Mercedes-AMG Will Build a GT Black Series
Today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, AMG showed off the track-ready GT R Pro. AMG boss Tobias Moers tells us a Black Series is still coming,
Today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-AMG revealed the most track-focused version of its GT sports car yet, the GT R Pro (pictured above). It's based on the already crazy GT R, and brings a big increase in downforce and suspension system from a GT4 race car to the party. Undoubtedly, it's cool, but we worried that the Pro's existence would mean there wouldn't be a GT Black Series. Thankfully, there's no reason to worry.
We spoke with Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers on the sidelines of the show, and while describing the GT R Pro, he told us that a Black Series is on the way. "It's a track-enhanced version of the GT R, which was always part of the program. It's not the new Black Series, to be honest."
I asked him if that was a confirmation that a Black Series was on its way. He replied, simply, "yep."
Moers was understandably mum on details for the Black Series, but he said AMG is testing prototypes on track now and they'll likely hit the Nürburgring next summer. "You can easily recognize it," he said. We'll be on the look out.
Based on previous Black Series models, we can expect a power increase for the GT Black Series along with some series aero and suspension tweaks. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 used in the GT offers 630 hp in the four-door GT 63 S, so perhaps that's what we'll see in the GT Black Series. We can certainly dream.
Black Series variants of AMG cars are always a treat with all quickly becoming modern classics. Especially the SLS Black Series, which is easily one of AMG's all-time greats. That means expectations are high for a GT Black Series, but we have a good feeling it won't disappoint.
As for when we'll see it in production? Moers said "it's going to take a while now," which is understandable, given AMG is hard at work on the F1-engine One hypercar and the upcoming A45. We'll probably have to wait until 2020 to see it, but until then, we'll happily enjoy the GT R Pro.
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