Mercedes-AMG, renowned for its high-performance vehicles, unleashed the most extreme iteration of the celebrated SLS with the 2014 model-year SLS AMG Black Series. This fifth Black Series model takes direct inspiration from the SLS AMG GT3 race car, blending breathtaking aesthetics with unparalleled driving dynamics and a commitment to lightweight construction, embodying AMG’s Lightweight Performance strategy. Weighing in at a mere 3,417 pounds, the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 5.49 lb/hp. The heart of this beast is the formidable AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine, producing a staggering 622 horsepower at 7,400 rpm, propelling this most dynamic SLS ever to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.
The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series elevates performance to unprecedented levels, incorporating AMG Adaptive Performance Coil-over Suspension, AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brakes, and weight-optimized, forged AMG light-alloy wheels wrapped in new sport tires. Further enhancing its capabilities are the electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, known for its lightning-fast shifts and response. For those seeking the ultimate in handling and dynamics, the optional AMG Aerodynamics package is available. The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series became available for purchase in the U.S. in the summer of 2013.
Design and Inspiration: GT3 Racing DNA
The ‘Black Series’ designation holds significant weight among automotive connoisseurs and enthusiasts globally. Following in the footsteps of the SLK55 AMG Black Series (2006 European model), the CLK63 AMG Black Series (2008), the SL65 AMG Black Series (2009), and the C63 AMG Black Series (2013), the fifth iteration marks a new zenith for the Black Series, applying its principles to the iconic SLS AMG.
Ola Källenius, the then Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, stated, “The new SLS AMG Black Series is the embodiment of technology and engineering seamlessly transferred from motorsport to the road. We drew profound inspiration, both conceptually and technologically, from the global success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. With its extensive use of lightweight components and exhilarating dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees undiluted ‘Driving Performance.’ The SLS AMG Black Series is the definitive choice for achieving rapid lap times and an intensely emotional driving experience.”
Tobias Moers, the incoming CEO and former Head of Total Vehicle Development at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized the technological advancements: “Enthusiasts of high-performance super sports cars will be captivated by its advanced technology package. The foundation for passionate performance and superior driving dynamics stems from numerous novel developments in the engine, transmission, suspension, and aerodynamics – all while prioritizing our ‘AMG Lightweight Performance’ philosophy. Exceptional efforts in lightweight design have resulted in a curb weight of just 3,417 pounds.”
Engine and Performance: The Roar of the 6.3L V8
The enhanced AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series 2014 produces a formidable 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful naturally aspirated AMG high-performance vehicle, surpassed in overall power only by the SLS AMG Electric Drive with its 740 hp electric powertrain.
The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 mph. Compared to the 583 hp of the SLS AMG GT, the Black Series gains an additional 39 hp through several key engine enhancements:
- Increased maximum engine speed from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm.
- Completely revised high-speed valve train featuring modified camshaft geometry and optimized bucket cam followers with a specialized coating, typically reserved for racing applications.
- Modified intake air ducting, optimizing airflow for the higher engine speeds.
- Fine-tuned engine mapping and increased intake pressure.
Mercedes-AMG engineers further refined the crankshaft assembly to ensure optimal stability under demanding race track conditions. This includes modified oil bores in the crankshaft, new crankshaft bearings, a new oil pump, and high-strength connecting rod bolts. The entire water and oil cooling system for both the engine and transmission has been further optimized to handle the increased performance demands.
The AMG V8 engine within the SLS AMG Black Series also features a specialized engine mounting system. A gas-filled strut braces the eight-cylinder engine against the body, effectively minimizing unwanted load shifts during high-speed, race-track driving. True to AMG’s “one man, one engine” philosophy, each 6.3-liter V8 engine is meticulously hand-built at the AMG factory in Affalterbach, Germany. This handcrafted quality is certified by the black AMG engine badge bearing the signature of the engine builder, a distinctive hallmark of Black Series models.
| SLS AMG Black Series | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,208 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 4.02 x 3.72 inches |
| Compression ratio | 11.3 : 1 |
| Horsepower | 622 hp at 7,400 rpm |
| Max. torque | 468 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm |
| Max. engine speed | 8,000 rpm |
| Engine weight (dry) | 452 lbs |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 196 mph |
Positioned as a front mid-engine behind the front axle, the naturally aspirated V8 engine offers racing car responsiveness and exceptional high-revving capabilities. The racetrack pedigree of this powerful AMG V8 engine is also audibly apparent through its distinct sound.
For the first time, a titanium AMG sport exhaust system was implemented, featuring performance-enhancing, fan-type exhaust manifolds with unique center and rear mufflers. This delivers a more potent and even more striking engine sound. The transition from steel to titanium resulted in significant weight savings. At just under 37.5 pounds, the new AMG sports exhaust system is approximately 28.7 pounds lighter than its steel predecessor.
Systematic Application of AMG Lightweight Performance
With a curb weight of 3,417 pounds, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is not only 154 pounds lighter than the standard SLS AMG but also achieves the best power-to-weight ratio of any AMG Black Series vehicle to date. Even within the realm of super sports cars, its 5.49 lb/hp power-to-weight ratio is exceptionally competitive, a result of the consistent application of the “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy.
Numerous body components, including the hood, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the underbody, and the torque tube between the engine and transmission, are crafted entirely from CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic). The carbon-fiber torque tube, at a mere 29.3 pounds, is a significant weight reduction compared to its 58.6-pound counterpart with a sand-cast aluminum housing. Continuing the lightweight approach, a CFRP drive shaft, weighing only 10.4 pounds, manages power transmission between the engine and the dual-clutch transaxle, which is flange-mounted on the rear axle. CFRP components also replace several parts on the aluminum spaceframe, and a lithium-ion battery replaces the conventional starter battery, saving an additional 17.6 pounds.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Precision and Speed
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is positioned 0.4 inches lower to further lower the center of gravity and is braced against the body using gas-filled struts to prevent undesirable load shifts. This dual-clutch transmission offers four distinct drive modes: C, S, S+, and M. “Sport plus” and “Manual” modes deliver even more aggressive performance compared to the standard SLS AMG and SLS AMG GT models. Beyond increased shift speeds, the transmission also offers quicker responses to driver shift commands.
An even more exhilarating feature is the automatic rev-matching function during downshifting. The throttle blips during gear changes are more pronounced and striking than ever, amplified by the AMG titanium sports exhaust system.
A new temporary M mode is also introduced. In C, S, or S+ modes, drivers can momentarily engage manual mode by simply pressing the “up” or “down” shift paddle once, without removing their hand from the steering wheel. In temporary M mode, drivers can experience the dynamism of manual gear shifts within the automatic driving programs, while still retaining automatic up and down-shifting capabilities. This allows drivers to remain fully focused on the vehicle’s impressive performance.
A newly developed electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock, featuring a shorter rear axle ratio, replaces the previous mechanical variant. Integrated within the compact transmission housing, this system provides variable locking effect during both acceleration and deceleration. The enhanced responsiveness of the electronics ensures excellent traction for the rear wheels across diverse road conditions. Furthermore, the electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock contributes to safety by reducing the vehicle’s yaw around its vertical axis, providing a stabilizing effect during slaloms or high-speed lane changes.
The standard three-stage ESP® system, featuring “ESP ON,” “ESP SPORT Handling Mode,” and “ESP OFF” functions, is precisely calibrated to work in conjunction with the electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock. The same applies to the RACE START function, which utilizes the electronic differential lock to ensure perfect traction during launch control starts.
Chassis and Handling: Engineered for the Track
The chassis and suspension of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series have been thoroughly revamped. While retaining the fundamental aluminum double wishbone layout at all four corners, virtually every component has been refined to significantly enhance track performance.
Key enhancements include:
- AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension with a firmer baseline setup and electronically controlled two-stage shocks (Sport, Sport +) for customizable adjustments based on driving style.
- Coil-over spring suspension enabling fine-tuning of wheel loads for individual race track setups.
- Elastokinematics with 50/42% increased rigidity (front/rear) for enhanced cornering stability.
- Track width increased by 0.8/0.9 inches (front/rear) for improved grip.
- New front wheel mounts and revised front stabilizer tuning for enhanced grip and reduced body roll during fast cornering.
- AMG 10-spoke forged alloy wheels, featuring a lightweight forged design for optimal strength, finished in matte black with a high-gloss rim. Dimensions: 10 x 19 front; 12 x 20 rear. Weight saving: 8.8 pounds.
- Newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tires. Sizes: 275/35 R 19 front and 325/30 R 20 rear, providing enhanced grip and cornering prowess.
- AMG speed-sensitive steering with revised power steering characteristics for optimal steering precision and exceptional control.
The braking system on the SLS AMG Black Series delivers exceptional deceleration and stability. The standard AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system measures 15.8 x 1.5 inches at the front and 14.2 x 1.3 inches at the rear, featuring increased hardness for superior thermal stability and a weight reduction of approximately 40 percent compared to steel/aluminum counterparts. This reduction in unsprung weight improves both comfort and grip, while the reduced rotating masses at the front contribute to more direct steering response. The overall weight saving is roughly 35.3 pounds compared to a conventional steel/aluminum brake system.
Aerodynamics Package: Furthering Performance
The optional AMG Aerodynamics package for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series 2014 further enhances its performance capabilities. This package replaces the standard wind deflector with an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing. Supported by aluminum elements on the trunk lid, the rear wing delivers even greater downforce on the rear axle, particularly when combined with the Gurney flap – a 0.3-inch spoiler lip fitted at a 90-degree angle to the rear wing. This Gurney flap further increases downforce without significantly increasing drag.
Complementing the rear wing are additional carbon-fiber flics on the front skirt, which further increase downforce at the front, contrasting with the standard inward-lying carbon-fiber flics designed to optimize airflow to the cooling modules. The exclusive AMG Solar Beam exterior paint is available solely for the SLS AMG Black Series, along with six other exterior paint finishes from the SLS AMG range, including the matte finish designo magno alanite grey.
Interior and Features: Performance and Luxury
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series 2014 showcases high-quality materials, precise craftsmanship, and meticulously designed details. Two color variants are available: black designo leather with black Alcantara®, or black designo leather with black/red Alcantara®. The two-tone option features red door center panels and red accents on the center console and above the glove box. The AMG Performance steering wheel, with a flattened bottom rim, is entirely wrapped in Alcantara® for superior grip and features a red 12 o’clock marking at the top. The metal bezel has a high-gloss black finish, matching the high-gloss black surrounds of the air vents.
A unique Black Series detail is the “3D seam” running horizontally across the dashboard – a fine Alcantara® strip in anthracite extending across the leather covering. Red contrast stitching provides a striking finish to the 3D seam, emphasizing the handcrafted character.
The combination of designo leather and Alcantara® extends throughout the interior – on the lower dashboard, door center panels, and AMG sports seats with Alcantara® center sections. Embossed AMG logos on the head restraints further enhance the exclusive aesthetic.
For further weight reduction, customers can opt to delete the COMAND multimedia system, saving an additional 13 pounds and further emphasizing the uncompromising nature of the SLS AMG Black Series. In place of the screen, a carbon-fiber trim element enhances the racing-inspired atmosphere. Carbon fiber also adorns the entire center console, housing the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Red seat belts and red contrast stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, center console, dashboard sections, and door paneling provide bold accents. The floor mats also feature red piping.
The optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen, delivers an exceptional audio experience. This system features a 1,000-watt amplifier and 11 speakers, with sound processing optimized for driver, passenger, or central listening positions. The system includes high-end studio sound (“Reference”) and surround sound options, managed through a dedicated Bang & Olufsen menu in COMAND. Illuminated 50-watt lens tweeters on the dashboard and a 250-watt subwoofer integrated into the rear shelf highlight the system’s premium nature. High-quality speaker covers with the Bang & Olufsen logo further denote its exclusive character.
Further standalone options include AMG carbon fiber exterior mirrors and an AMG carbon fiber engine cover, and the AMG Interior Carbon Fiber Package.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Driving Machine
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series 2014 stands as a testament to AMG’s dedication to performance and driving excellence. Drawing heavily from motorsport technology and design, this Black Series model delivers an unmatched driving experience, blending raw power, precision handling, and lightweight engineering into a truly exceptional super sports car. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in track-inspired performance and exclusivity, the SLS AMG Black Series remains a highly sought-after and iconic vehicle.
