The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitecars The lightweight carbon-fibre roof, built with a hollow centre, the carbon-fibre tailgate with a small spoiler lip and the larger rear windscreen are made from lightweight, thin glass. This same type and reason goes for the laminated glass used in the windscreen. The Black Series receives its stiffen aluminium body shell struc- ture from the additional carbon-fibre sheer panels in the front section, underbody, and rear. At the same time, the integral carri- er and carbon tunnel cross make it more stable. With the touch of a button, the adaptive damping characteristics can be adjusted in the AMG DRIVE UNIT or by using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Out of the three methods available, Comfort and Sport can be used on public roads, while Sport Plus is ideal for racetracks thanks to its quality track surface recognition. In Sport, the damping is firmer with a sportier body connection and less comfort. It can also be chosen for racetracks if more slippery track conditions prevail due to wet conditions. The Black Series sits on 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) 10-spoke forged wheels painted in black. It has an actively con- trolled AMG Performance exhaust system made of thin-walled stainless steel and two round twin tailpipe trim elements finished in dark chrome. The exterior highlights include the AMG radiator grille, carbon-fibre front wings with wheel arch ventilation (lou- vres) and individual fins in black, and an adjustable front diffuser and bonnet elements in high-gloss carbon-fibre. For use on cordoned-off racetracks in ESP OFF mode, the AMG Traction Control enables the driver to get individual support for controlling the immense power of the Black Series. The support level can be fine-tuned, providing the ideal level of assistance for each driver and track situation. The AMG Traction Control has been extensively tailored to meet the requirements of the new Black Series and allows pre-selection of one of nine slip settings on the live rear axle. Final Word Thanks to its radiant mix of aggression and combat readiness, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series achieved the title of ‘Track Weapon of the Year’ by BBC Top Gear Magazine at a digital awards ceremony in December 2020. With an array of deflectors, wing- lets, slats, fins, diffusers, flaps, ducts and louvres, these advocates create a nicely balanced downforce that makes the Black Series a competitive contender both on the road and the racing track. At an awestruck cost of £335,000, over twice the regular GT R price, the latest model is more determined, focused and energet- ic. It has vast aerodynamic capacities both under the bonnet and around the exterior to keep this beast of a machine cool in every aspect and situation. On the track, the engine is savage with an edgier and, dare we say, angrier sound, but the cornering grip is stunning. Even when pushed hard through lower speed corners, adjustments can be made on the throttle. The dashboard may look intimidating with its many controls, but the sophisticated designed knobs make for a luxurious look. Whilst the sporty carbon bucket seats provide a track-ready expe- rience, the only disadvantage is the wingbacks on the sides of the driver’s seat, which make it a bit difficult to reach and manage the gear indicator and switches on the central console. However, you can maintain all of the driving modes and auxiliary controls on the steering wheel. So, for an unorthodox, untamed and ultimate two-seater sports car with a robust 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine and unprecedented performance on both the road and racetrack, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the mighty beast that has been awaiting your arrival. www.mercedes-amg.com/en/vehicles/gt/black-series/gt-black- series.html