The changes are far more than simply cosmetic however, the Black Edition also carries over the safety car’s rear axle cooler plus additional coolers for the engine oil, power steering system and transmission, all to help the car cope with sustained high speeds. Which it is clearly capable of thanks to a 6.2-litre V8, hand built by AMG. Despite being naturally aspirated the engine produces 507bhp and 463lb/ft of torque, racing the car to 62mph in 4.3 seconds and the standard 155mph speed limiter has been raised to 186mph. Braking comes courtesy of composite brake discs, more than foot wide on the front wheels.
The standard car’s seven-speed automatic transmission has been revised by AMG, the regular ‘comfort’ setting being junked, leaving the driver with a choice of ‘sports’ or ‘manual’ modes. In the latter the driver assumes full control of the ratios; kickdown and automated up and down shifts no longer occur. The ride and handling is also under the command of the driver but not through fancy electronic dampers – the threaded suspension developed by AMG allows adjustment of the compression and rebound of the shock absorbers and the front axle camber. Front and rear track, already wider by 75mm and 66mm respectively, can be further altered. Strut braces under the bonnet and in the boot increase torsional rigidity
Unlike most Mercs, the inside isn’t swathed with leather and dubious shiny wood but carbon fibre dash and door inserts and flame retardant nylon covering deep racing bucket seats, the rear perches having been dumped as a weight saving measure. The steering wheel gets the de rigueur flat bottom portion and paddles for the gearbox while the steering system itself has been recalibrated for greater feel and precision. Deliveries begin in June 2007, now all you need is a race to lead.