The Art of Luxury Issue 45 2020 | Page 88

AUTOMOTIVE
The most powerful V8 series engine from Mercedes-AMG
The new GT Black Series engine may be based on the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with dry sump lubrication , but it has been given the new internal code M178 LS2 due to the numerous modifications . It achieves 537 kW ( 730 hp ) at 6700-6900 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 800 Nm at 2000-6000 rpm . New camshafts and exhaust manifolds are adapted to the new firing order and further improve the gas cycle .
Both twin scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted in anti-friction bearings , as in the top-of-the-range four-door AMG GT Coupé , which optimises their throttle response even further . However , in the Black Series , the turbochargers have been given a larger compressor wheel , meaning that both can deliver a total of 1100 kg air per hour . By way of comparison : The figure is 900 kg / h for the AMG GT R . 7000 rpm is not critical as a continuous speed , the speed is limited at 7200 rpm . And the larger intercoolers guarantee that they always keep the charge-air temperature within the best possible range . The unique standing of the new engine is also reflected in the engine badge , which is kept in black .
0-200 km / h in under nine seconds
What does the engine do for the AMG GT Black Series ? It gives it a completely independent character , which is not only reflected in the type of power delivery , but also in its very particular sound
pattern . And it enables highly impressive driving performance : The two-door vehicle shoots from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.2 seconds , and to 200 km / h in under nine seconds . The top speed is 325 km / h .
Modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via the seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual clutch transmission , which is located on the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement for optimal weight distribution , as is the case for all AMG GT models . It has been modified for use in the AMG GT Black Series and adapted to the increased torque of 800 Nm . The previous limits governing shift performance and response time have been extended , making them more suitable for racetracks .
This all adds up to very different handling characteristics , as not only are the accelerator and engine response more agile - the drive programs , start-up characteristics and gear changes are , too . The Race Start function is also now even more impressive , thanks to the increased starting revs , the more sensitive wheel slip control and the sports tyres fit for the racetrack . Furthermore , the transmission cooling has been adapted to the tougher requirements , and the transmission ratios have also been slightly modified .
The ‘ torque tube ’ creates the connection between the engine and the transmission . It is made of carbon fibre and , at just 13.9 kilograms , is around 40 percent lighter than its already weight-
88 The Art of Luxury Issue 45 2020