We featured the SLS AMG Black Series in the magazine last year and the feedback was incredible, now we see the latest incarnation of this super-powered sports car. A quick glance from the outside gives the impression that little seems to have changed, however, as you continue to read you’ll find out that the 2014 version is quite a bit different from its predecessor.

Mercedes-AMG presents the most extreme version of the celebrated SLS, the 2014 model-year SLS AMG Black Series.
Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a mix of breathtaking design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction in line with the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy. With a curb weight of 3,417 pounds, the2014 SLS AMG Black Series achieves a power/weight ratio of 5.49 lb / hp. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates 622 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic SLS of all time to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds.

The SLS AMG Black Series achieves a whole new level of performance with its AMG Adaptive Performance Coil-over Suspension, AMG high- performance ceramic two-piece brake system and weight-optimized, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with new sport tires. Additional highlights include electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring spectacular shift and response times. The available AMG Aerodynamics package delivers a further boost to the vehicle’s handling and dynamics. The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series went on sale in the U.S. in summer 2013.

The uprated AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, making the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG high- performance automobile with a combustion engine. Only the SLS AMG Electric Drive with a maximum output of 740 hp has more power.

The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and onward to a top speed of 196 mph of power. Compared to the 583 hp delivered by the SLS AMG GT, the additional 39 hp of the Black Series is a result of the following enhancements:

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed 0.4 inches lower to provide an even lower center of gravity and is braced against the body by gas-filled struts to avoid undesirable load shifts. The dual-clutch transmission features four drive modes: C, S, S+ and M. “Sport plus” and “Manual” deliver even more aggressive performance than in the SLS AMG and SLS AMG GT models. In addition to an increase in shifting speed, the transmission also responds faster to the driver’s shift commands.

The interior of the SLS AMG Black Series features high-quality materials with precision workmanship and exquisitely designed details. There is a choice of two color variants: black designo leather with black Alcantara® or black designo leather with black/red Alcantara®. With the two-tone variant, the door center panels and the applications on the center console and above the glove box are finished in red. The AMG Performance steering wheel with a flattened rim at the bottom is wrapped entirely in Alcantara® for excellent grip. The top section of the steering wheel features a red 12 o’clock marking. The metal bezel has a high-gloss black paint finish to match the high-gloss black surrounds of the air vents.

In summary, the SLS AMG Black Series offers extreme performance for the road.