Mercedes SLS Black Series (2014)

The Mercedes SLS was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, marking the return of a Gullwing Mercedes once again. Heavily influenced by the original 300SL Gullwing the SLS’s styling captured the long stretching bonnet and rear-set cabin to create a similar but adapted shape for Mercedes 21st century supercar.

Developed entirely in house, this was the first time AMG had been given a clean sheet to build a road car from the ground up, and one with the billing that would make it something altogether more serious than a comfortable Mercedes. The 6.2 Litre V8 which was designed specifically for Mercedes AMG models, produces a staggering 563 hp at 6,800 rpm, with 650 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm.

Introduced at the 2012 La Autoshow, the SLS Black series took inspiration from the SLS GT3 car top create an all together far more aggressive offering than the earlier model derivatives. Mechanical changes were significant with revised and upgraded high-speed valvetrain, camshafts, cam geometry and DLC (diamond-like-coating) finished tappets. Many of these features had, until this point, been strictly reserved for AMG's motorsport products. Changes to bodywork also allowed AMG to implement revised air intakes, allowing the naturally aspirated V8 to breath better. The results were a peak power output of 622hp at 7,500 rpm and 468lb ft of torque at 5,500rpm. At the time of its introduction, this made the SLS Black Series the most powerful naturally aspirated production car. The quoted 0-60mph dash also saw a reduction to 3.2 seconds, impressive for any rear wheel drive supercar. A 70kg weight reduction versus a standard SLS also resulted in much increased athleticism when combined with the standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.