Rumors talked about it for a couple of years, some spyshots gave us even more reason to get excited and follow the topic, but it was finally a press release from Mercedes-AMG that brightened our day.

This, folks, is the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, featuring the most beefy engine ever developed by the house of AMG.

Let’s start with the V-8

AMG’s previous V-8s were of the cross plane crankshaft ilk. . One is a more swift throttle response and a better gas flow through the cylinder banks, which ultimately equals increased performance.

Speaking of which, the AMG GT Black Series has 720 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque waiting to spin the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch ‘box. Torque, in particular, can be harnessed with full zest anywhere between 2.000 and 6.000 rpm.

The V-8 is still twin-turbocharged, but even if it’s based on the amazing 4.0 V-8 codenamed M178, the list of extensive mods AMG performed sees it gain its own internal identifier - M178 LS2. Oh, and the turbos deliver up to 24.6 psi of boost, instead of 19.6 psi like in the AMG GT R. That’s courtesy of a larger compressor wheels.

That said, the AMG GT Black Series is good for 3.1 seconds in the 0-60 mph (0-96 kph) sprint and can also hit 124 mph (200 kph) in nine seconds flat. Top speed is 202 mph (325 kph), but AMG advises “this is only sensible on closed-off racetracks.”

Moving on to the visual goodies…

A lot of the AMG GT Black Series’ looks are dictated by aero tweaking. In this regard, you’ve got your AMG GT3-borrowed radiator air inlet, the semicircular flics that improve brake cooling and optimize the flow of air, as well as the carbon fiber front splitter (adjustable on two settings, Street and Race).

Basically, you’re looking at two wings positioned one on top of the other (they’re both made of carbon fiber) that can be mechanically adjusted according to track conditions and whatnot.

What’s more, the upper blade of the wing has an active flap which can be electronically adjusted by 20 degrees, varying the amount of downforce generated above the rear axle, depending on the circumstances: flat position means less air resistance so higher top speed, while an inclined stance means more downforce so better braking and cornering stability.

On top of these, Mercedes-AMG came up with a mean hood with two carved in air openings that are said to improve aero performance, a solution that’s borrowed from the world of motorsport. Mechanically-speaking, the Black Series has a lot of carbon fiber baked into its organs, adaptive damping suspension, carbon fiber sway bars, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires.

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series specifications