Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series: German Tyre Killer - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - Summary

Summary

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**Vehicle:** Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series
**Key Stats:**

* Price: £230,000
* Weight: 1,550 kg
* Power: 631 horsepower
* Top Speed: (not explicitly stated, but implies high speed capability)
* Production Run: Limited to 350 units

**Upgrades:**

* Enhanced chassis with wider track, stiffer springs and dampers, and lightweight materials (e.g., titanium exhaust, carbon fiber prop shaft, lithium-ion battery)
* Improved engine with new valve gear, intake, and oil system, revving up to 8,000 RPM
* Advanced differential with electric motor and mechanical clutch pack for dynamic torque distribution

**Driving Experience (at Paul Ricard Circuit):**

* Exceptional speed, balance, and handling
* Aggressive gear shifts and responsive chassis
* Allows for controlled oversteer and drifts
* Ceramic brakes provide good bite

**Overall:**

* A "rock on fun" and "fantastically exciting car" suited for track driving
* Deviates from the traditional Mercedes image, potentially rivaling other high-performance cars (e.g., Ferrari F12) on the track.

Facts

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**Vehicle Specifications**

1. The vehicle is the new SLS AMG Black Series.
2. Price: £230,000.
3. Weight: 1,550 kilograms.
4. Engine power: 631 horsepower.
5. Engine type: M156 6.2 liter V8.
6. Rev limit: 8,000 RPM.
7. Gearbox: Faster gear shifts, sits lower.

**Chassis and Body**

8. Front track width: 20 millimeters wider than standard.
9. Rear track width: 24 millimeters wider than standard.
10. Springs and dampers: Stiffer than standard.
11. Wheel carriers: New design.
12. Wheels: Wider, with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.
13. Body width: 13 millimeters wider at the front, 26 millimeters wider at the rear.
14. Features spoilers and diffusers to reduce lift.
15. Adjustable rear wing.

**Weight Reduction**

16. Weight reduction: 17 kilograms overall.
17. Exhaust system: Made of titanium, saving 13 kilograms.
18. Prop shaft: Made of carbon fiber, saving 13.3 kilograms.
19. Battery: Lithium ion, saving 8 kilograms.
20. Bonnet (Hood): Made of carbon fiber (weight saving not specified).

**Performance and Electronics**

21. Differential: Features an electric motor for adjustable locking factor.
22. Chassis electronics: Can be set to Sport mode, allowing some slip.
23. Brakes: Ceramic, with good bite.

**Production and Usage**

24. Production run: Limited to 350 units.
25. Suitable for circuit use, as preferred by some owners.