Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, Dior Design

Mercedes-AMG showed the SLS AMG Black Series at the Los Angeles show in 2012 and began selling it in June 2013. It was the hardest of the SLS family: 70 kg lighter than the standard car thanks to more carbon fibre, a titanium exhaust and a lithium-ion battery, with the 6.2-litre V8 now revving to 8,000 rpm and making 631 PS. Carbon fibre went into the front splitter and a bonnet with a central vent, the front intakes grew, and an optional aerodynamics package added a fixed carbon rear wing. The gullwing doors, a nod to the 300 SL, still had to be pulled shut by hand, because AMG would not carry the 41 kg of an automatic closing system.

This model is dressed in a black on white toile style print of trees and landscape that covers every panel, with twin broken stripes running over the bonnet and roof, and Christian Dior lettering on both doors. The print is a livery on the model only and implies no link with the fashion house. Carbon shows at the splitter, the side vents, the mirrors and the rear wing, red calipers sit behind black multi-spoke wheels, and the cabin is black with red details. It stands on a carbon pattern base under a brushed plaque that names the car, carries Dior Design and reads Limited 02 of 03. SE7EN Models builds it at 1:18.