There’s a new star coming to Mercedes-Benz’s range, and it’s none other than the Black Series Edition of the German firm’s flagship sports car, the SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’ coupe.

We first spotted the car back in October of 2011, but our photographers scooped another set of images of a prototype model while AMG engineers were performing cold weather tests in Europe.

The Black Series nameplate is reserved for the more hardcore versions of Mercedes’ AMG sports cars. For the SLS AMG model, the package will bring more power, a lighter body, a tweaked chassis and a more purposeful appearance.

You’ll be able to identify the SLS AMG Black Series from its wider front and rear fenders housing larger wheels than the 265/35ZR19 front and 295/30ZR20 rear tires found on the regular model, along with a bespoke front bumper with larger air inlets and a modified rear diffuser.

Mercedes-Benz has not opened its cards yet, but we expect the Black Series model to weigh less than the regular SLS AMG and feature a more powerful version of the 563HP 6.2-liter V8 engine, possibly delivering up to 650HP or perhaps even more.

The German supercar’s suspension and braking systems will also be upgraded to further improve handling and feel.

So, when should we expect the SLS AMG Black Series to make its debut? Chances are, Mercedes will lift the wraps before the end of this year at a major international auto show.

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