Whereas an AMG badge signifies higher efficiency than a typical Mercedes-Benz, there has additionally been a efficiency hierarchy inside AMG for a while. On the high of that hierarchy are the Black Sequence fashions, and racing driver Tommy Kendall lately introduced one of many earliest variations to Jay Leno’s well-known storage.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Sequence wasn’t the primary mannequin to put on the Black Sequence badge (that was the SLK 55 AMG Black Sequence), nevertheless it was arguably the one which made the Black Sequence idea stick. Primarily based on the C209-generation CLK coupe, it featured huge fender flares, upgraded suspension and brakes, and a extra highly effective engine.

The naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 was the identical M156 unit used within the non-Black Sequence CLK 63 of the time, however output was elevated from the usual automotive’s 475 hp to 500 hp. Energy is distributed to the rear wheels by a 7-speed automated transmission.

The rear seats and energy seat adjusters have been eliminated to save lots of weight, however in any other case the Black Sequence retained lots of the creature comforts of different CLK fashions. With an additional serving to of carbon fiber, after all.

Mercedes adopted up this automotive with Black collection variations of the SL-Class, C-Class Coupe, and SLS AMG. The most recent is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Sequence, boasting 720 hp and a $326,050 price ticket, together with vacation spot. Mercedes quotes 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, and in 2020 the Black Sequence lapped the Nürburgring in 6:43.61.

Nevertheless, in a nod to tighter emissions requirements, the AMG GT Black Sequence has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 moderately than the bigger naturally aspirated engine packed between the CLK’s fenders. The most recent Black Sequence mannequin is far more highly effective than its predecessor, nevertheless it’s exhausting to beat the sound of that non-turbo V-8. Take a look at the complete video for a style.