Mercedes-AMG lit the world on fire when they released the AMG GT Black Series in 2021. This 720-horsepower track demon had only one purpose: destroying lap records.
Manufacturers across the world build their reputation on lap times around the legendary Nürburgring. For German brands, this is the mecca of motorsport where bragging rights originate. In November of 2020, the AMG GT Black Series recorded a 6:43.616 lap time, at the time, the fastest production car ever. This was until their homecourt rivals, Porsche, took the record with the 911 GT2 RS MR by going 4.8 seconds faster.
When 720 horsepower isn’t enough
What if you took an AMG GT Black Series, a $325,000 car, and made it even faster? We introduce Opus Innovation managing director Lukas Domogalla. He joins Nürburgring mainstay, Misha Charoudin, track side at the 'Ring.
We get the privilege of seeing some action with their latest product: the Opus GT Black Series. For those unfamiliar, Opus' headquarters is based nearby by the Nürburgring. Their home base is a former Mercedes-AMG test center. As a result, they are able to test and tune their vehicles to OEM levels at these historic proving grounds.
Their latest project is no different. The Opus Black Series has seen hundreds, if not thousands of laps around the Green Hell. Yet, this modified Black Series is still under development. When released, they will be "Binary Editions" with two power levels available. One with 1111 horsepower and the other with 1001 horsepower. You might think 1000+ horsepower in a rear-wheel drive car is crazy. That's because it is.
As a result, the car is still undergoing testing in its "low-output" 880 horsepower trim. Even now, the Opus Black Series makes 160 horsepower more than a standard Black Series. Domogalla states that the higher output trims are "just too much" for the race track. Instead, this 880 horsepower configuration is instead "not too much".
Faster than a race car?
Yet, power is not the only aspect modified in this Black Series. The suspension setup retains the stock Ohlins dampers, but with different configurations. Hard compound Michelin Cup 2 tires suit the rough conditions of the Nordschleife.
Many enthusiasts complained about the AMG GT twin-turbo V-8's exhaust note. It didn't have the low rumbling characteristics of V-8 engines. It seemed to drown in the muffling turbos. You will find no such situation with the Opus Black Series.
This AMG instead has a full exhaust system including downpipes with "nearly" no catalytic converters. The result is a scary aggressive exhaust note that you will want to replay over and over again. Brakes and aerodynamics are all stock because the car is already crazy capable. Let's not forget this is a cutting-edge $325,000 track car that already has few flaws in its performance.
Even in the 880 horsepower trim, Domogalla himself put down a 6:45 lap time. That is 2 seconds off the production record with a non-professional driver. He has also had the opportunity to drive a Porsche 911 GT3 race car with aero and slicks at the Nordschleife. He claims that the Opus Black Series in certain sections feels as capable as the race car. In others, it is much quicker due to its incredible horsepower output.
With a good exit onto the iconic straight of the Bilstein Bridge, the Opus Black Series is capable of 200+ MPH. That is wild for any production vehicle. We still wait for official lap times from Opus. For a full lap and breakdown from both Domogalla and Charoudin, check out his YouTube channel.
