Subtlety isn’t exactly what the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is about. It’s more like a GT3-spec race car for the street, and who doesn’t like that?
On Tuesday, the German brand revealed its latest creation, which is chock-full of power and primped with a load of aerodynamic tricks to make it a slick machine in the wind. Rumor has it the car could produce a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time under 7 minutes.
Aero means nothing without proper motivation, and the folks inside AMG didn’t disappoint. While there’s still a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 under the hood, it’s been extensively reworked and now features a flat-plane crankshaft. Without diving too deeply into the engineering, a flat-plane crank let engineers create uniformly oscillating gas columns on the exhaust and intake side of things. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds also fit a new firing order and improved the gas cycle. Thus, AMG was easily able to boost performance and create a Black Series more eager to accelerate.
Larger turbos with the boost cranked up more than a GT R, along with the new crankshaft design, create 720 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Torque starts to create its oomph factor low at 2,000 rpm and peaks before 6,000 rpm. The GT Black Series will absolutely feel like a freaking rocket. Drivers will see 0-60 mph happen in 3.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 202 mph.
Eengineers reworked a familiar seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to handle all the torque the renovated twin-turbo V8 produces. AMG also noted that it upgraded the transmission cooling system so that it could handle track sessions with ease.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series: It scoffs at subtlety
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Now, about all the canards, the big wing and aero: It’s all wild. AMG took a close look at its current GT3 race car and drew a lot from it, starting with the larger, sort of Darth Vader-looking grille. It lets more air in and also handles airflow to the wheel arch coolers, which let engineers delete two other air inlets on the front bumper. A couple of flics improve downforce up front and cool the brakes, while air curtains control movement toward the wheels. Up front, it all comes together with a carbon-fiber splitter with manual adjustments for the street and track.
And the big outlets? They of course serve more than one purpose. Not only do they push warm air out of the engine compartment, but they funnel air around the A-pillars back to the new rear wing to maximize downforce. Speaking of the rear, it’s spruced up with a new bumper and tailpipes, but the wing is the main talking point. Drivers can mechanically adjust it for any track and an electronic flap in the upper blade works with various driving modes to reduce drag or improve braking performance and cornering stability, depending on its position.
A health dose of carbon fiber in numerous parts of the car — including a fully carbon-fiber hood — and AMG’s adaptive suspension are no-brainers to round out the GT Black Series. Three suspension settings keep things on the more comfortable side, or prepare the car for an assault on the racecourse.
All of the aero bits make for an aggressive-looking machine, but AMG didn’t skimp on the cockpit. AMG Performance seats are standard, as is a Performance steering wheel with microfiber trim. The cabin also features Nappa leather with bright orange contrasts that seriously pop. And traditional door handles? Gone. Instead, loop-pull handles sit in their place. This is a race car, duh.
Mercedes-AMG didn’t say how many it plans to make, nor how much one will cost, but it’s highly likely we’re looking at just a couple thousand of these for production. Expect a price over $200,000, should you have a blank check ready and waiting.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
