Mercedes-AMG announces the return of the Black Series to the AMG GT range, and celebrates the most powerful AMG V8 to date.
The new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Credit: Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes has revealed the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series as their most powerful AMG V8 to date, essentially making it the carbon fiber feather in the cap of the current GT model.
Introduced in 2006, the Mercedes-AMG Black Series editions are the most extreme models, sharing the closest technology transfer between Mercedes motorsport cars and the series production vehicles.
The most powerful AMG V8 to date. Credit: Mercedes-AMG
Commenting on the latest edition, Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH (who will soon be moving to Aston Martin as the new CEO), shared, “The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive highlight and continues a tradition established in 2006. The sixth version of its kind is another AMG milestone and impressive proof of the incredible development expertise in Affalterbach. I am proud of the team who have created a unique super sports car, which now represents the absolute peak of our successful GT family. The performance, looks and driving dynamics of the GT Black Series are second to none. This project was a fantastic end to my work at AMG, for which I am truly thankful.”
Goes from 0-60mph/100kmh in 3.1 seconds. Credit: Mercedes-AMG
Available for delivery next year in limited numbers, the new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series features a handcrafted 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine that has been extensively modified and utilizes a flat crankshaft to increase performance. The result is a vehicle that now delivers 720hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, and hits 0-60mph/100kmh in 3.1 seconds, 0-124mph/200kmh in just under 9 seconds and has a top speed of 202mph/325kmh.
Aerodynamically improved for greater downforce. Credit: Mercedes-AMG
Among other improvements made to increase the performance of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, tweaked to suit the increased torque, and like the other GT models is located on the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement for optimal weight distribution.
The Black Series is the peak of the GT Range. Credit: Mercedes-AMG
Aerodynamically, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series also boasts a new carbon fiber “two-story” aerofoil spoiler that operates independently of each other – the top level aerofoil blade features an active section that varies depending on the AMG DYNAMICS driving mode. In a flat position it works to reduce air resistance and reach top speeds quickly, but when inclined, the blade improves braking performance and cornering stability. Meanwhile, the lower level aerofoil blade can be manually adjusted depending on the driver’s requirements. New inlets and flics also to help optimize airflow, increase downforce and improve brake cooling.
Additionally, the carbon fiber front splitter features two manually adjustable settings (Street and Race) that significantly accelerates the airflow on the underbody and creating a “Venturi effect” which aids in holding the car closer to the road.
19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tyres. Credit: Mercedes-AMGImproved aerodynamics for optimized track performance. Credit: Mercedes-AMG
If all of that’s not enough to tempt new owners, there’s also the option of adding an optional AMG Track Package to the Black Series GT. While not available in all countries (namely USA, Canada, and China), the AMG Track Package consists of a roll-over protection system, 4-point seatbelts for the driver and front passenger, and a 2kg fire extinguisher exclusively designed for racetrack use.
Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre seats with contrasting orange stitching. Credit: Mercedes-AMG
With the GT R Pro already delivering one of the fastest rear-wheel-drive production times around the Nürburgring at 7:04.63 with 577hp, it’s a fair bet the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series with all of the latest improvements will set a blistering new pace and crack the previous record.
Prices and delivery dates are yet to be announced.
Luxury coachbuilder ARES Design Modena has revealed their latest project – a one-off restomod based on the Porsche 911 964 Turbo.
The one-off Porsche 911 964 Turbo by ARES restomod. Credit: ARES Design Modena
Coming off the back of a big year that saw ARES Design Modena release their first-ever wholly designed supercars (the S1 Project and S1 Project Spyder), ARES has started 2021 strong with the reveal of a new one-off restomod project based on the Porsche 911 964 Turbo.
A new modified ducktail spoiler and Fuchs-inspired wheels offer a retro feel. Credit: ARES Design Modena
Launched in 1991, the Porsche 964 Turbo took some time to fans over (thanks in part to the 930 that bore the Turbo badge before it) but eventually found a place in the hearts of enthusiasts largely thanks to the unmissable whale-tail spoiler.
Based on the 1991 Porsche 911 964 Turbo. Credit: ARES Design Modena
For this one-off design project, ARES Design Modena has refined the exterior of the 911 964 Turbo by modifying the ducktail spoiler and added new Fuchs-inspired alloy wheels (made famous by the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 of the 1970s) for a retro feel. Meanwhile, under the hood, the Italian luxury coachbuilder has modified the 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with a more powerful turbine and intercooler to produce an upgraded 425Hp.
Inside, the cabin has been refitted with new leather and tartan houndstooth upholstery (inspired by historic Porsche race cars) along with new gauges and a PCCM infotainment system specially designed for classic Porsches.
As a one-off project, no price has been released for the Porsche 911 964 by ARES, but interested Porsche owners are welcome to contact ARES Design Modena for their own custom restomod quote.
The first deliveries of the new US-only McLaren Sabre hypercar have begun with a papaya orange, blue and Malboro-themed model making an appearance.
MRJWW with McLaren Global Sales Manager Neil Underwood. Credit: MRJWW
The first deliveries of the new US-only McLaren Sabre hypercar have begun, with a few already having been captured on camera recently like this one revealed by MRJWW.
With a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 824bhp and 590lt ft and a top speed of 218mph, the twin-turbo V8 McLaren Sabre is the fastest and most powerful non-hybrid two-seater production car to date and has been homologated especially for US federal standards.
Developed under the code name “BC-03”, the new bespoke hypercar is a special 1 of 15 model that was created purely for a small group of West-Coast North American McLaren clients who desired a “show car made for the road” or as Neil Underwood Global Sales Manager of McLaren Special Operations describes the client’s request “ a car that has an enormous presence on the road but also wouldn’t look out of place on the concept lawn at Pebble Beach.”
Side view of the new McLaren Sabre. Credit: MRJWW
Collaborating directly with the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) team for just under two years, the owners took an active part in developing the McLaren Sabre and were even given the opportunity to drive the test mule to ensure the owners were able to fully customize every aspect of the vehicle to their liking, before final delivery.
Special cut wheel blades from a single piece of metal. Credit: MRJWW
With the McLaren Sabre explicitly designed for the US market, the designers at MSO did not have to adhere to the lengthy specifications for global registration and were afforded a few more freedoms in design. Many aspects of motorsport racing have also been incorporated into the McLaren Saber design, with features like the central dorsal fin and a prominent front splitter included and, for the first time on a McLaren, a large active rear diffuser.
The first deliveries to make an appearance have included a Malboro themed McLaren Sabre at the McLaren Beverly Hills showroom, supercar collectors @sparky18888/@VTM_theking_4 bright papaya orange Sabre and @thetriplefcollection’s carbon modica blue edition as seen below.
Singer Vehicle Design and rally specialist Richard Tuthill have joined forces to create two exceptional ACS rally Type 964 Porsche 911’s at the request of a client.
A collaboration between Singer Vehicle Design and Richard Tuthill. Credit: Singer Vehicle Design
Californian-based Singer Vehicle Design is known for some of the most unique and tasteful Porsche re-mods, and their latest ACS rally-style Porsche restorations created at the request of a long-term client are no different.
The Singer ACS in motion. Credit: Singer Vehicle Design
Partnering with UK based off-road competition specialist Richard Tuthill who has been rallying for decades and most recently won the 5000km 2019 East African Safari classic, Singer looked to the golden era of the 1980’s rally racing for inspiration to create their first-ever “motorsport-specification” restoration on a client’s 1990’s Type 964 Porsche 911s.
Led by Singer’s Design Office in California, a unique “All-terrain Competition Study” was undertaken as a collaboration between Singer Vehicle Design and Tuthill Porsche to ensure the client’s modified vehicles would be able capable of competing in off-road racing as well being able to demonstrate extensive all-terrain exploration capabilities.
The result of the All-terrain Competition Study. Credit: Singer Vehicle Design
With assembly of the vehicles occurring at Tuthill’s UK facility in Oxfordshire, the result was two different vehicles – the “Parallax White” version, which focuses on high-speed desert rallying, and the “Corsica Red” version, which has been configured for high-speed, high-grip tarmac events.
“So much of what we’ve done for the last decade has been inspired by Porsche’s competition success and the All-terrain Competition Study provides us the opportunity to showcase that idea literally and vividly,” shared Rob Dickinson, Founder and Executive Chairman of Singer Group.
“We at Singer are motorsport nerds in our hearts and demonstrating our understanding of the discipline required our off-road vision to display deeply legitimate competition credentials from the structural engineering, to the bodywork ethos, to the mechanical package. We’ve taken particular inspiration from the iconic Rothmans-sponsored 911 SC/RSs and 959s that conquered events like the Qatar International Rally and Paris-Dakar in the mid-‘80s and, at the request of our client, have reimagined these all-terrain 911’s in their honor while utilizing fresh perspectives and state of the art know-how.
Inspired by the Rothman sponsored 911 SC/RSs and 959’s. Credit: Singer Vehicle Design
As is our habit, we chose to tackle our subject thoroughly, and we are proud to have found the best in the world -always our ambition –to help us reach our goals. Like Williams Advanced Engineering before them with the Dynamics & Lightweighting Study, Richard Tuthill and his incredible team have allowed us to bring our vision for the All-terrain Competition Study to life in the most spectacular way. We feel confident this machine can appeal to off-roading enthusiasm of all kinds, whether it be in the pursuit of professional competition at the highest level of adventure and exploration. ACS advances Singer’s capabilities in forced-induction, all-wheel-drive, off-road ability and dynamic response -all of which will support our ongoing mission. This pursuit of focused competition studies is something you will see more of from us in the future.”
Racing interior of the Singer Porsche ACS design. Credit: Singer Vehicle Design
Both Singer Vehicle resto-mods have dramatically increased the ride height, suspension travel, and overall strength. Carbon fiber body paneling has also been incorporated to ensure quick replacement can be achieved under rallying conditions, and the addition of a long-range fuel tank, an FIA approved roll cage, and two full-sized spare wheels guarantee’s the rally-specific vehicle means serious business.
Singer Porsche ACS Editions: Corsica Red (Tarmac) and Parallax White (Rally). Credit: Singer Vehicle Design
In terms of engine power, the Singer Vehicle ACS Porsche 911 features a twin-turbo 3.6-liter “Mezger” engine capable of producing 450hp and 420lb-ft torque and combines with a flat-shifting five-speed sequential gearbox.
The tarmac edition for high-speed, high-grip tarmac events. Credit: Singer Vehicle Design
While most of Singer Vehicles restoration’s are one-off designs, the commissioning owner of the two ACS restorations has kindly agreed to share the results of the “All-terrain Competition Study” with other clients who would like a Singer off-road design of their own.