Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series and the Black Series lineage

AMG GT Black Series history

"Black Series" is AMG's label for its most track-focused, limited-production road cars. Mercedes-Benz traces it to SLK 55 AMG versions developed for an Asian racing series under the internal working title "TRACK SPORT", which led to the 2006 SLK 55 AMG Black Series.

Five models wore the badge before the GT: the SLK 55, CLK 63, SL 65, C 63 and SLS AMG Black Series. The AMG GT Black Series debuted on July 14, 2020. In November 2020 Maro Engel drove it around the full 20.8 km Nordschleife in a notarized 6:48.047 — the official production-car record — and 6:43.616 on the shorter layout used for earlier record comparisons.

Mercedes-AMG has since confirmed a next Black Series, built on the CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT platform alongside a new GT3 race car, and said it will be the most radical Black Series to date.[1],[2],[3],[4]

Years and production numbers

Engine and drivetrain facts

• The SL 65 Black Series shared only its doors and side mirrors with the regular SL; the rest of the body was carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, and its hardtop was fixed in place.
• The SLS AMG Black Series weighed 3,417 lb, for a power-to-weight ratio of 5.49 lb/hp.
• The AMG GT Black Series sends 720 hp and 590 lb-ft to the rear wheels through a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch gearbox. The Nürburgring quotes the engine at 730 hp — the same output in metric horsepower (PS).
• Its 6:43.616 on the shorter Nordschleife layout beat the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ's 6:44.97 on the same layout; the Nürburgring notes the record lap was set at 7 °C with some sections not completely dry.

Sources:[1],[3],[4]

What changed, year by year

1. 2006SLK 55 AMG Black Series — fixed hardtop, nearly 100 lb lighter than the standard SLK 55.
2. 2008CLK 63 Black Series — DTM-inspired wide body, adjustable coil springs, rear-seat delete.
3. 2009SL 65 Black Series — V12 biturbo, carbon body.
4. 2013C 63 Black Series — coil-overs, wider track, composite brakes.
5. 2014SLS AMG Black Series — inspired by the SLS AMG GT3.
6. 2020AMG GT Black Series — 720 hp, official Nordschleife production-car record (6:48.047, full lap).

Sources:[1],[3],[4]

What to check before you buy one

• Confirm authenticity by VIN and build record — Black Series cars are limited editions, and lookalike conversions exist.
• Ask for track-use history and consumables records (brakes, tires, suspension settings); these cars were built for circuits.
• Check which aerodynamic and carbon parts are original; replacements are expensive and affect originality.
• Compare against the AMG GT known-issues list for the GT Black Series.

Model-specific problems by generation are tracked on our Mercedes-Benz AMG GT known issues page.

AMG GT Black Series prices and values today

The AMG GT Black Series launched in the US at $325,000, excluding a $1,050 destination charge.[4]

How to verify the factory options of any AMG GT Black Series

Black Series cars were ordered with very different track packages, carbon trim and paint. The factory data card lists the option codes a specific car was built with.