The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series stands as a monument to automotive engineering and design, representing the most extreme iteration of the celebrated SLS lineage. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the “Mercedes Benz Sls Amg Msrp” is more than just a price tag; it’s an entry point into a realm of unparalleled performance and exclusivity. Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, this Black Series model, the fifth in AMG’s prestigious line, delivers a breathtaking fusion of aggressive aesthetics, track-honed driving dynamics, and a relentless pursuit of lightweight construction. Echoing AMG’s Lightweight Performance strategy, the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series tips the scales at a mere 3,417 pounds, achieving a staggering power-to-weight ratio of 5.49 lb/hp. Under its elongated hood lies the formidable AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine, unleashing a ferocious 622 horsepower at 7,400 rpm, propelling this ultimate SLS variant to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.
Performance Redefined: Engineering the Black Series Edge
The SLS AMG Black Series doesn’t just inherit the SLS AMG’s legacy; it elevates it to stratospheric levels of performance. This is achieved through a comprehensive suite of upgrades and enhancements, meticulously engineered to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. At the heart of its dynamic prowess is the AMG Adaptive Performance Coil-over Suspension, allowing for precise adjustments to suit both road and track conditions. Complementing this is the AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system, providing immense stopping power with enhanced thermal stability and reduced weight. The weight-optimized, forged AMG light-alloy wheels, wrapped in bespoke sport tires, further contribute to the vehicle’s agility and responsiveness.
Key technological highlights include the electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock, ensuring optimal traction and stability during cornering and acceleration. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, renowned for its lightning-fast shift times and responsiveness, has been further refined for the Black Series, offering an even more visceral and engaging driving experience. For those seeking the ultimate in aerodynamic performance, the optional AMG Aerodynamics package amplifies handling and dynamics, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a road-legal vehicle. The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series marked its debut in the U.S. market in the summer of 2013, instantly capturing the attention of automotive aficionados.
The Black Series Lineage: A Legacy of Motorsport-Inspired Performance
The “Black Series” designation from Mercedes-AMG is synonymous with unadulterated performance and track-inspired engineering. Following in the footsteps of its esteemed predecessors – 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 SLS AMG Black Series represents a quantum leap in performance and exclusivity. It propels the Black Series into a new dimension, leveraging the iconic SLS AMG platform to create a truly exceptional machine.
Ola Källenius, former Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, aptly described the SLS AMG Black Series as “a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to road.” He emphasized the conceptual and technological inspiration drawn from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car. Källenius highlighted the model’s numerous lightweight components and captivating dynamics, underscoring its commitment to “Driving Performance.” He positioned the SLS AMG Black Series as the definitive choice for achieving rapid lap times and an intensely emotional driving experience.
Tobias Moers, incoming CEO and former Head of Total Vehicle Development at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, echoed this sentiment, stating that “fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package.” He emphasized the extensive new developments in the engine, transmission, suspension, and aerodynamics, all underpinned by the “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy. Moers proudly noted the remarkable achievement in lightweight design, resulting in a curb weight of just 3,417 pounds.
The Heart of the Beast: AMG 6.3-Liter V8 Engine
The soul-stirring performance of the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series is rooted in its potent AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine. This naturally aspirated powerhouse churns out an impressive 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, establishing the Black Series as the most powerful AMG high-performance vehicle equipped with a combustion engine, second only to the electric SLS AMG Electric Drive in overall power output within the SLS range.
Compared to the SLS AMG GT, the Black Series gains a significant 39 hp, a testament to AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance enhancement. This power surge is achieved through meticulous engine modifications, including:
- Increased Maximum Engine Speed: Raising the redline from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm, unlocking higher revving potential and peak power.
- Revised High-Speed Valve Train: Incorporating modified camshaft geometry and optimized bucket cam followers with a specialized coating, technology directly derived from racing applications.
- Optimized Intake Air Ducting: De-throttling and adapting the intake system to match the increased engine speed, maximizing airflow and minimizing restrictions.
- Engine Mapping and Intake Pressure Adjustments: Fine-tuning the engine management system and boosting intake pressure to optimize performance across the rev range.
AMG engineers further reinforced the crankshaft assembly to withstand the rigors of demanding racetrack use. This included incorporating modified oil bores, new crankshaft bearings, an upgraded oil pump, and high-strength connecting rod bolts. The entire cooling system for both the engine and transmission was also enhanced to maintain optimal operating temperatures under extreme conditions.
To further solidify its track focus, the AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Black Series features a specialized mounting system. A gas-filled strut braces the engine against the body, effectively mitigating unwanted load shifts during aggressive driving maneuvers. True to AMG’s “one man, one engine” philosophy, each 6.3-liter V8 engine is meticulously hand-built in the AMG factory in Affalterbach, Germany. This hallmark of craftsmanship is proudly displayed with a black AMG engine badge bearing the signature of the master engine builder, a distinctive feature 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 |
The front mid-engine layout, positioning the V8 behind the front axle, contributes to the car’s exceptional responsiveness and high-revving character, reminiscent of a purebred racing machine. The aural experience is equally captivating, with the AMG V8 engine producing a distinctive and exhilarating soundtrack.
For the first time, the SLS AMG Black Series features a newly designed AMG sport exhaust system crafted from titanium. This system incorporates performance-optimized, fan-type exhaust manifolds and distinctive mufflers, resulting in a more potent and resonant engine note. The switch to titanium also yields substantial weight savings, with the new exhaust system weighing approximately 28.7 pounds lighter than its steel predecessor, tipping the scales at just under 37.5 pounds.
AMG Lightweight Performance: Shedding Weight, Amplifying Agility
The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series embodies the essence of AMG Lightweight Performance. Weighing in at 3,417 pounds, it achieves a remarkable 154-pound weight reduction compared to the standard SLS AMG. This translates to the best power-to-weight ratio among all AMG Black Series vehicles to date. Its 5.49 lb/hp ratio is exceptionally competitive, even within the realm of super sports cars, a testament to the meticulous application of lightweight engineering principles.
Extensive use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is evident throughout the vehicle’s construction. Key body components such as the hood, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal underbody braces, and the torque tube connecting the engine and transmission are all crafted entirely from CFRP. The carbon-fiber torque tube, weighing a mere 29.3 pounds, represents a significant weight saving compared to its 58.6-pound aluminum counterpart. Power transmission between the engine and the rear axle-mounted dual-clutch transaxle is handled by a CFRP drive shaft, weighing just 10.4 pounds. CFRP components also replace numerous parts within the aluminum spaceframe, while a lithium-ion battery replaces the conventional starter battery, further reducing weight by 17.6 pounds.
Enhanced Drivetrain and Dynamics: Precision and Control
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission in the SLS AMG Black Series is positioned 0.4 inches lower to optimize the center of gravity. It is braced against the body with gas-filled struts to minimize load shifts, further enhancing stability. The 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, with quicker shift times and enhanced responsiveness to driver inputs.
A particularly thrilling feature is the automatic rev-matching function during downshifts. The throttle blips are more pronounced and dramatic, amplified by the AMG titanium sports exhaust system, adding to the auditory drama of spirited driving. The inclusion of a temporary M mode allows drivers to momentarily engage manual mode from C, S, or S+ by simply actuating a shift paddle. This provides on-demand manual control without fully disengaging automatic driving programs, allowing drivers to seamlessly transition between driving styles.
Replacing the mechanical variant, a new electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear axle ratio is integrated into the compact transmission housing. This system provides variable locking action during both acceleration and deceleration. The electronic control unit offers enhanced responsiveness, ensuring optimal traction in diverse driving conditions. The electronic rear-axle differential lock also contributes to enhanced safety by mitigating yaw around the vehicle’s vertical axis, providing a stabilizing effect during rapid maneuvers such as slaloms or high-speed lane changes.
The standard three-stage ESP® system, encompassing “ESP ON,” “ESP SPORT Handling Mode,” and “ESP OFF,” is meticulously calibrated to work in harmony with the electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock. Similarly, the RACE START function is optimized to leverage the electronic differential lock, ensuring maximum traction for blistering launches from a standstill.
Chassis and Suspension: Track-Honed Agility
The chassis and suspension of the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series undergo significant revisions, building upon the foundation of aluminum double wishbones at all four corners. Virtually every component is refined to elevate track performance. Key enhancements include:
- AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension: Featuring a stiffer baseline setup and electronically controlled two-stage shocks (Sport, Sport +), allowing for customizable damping characteristics to suit individual driving styles and road conditions.
- Coil-over Spring Suspension: Enabling precise adjustment of wheel loads for optimized racetrack setups, catering to the demands of competitive driving.
- Stiffer Elastokinematics: Increasing rigidity by 50% at the front and 42% at the rear, enhancing stability during cornering and minimizing body roll.
- Widened Track Width: Increasing track width by 0.8 inches at the front and 0.9 inches at the rear, enhancing grip and cornering prowess.
- Revised Front Wheel Mounts and Stabilizer Tuning: Optimizing front-end grip and further reducing body roll during high-speed cornering.
- AMG 10-Spoke Forged Alloy Wheels: Ultra-lightweight forged design, finished in matte black with a high-gloss clear coat, reducing unsprung mass and enhancing handling. Dimensions: 10 x 19 inches front, 12 x 20 inches rear. Weight saving: 8.8 pounds.
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Sports Tires: Newly developed specifically for the Black Series. Size: 275/35 R 19 front and 325/30 R 20 rear, providing exceptional grip and cornering capabilities.
- AMG Speed-Sensitive Steering: Revised power steering characteristics for enhanced steering precision and feedback, providing optimal control at high speeds.
Braking Power: Ceramic Composites for Uncompromising Stopping Force
The braking system on the SLS AMG Black Series is engineered for exceptional deceleration and unwavering stability. Standard AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brakes measure 15.8 x 1.5 inches at the front and 14.2 x 1.3 inches at the rear. The ceramic composite material offers increased hardness for superior thermal stability, crucial during intense track use, while also achieving a significant weight reduction of approximately 40% compared to conventional steel/aluminum brakes. This reduction in unsprung weight improves both ride comfort and grip, while the reduced rotating mass at the front axle enhances steering response. The overall weight saving from the ceramic brake system is approximately 35.3 pounds compared to a steel/aluminum system.
Design and Aerodynamics: Race Car Aesthetics for the Road
The design of the SLS AMG Black Series is directly inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, embodying its aggressive and functional aesthetic. Developed to FIA GT3 regulations, the SLS AMG GT3 has established itself as a formidable competitor in the world of super sports car racing.
In the 2012 motorsport season, the SLS AMG GT3 competed in over 15 series across four continents, achieving remarkable success, including a triple victory in the 24-hour Dubai race in January 2012, numerous driver and team titles in prestigious championships, and over 100 victories since the Customer Racing program’s inception in 2010.
The SLS AMG Black Series visually echoes this racing pedigree with flared fenders, widened by 0.5 inches at the front and 1.0 inch at the rear on each side, accommodating the wider sports tires. Tinted headlights and black surrounds for the rear lights contribute to its menacing stance. Aerodynamic balance is optimized by front, rear, and side skirts, along with a rear diffuser, all rendered in signature Black Series design. Extensive use of CFRP is evident in the front splitter, side sills, and rear skirt. Enlarged air intakes with carbon-fiber flics ensure optimal airflow to the front cooling modules.
The carbon-fiber hood, mirroring the SLS AMG GT3, features a central air outlet. This not only dissipates engine heat but also increases downforce at the front axle and improves aerodynamic efficiency. The wing-like cross-fin and the recessed star in the radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black, matching the exterior mirrors and hood fins. The carbon-fiber side inserts with air outlets and black fins further evoke the GT3 race car, aiding in engine compartment temperature management.
The side profile is accentuated by integrated side skirts, flowing seamlessly with the character line. Carbon elements along the lower edges visually connect the carbon-fiber front splitter to the rear. AMG forged wheels in a signature Black Series ten-spoke design, painted matte black with a high-gloss finish, provide a glimpse of the AMG ceramic high-performance brakes.
The rear design is dominated by wide fenders and a prominent rear diffuser, extending beyond the rear skirt to generate additional downforce. Visible air openings behind black grilles facilitate heat dissipation from the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. Quad square chrome tailpipes visually and aurally announce the car’s performance capabilities. An exclusive AMG logo with contrasting Black Series lettering discreetly adorns the trunk lid.
AMG Aerodynamics Package: Fine-Tuning Downforce
An optional AMG Aerodynamics package further enhances the SLS AMG Black Series’ performance envelope. This package replaces the standard wind deflector with an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing, mounted on aluminum elements for increased rear downforce. The Gurney flap, a 0.3-inch spoiler lip on the rear wing, further augments downforce without significantly increasing drag. Additional carbon-fiber flics on the front skirt, part of the aerodynamics package, increase front downforce, complementing the standard inward-lying flics that optimize airflow to the cooling modules. An exclusive AMG Solar Beam exterior paint finish is available specifically for the SLS AMG Black Series, alongside six other paint options from the SLS AMG range, including the matte finish designo magno alanite grey.
Interior: Performance-Focused Luxury
The interior of the SLS AMG Black Series prioritizes functionality and performance while maintaining AMG’s hallmark quality and craftsmanship. Two color schemes are available: black designo leather with black Alcantara®, or black designo leather with black/red Alcantara®. The two-tone option features red accents on door center panels and console trim. The AMG Performance steering wheel, wrapped entirely in Alcantara® with a flattened bottom rim and a red 12 o’clock marking, provides exceptional grip. High-gloss black accents on the steering wheel bezel and air vent surrounds complement the interior’s sporty ambiance.
A unique Black Series detail is the “3D seam,” a horizontal Alcantara® strip in anthracite running across the leather-clad dashboard, accented with red contrast stitching. designo leather and Alcantara® are used extensively throughout the interior, including the lower dashboard, door center panels, and AMG sports seats. Embossed AMG logos on the head restraints add a touch of exclusivity.
For weight-conscious owners, the COMAND multimedia system can be deleted, saving an additional 13 pounds and further emphasizing the car’s focused character. 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 seatbelts and red contrast stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, center console, dashboard, and door panels provide bold visual highlights, with red piping on the floor mats completing the sporty theme.
Optional Enhancements: Tailoring to Individual Preferences
Optional equipment includes the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, co-developed by Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Bang & Olufsen. This system features a 1,000-watt amplifier, 11 speakers, and Dolby Digital 5.1, offering an immersive audio experience with selectable sound profiles. Illuminated lens tweeters and high-quality speaker covers bearing the Bang & Olufsen logo further enhance the system’s exclusivity.
Additional stand-alone options include AMG carbon fiber exterior mirrors and an AMG carbon fiber engine cover, allowing for further personalization and lightweight optimization. The AMG Interior Carbon Fiber Package further amplifies the sporty interior aesthetic.
Mercedes Benz SLS AMG MSRP and Market Value: A Collector’s Gem
While the original “mercedes benz sls amg msrp” for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series hovered around $300,000 USD, its rarity and exceptional performance have solidified its status as a highly sought-after collector’s item. The limited production numbers, coupled with its position as the pinnacle of the SLS AMG range, have driven its value upwards in the pre-owned market. Today, finding an SLS AMG Black Series for sale often involves a premium over its original MSRP, reflecting its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts who recognize its significance in automotive history. The “mercedes benz sls amg msrp” is therefore not just a historical figure but a benchmark against which its current and future value is measured, underscoring its investment potential and enduring appeal. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series remains a testament to AMG’s engineering prowess and a beacon of high-performance automotive excellence.
