Breaking the lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of the most coveted records in the motoring industry, more so if the car comes under the performance category. The production car lap record, which was a back-and-forth duel between Porsche and Lamborghini since 2015, was held by the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ since 2018. That has all changed this year with the Mercedes AMG GT Black Series stepping up to the challenge and dethroning the Raging Bull to claim the fastest production car to lap the ‘Green Hell’.
When the Mercedes AMG GT Black Series was first unveiled, we knew it would be fast around a track. With a monstrous 730hp and an aero package that would make a GT-spec race car jealous, it was only a matter of time before a Nurburgring lap record attempt was made. And it didn’t disappoint.
With GT3 driver Maro Engel behind the wheel, The GT Black Series lapped the 20.6-kilometre track in 6:43.62 seconds, 1.35 seconds faster than the previous lap set by the Aventador SVJ. Although conditions were less than favourable, with an ambient temperature of just seven degrees Celsius and a track temperature of ten degrees Celsius, Mercedes threw everything they had. And they’ve done that by utilising the performance and precise adjustability of the GT Black Series to its maximum potential.
The carbon fibre front splitter was extended into Race mode, and the twin blades of the rear wing were set up for optimal downforce. The fully adjustable AMG coil-over suspension and adaptive dampers were set up exactly to driver Engel’s liking to allow him to wring out every last ounce of performance from the GT Black Series. Moreover, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tyres with ‘soft compound’ and carbon-ceramic brakes, which are entirely standard mind you, and the optional Track Package allow the GT Black Series to put down all the power from that twin-turbo V8 to the tarmac effectively for maximum attack over a single lap.
“That was a really impressive ride,” said Engel after completing the record lap. “The AMG GT Black Series is significantly faster than my GT3 race car. Like my GT3 race car, the AMG GT Black Series offers a lot of adjustment possibilities, all of which enabled me to create a setup that was tailor-made for me.” he added.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series wasn’t the only record-breaking Mercedes present on the Nurburgring. On what was a monumental day from the boys from Affalterbach, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S, the 4-door version of the AMG GT, become the fastest luxury sedan to lap the notorious circuit, with a time of just 7:23.01.
Mercedes and their AMG performance division have certainly proven their mettle, beating well-established and more performance orientated brands such as Lamborghini and Porsche. With such accolades racking up to their name, could the Three-pointed Star be the new symbol of top-tier automotive performance? Short answer: yes.