The supercar rumormill is a wild and wily thing, only credible because the real-world cars that form its fodder are themselves so unbelievable. But it's not beyond the pale at all to think Mercedes-Benz's AMG tuning arm might already be hard at work cranking out a lightweight, ultra-performance Black Series version of its new 2010 SLS AMG supercar. With our own Marty Padgett live at the trackside launch of the car today, we're bringing you all the latest on the SLS AMG as well, including a pair of videos of the car in action.

Just revealed officially in September, the SLS AMG already has an all-electric version due to arrive in 2013. And while the SLS AMG itself is intended as a replacement for the McLaren co-built SLR, a black series variant could help Mercedes push into the truly high-end supercar market with a vehicle somewhat more accessible than the SL 65 AMG Black Series that currently tops its noir-themed range.

Not that the "standard" SLS AMG is hurting for power or performance; with its 6.2-liter AMG V-8 piping 571 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car's capable of 3.8-second 0-62 mph runs and a top speed of 197 mph. Expect the Black Series version to generate well over 600 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

Following on from the lessons learned with the SL 65 AMG Black Series, the SLS AMG Black Series could find itself clad with even more lightweight carbon fiber body panels, a highly-tuned version of the 6.0-liter V-12 AMG engine and a much more stripped-down, utilitarian interior. Even with all the weight savings, the SL 65 Black still tipped the scales at a hefty 4,114 pounds, roughly 600 pounds heavier than a standard SLS AMG. Yet it was still capable of 3.9-second 0-60 mph runs thanks to its 661-horsepower twin-turbo V-12 engine. The SLS AMG is pegged to keep its V-8 configuration, however.

Applying a similar set of modifications to the SLS AMG could end up with a car weighing in just over 3,000 pounds and priced from the upper $300,000s. It would likely be capable of low-three-second 0-60 mph times, a top speed in excess of 220 mph and offer unprecedented performance for the Mercedes-Benz marque, possibly eclipsing even the legendary CLK GTR road car.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the highlight of this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, is on display in a stunning gold paint finish at the Dubai International Motor Show. This matt silk finish with the designation "AMG Desert Gold" lends an extraordinary aura to the new super sports car. The show in Dubai is also the premiere of the special G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR "Edition 79" model. The Dubai Inter-national Motor Show is regarded as the most important motor show in the Middle East, and takes place every two years.

Matt gold on the aluminium body together with striking highlights in high-gloss black – an extraordinary and highly attractive combination. With its matt silk surface, "AMG Desert Gold" further accentuates the sporty appearance of the Gullwing model. All the decorative and mounted features that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish by AMG's designers. Whether for the Mercedes star and the trim strip on the cross fin at the front, the fins on the bonnet and flanks, the filler cap or all the model plates: high-gloss black is used everywhere, ensuring a striking contrast with the matt silk sheen of the gold paintwork. The black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.

"AMG Desert Gold" has currently only been used for the display vehicle at the Dubai International Motor Show, but given sufficient customer demand, this special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO. Two alluring matt paint finishes - AMG Monza grey magno" and "designo magno alanite grey" - are already offered for the SLS AMG. And as a highlight, the unique "AMG alubeam silver", a finish that makes the paintwork glisten like liquid metal. At present SLS AMG customers have a choice of nine attractive paint colours.

Completely black interior, with plenty of solid carbon-fibre

The interior of the special SLS AMG model is in uncompromising, sporty black, the AMG sports bucket seats corresponding with the solid carbon-fibre centre console and other carbon-fibre interior features. Opening the bonnet reveals the 420 kW (571 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which is strikingly framed by the high-quality carbon-fibre engine compartment cover.

"The premiere of the SLS AMG in "AMG Desert Gold" at the Dubai International Motor Show is a token of respect for the Middle East. After the USA, Germany and Japan, the Gulf region is the fourth-largest market for AMG," says Volker Mornhinweg, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.