being continued by the GT Black series. For now, these performance machines remain the pinnacle of German engineering and jewels in the AMG lineup.