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Former DTM driver becomes AMG brand ambassador: Maro Engel becomes a new instructor at the AMG Driving Academy

By | Published Wednesday, 9 May 2012

The former DTM driver Maro Engel has become a new AMG brand ambassador with immediate effect. Additional duties performed by the 26-year-old driver will include acting as an instructor for the AMG Driving Academy, as well as providing support to selected SLS AMG GT3 customer teams.

SLS AMG GT3 customer teams can book Maro Engel for test or racing sessions as part of the driver support programme from AMG Customer Sports and can therefore draw on his great know-how as a racing driver. Maro Engel will be supporting his colleagues Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger, who have accompanied the SLS AMG GT3 throughout its entire development and testing programme and are also available for customer team bookings. 

In his new role for Mercedes-AMG, Engel will be on hand as a point of contact at press and customer events. As a new member of the AMG Driving Academy's team of instructors, he will also be actively involved on location at race tracks. Here too, he will join forces with Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger, who belong to the AMG Driving Academy's core team, along with Bernd Mayländer (driver of the official F1™ Safety Car), Karl Wendlinger and Susie Wolff (DTM driver for Mercedes-Benz).

According to Maro Engel: "I am looking forward to some new and exciting roles with AMG. As a brand ambassador and instructor, I will pass on my motorsports know-how to customers of the AMG Driving Academy. And as part of the driver support team at AMG customer sports events in particular, I am also looking forward to passing on my four years of experience as a Mercedes-Benz DTM driver to AMG customer teams, as well as being able to climb into the cockpit of the SLS AMG GT3 myself."

According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With Maro Engel, Bernd Schneider, Karl Wendlinger, David Coulthard and of course Susie Wolff too, we have a core international team of active and former racing drivers to represent AMG both on and off the race track. Our AMG brand ambassadors are able to combine an appealing mix of competence and approachability. And it's not only the AMG Driving Academy which will benefit from the know-how of Maro Engel, as the SLS AMG GT3 customer teams will benefit too."

Four years of DTM experience with Mercedes-Benz and Formula 3 runner‑up

Like many racing drivers, Maro Engel also started his racing career in the world of karting (1996 - 2000). In 2001 he drove in his first formula racing series. After two years in Formula BMW, Munich-born Engel graduated to the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2003. In 2005 he switched to the Italian Formula 3000 Championship, finishing in seventh place overall. In 2006 and 2007, Engel competed in the fiercely contested British Formula 3 International Championship. He ended the 2007 season in second place overall, with three victories, eight podium positions and four pole positions under his belt. In the three years between 2008 and 2011, Maro Engel drove for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM.


* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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The AMG Driving Academy 2012 / 2013: Experiencing the thrill of superlative automotive performance

By | Published Thursday, 15 March 2012

The AMG Driving Academy has a dazzling new agenda lined up for the 2012 / 2013 season. The varied programme is designed to meet the most diverse requirements and aspirations and stands for thrills and excitement galore. The events on offer span pleasure-oriented EMOTION trips, special winter training courses in Sweden's Lapland region and thrilling excursions to legendary race circuits such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Hockenheimring or Zandvoort. A special highlight is the MASTERS programme, in which participants take to the wheel of the SLS AMG GT3, the racing version of the gullwing model. A common feature of all the AMG Driving Academy events is the unique, electrifying first-hand experience of superlative performance which brings the AMG brand claim of "Driving Performance" to life for participants. A world first without parallel among the competition comes in the shape of carbon-neutral driving dynamics events which are absolutely exclusive to the AMG Driving Academy.


In this way, the AMG Driving Academy, which was established in 2007, demonstrates that driving enjoyment and concern for the environment are perfectly reconcilable. The principle of carbon neutrality is based on three pillars which are now applied at all AMG Driving Academy events:

1. avoidance of the unnecessary wasting of resources.
2. implementation of efficiency-enhancing measures, such as deployment of the latest AMG high-performance vehicles. Example: the new SLK 55 AMG with cylinder shut-off system consumes 30 percent less fuel than the previous model.
3. AMG determines the CO2 emissions generated at a Driving Academy event on the basis of the so-called "carbon footprint" and balances out this volume of emissions through its involvement in climate protection projects.

Enhancing active driving safety

The new programme from the AMG Driving Academy comprises professionally designed training measures which will enable ambitious sports car enthusiasts to improve their individual control of their vehicles and enhance their active driving safety. All events staged by the AMG Driving Academy feature advanced training methods which guarantee a swift grounding in the basics of driving dynamics. Acquainting drivers with both their own limitations and their vehicles' limits in a totally safe manner is also on the agenda. Another key focus is on thrilling driving experiences with exciting high-performance vehicles such as the SLS AMG, C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series or SLK 55 AMG.

A major difference to last year's programme is the reduced size of groups for selected events, to allow even greater concentration on the respective participants' individual skills. In addition, individual taxi trips with the SLS AMG GT3 can now be booked at a price of 350 euros.

Erstwhile Formula 1 driver Karl Wendlinger new instructor

Karl Wendlinger (Austria) is a new addition to our team of professional instructors. From 1990 to 1991 the 43 year-old racing driver was a member of the Mercedes junior team competing in the World Sportscar Championship along with Michael Schumacher and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. In 1991 he switched to Formula 1. In 1994, Wendlinger raced for the Sauber-Mercedes team alongside Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Karl Wendlinger will be teaming up at the AMG Driving Academy with DTM driver Susie Wolff and DTM championship record holder Bernd Schneider, who belong to the AMG Driving Academy's core team along with Bernd Mayländer (driver of the Official F1™ Safety Car). Racing driver Reinhold Renger remains in the post of chief instructor. In all, the AMG Driving Academy has 30 instructors on its roster.

The AMG Driving Academy is not only active in Europe. In response to the great demand, the programme is undergoing systematic expansion: training measures have been held in America since 2009, and in China since 2010 – at the Laguna Seca Raceway (California) or the Shanghai International Circuit, for example. A totally new development is the AMG Driving Academy's involvement in India: A kick-off event took place at the Buddh International Circuit against the backdrop of the Auto Expo in New Delhi in January 2012.

Eight further BASIC training courses will follow in 2012. Events for AMG customers in Japan and Russia are also in the pipeline.

Details of the dates and further information are available at www.mercedes-amg.com/driving-academy or by calling the AMG Driving Academy hotline on +49 7144 302-575.

The AMG Driving Academy programme in detail: From EMOTION to SLS AMG GT3 COMPETITION

The AMG Driving Academy offers a broad range of fascinating events and driver training measures tailored to individual needs and interests. The vehicles available to participants are captivating AMG high-performance models such as the SLS AMG, the SLK 55 AMG or the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series – with even a thoroughbred racing car on hand for the MASTERS, in the guise of the SLS AMG GT3. The team of instructors includes prominent racing drivers such as Bernd Schneider, Karl Wendlinger or Susie Wolff.

Perfect control of the vehicle coupled with great passion and the utmost in driving enjoyment: the AMG Driving Academy programme covers five skill levels (EMOTION, BASIC, ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS) and offers the ideal event for every proficiency level. Beginning with lifestyle-oriented events (EMOTION), the programme progresses through an introduction to the given critical limits (BASIC) to intensive race circuit training with data recording and individual coaching (ADVANCED, PRO, MASTERS). The Winter Sporting event in Sweden's Lapland region offers pure, unadulterated fun at the wheel on ice and snow. The SLS AMG GT3 is used as a training vehicle for the highest level - the MASTERS. This thoroughbred racing car was developed in accordance with FIA GT3 rules. To ensure the most effective learning experience, the MASTERS breaks down into four modules: EXPERIENCE, WARM-UP, TRAINING and COMPETITION.

AMG high-performance cars double up as hire vehicles

Depending on the type of event concerned, participants either drive their own AMG vehicles or AMG high-performance automobiles provided by the AMG Driving Academy. Hire cars are also available, such as the SLS AMG, the new SLK 55 AMG, the C 63 AMG Coupé and the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. A high-calibre supporting programme featuring local culinary delights and professional supervision is an integral part of every AMG Driving Academy event.

The licensed AMG instructors with a wealth of motorsport experience pass on their extensive know-how at legendary race circuits such as Hockenheim, Nürburgring, Zandvoort or Le Castellet. Participants experience driving enjoyment in its most sublime form at the wheel of thrilling AMG high-performance vehicles.

Overview of the AMG Driving Academy skill levels:

EMOTION: at these lifestyle-oriented events a maximum of 24 participants explore interesting routes taking in delightful scenery at the wheel of vehicles provided by AMG. They enjoy exciting events and select gala menus at special locations as part of the AMG community. The events begin with a guided tour offering exclusive insights into the AMG plant in Affalterbach. The one- to four-day events include top-ranking sporting events or cultural highlights, for example. New events in 2012 include the EMOTION trips to Tuscany and the EMOTION Formula 1 trip to the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring, for example. The latter three-day event includes VIP tickets for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Lounge and takes participants behind the scenes for exclusive insights into the work of the Silver Arrows team headed by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Other EMOTION trips will visit selected DTM races or the 24-hour Nürburgring race, in which numerous customer teams will be competing in the SLS AMG GT3. Prices: from 390 to 3790 euros.

BASIC: the focus of this training is on ensuring safe and confident reactions behind the wheel in all conceivable daily traffic situations. In a professional environment the participants develop the expertise to tackle their first few laps of driving at the limit, starting with a detailed theory-based introduction unit. The instructors not only highlight the fundamentals of driving physics, but also look at seating position, steering wheel control, the correct line of sight and safety rules. The practical section gives the participants the chance to assess and enhance their driving skills in their own AMG cars or in models provided by AMG, and to explore the capabilities of the various driver assistance systems. Elements of this training are over- and understeering, slalom, lane-changing, braking and evading suddenly appearing obstacles.

The BASIC training takes place at the Sachsenring circuit and the Boxberg test site. Each group comprises a maximum of ten participants. Vehicles provided by AMG are allocated to pairs of participants. Each of the maximum of five groups is supervised by an instructor. As a highlight at the end of the event, each participant experiences performance in perfection in an AMG racing taxi – as a co-driver alongside one of the professional AMG instructors. Price: 1190 euros.

ADVANCED: the second stage of AMG training concentrates on developing driving skills and sporty driving. In addition to the fundamentals of driving physics, the theoretical introduction primarily covers cornering technique, the ideal line and braking points. The mode of functioning of the various driver assistance systems, safety rules and driver behaviour also play a central role in this unit. Section training on the race circuit sees the instructors explore in detail the particular characteristics of each section of corners, while guided driving behind the instructor makes it easier for the participants to identify the ideal line and braking points. The ADVANCED training courses generally use cars provided by AMG, so the participants have the opportunity to put various models from the current AMG range through their paces.

Professional data recording helps the drivers to analyse their personal driving style, allowing them to identify mistakes and put instructions into practice. The two-and-a-half-day ADVANCED training courses take place at race circuits known around the world, such as Nürburgring-Nordschleife, Hockenheimring, (both in Germany), Zandvoort (Netherlands) and Ascari (Spain). The AMG mechanics are on hand to answer all technical questions about the vehicles. ADVANCED training courses can accommodate a maximum of six groups, each consisting of eight participants. One instructor is assigned to each group and two participants share each car. The event rises to a suitably thrilling climax with the chance for the participants to sit in the passenger seat as a professional racing driver takes them for a spin in the AMG Race Taxi. Prices start from 2590 euros.

PRO: the in-depth PRO training is tailored to the needs of drivers with aspirations in the field of motor racing, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. The two and a half-day events take place on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit or in Ascari (Spain). Completion of the AMG ADVANCED training or comparable driver training course is required to participate in the PRO Training. The AMG instructors take the participants through the particular characteristics of the circuits and give them a run-down of the training schedule, fitness issues and the health-related aspects of safe driving.

In addition, the participants can have a data and video recording device fitted in the car. The values recorded go beyond longitudinal and lateral acceleration, for example, to include data on personal driving style, which is then evaluated individually by an expert. At the end of the event the participants can enjoy a passenger’s-eye experience of the circuit in the AMG Race Taxi. Prices start from 2440 euros.

MASTERS SLS AMG GT3: the highest level in the AMG Driving Academy programme deploys the racing version of the gullwing model as a training vehicle. Designed in accordance with FIA GT3 rules, the SLS AMG GT3 has been in successful use by customer teams in various GT3 racing series throughout the world since 2011. In the very first race of 2012, the Dubai 24 Hours, the Abu Dhabi Black Falcon and HEICO Motorsport pulled off an impressive triple victory. The AMG Driving Academy participants benefit from the modular design of the MASTERS SLS AMG GT3: four complementary stages guide the aspiring racing drivers to the finishing line - EXPERIENCE, WARM-UP, TRAINING and COMPETITION. Participants can take part in all MASTERS events in their own SLS AMG GT3 vehicles or in corresponding cars provided by AMG.

EXPERIENCE begins with a theoretical introduction and guided driving with SLS AMG road vehicles. This is followed by familiarisation with the SLS AMG GT3, including the driver's seat, and guided driving in a group. An experienced instructor is always on board as a co-driver, communicating with the participant via two-way radio. Driver and co-driver then swap places in the SLS AMG GT3: the experienced instructor shows the participant his personal strengths by reference to a video recording, whetting his appetite for more laps in the racing version of the gullwing model. Price for the three-hour event: 1850 euros. Requirements: Completion of AMG BASIC training or comparable driver training.

The second stage, the WARM-UP, begins with the participants at the wheel of the SLS AMG road vehicles. This is followed by a detailed theoretical grounding in the technology and operation of the SLS AMG GT3. After a fitness check, the participants are acquainted in-depth with the racing version of the gullwing model: acceleration, braking, gearshifting, overtaking and various handling exercises are on the agenda. Professional data and video recording enables systematic improvement of the participant's personal driving technique. Participants who are resident in Germany can additionally acquire a national "DMSB driving licence" from the German motor sport association Deutscher Motor Sport Bund e. V. The price for the one-day event is 4590 euros. Requirements: Completion of SLS AMG GT3 EXPERIENCE, AMG ADVANCED or PRO training, AMG MASTERS SPORTS TROPHY or comparable driver training.

In stage three - TRAINING - the SLS AMG GT3 vehicles are initially driven on sports tyres, after which they are switched over to slick tyres. The participants train with an experienced personal trainer, who they can book on an hourly basis. The focus lies squarely on the systematic enhancement of personal skills as well as cornering techniques, perfect braking, acceleration and changing gear. Data and video recordings are also used for consistent improvement of race track driving technique. An independent instructor then assesses the participants' qualification for the highlight of the SLS AMG GT3 MASTERS – the COMPETITION. Price per hour: 2900 euros. Requirement: Completion of SLS AMG GT3 WARM-UP.

The three-day COMPETITION begins with racetrack-specific training for the participants, who subsequently race against one another in ranking heats. The winners in the individual and team competitions duly take to the rostrum at a victory ceremony. Prices start from 8900 euros. Requirement: Successful qualification in SLS AMG GT3 TRAINING, one hour of training within the past 3 months.

Pushing driving enjoyment to the limit: Winter Sporting in Sweden's Lapland region
A particularly appealing training event takes place from January to April each year in Arjeplog (Sweden), close to the Arctic Circle: the AMG Winter Sporting ADVANCED and PRO event. Participants drive the AMG high-performance cars provided exclusively at a closed-off ice-covered site, and the 3-stage ESP® Electronic Stability Program is generally disabled. Specially developed training programmes guarantee an optimum combination of training success and driving pleasure on various specially prepared scaled-down versions of international race circuits and a skid pad – ideal conditions for power slides and drifts. All the cars are fitted with special spike tyres, which ensure a precisely defined level of grip. A wide-ranging support programme for the event characterised by a typical local atmosphere rounds off the events in Swedish Lapland. Also included is a ride in the AMG Ice Taxi, a specially prepared AMG car fitted with the special spike tyres used by FIA WRC rally cars.

The AMG Winter Sporting ADVANCED training is a four-day event, while the PRO training takes place over five days. Here participants and instructors focus in smaller groups on driving technique, including data recording and video analysis. At the end of the PRO event the participants even drive the AMG Ice Taxi themselves. Prices: 3890 euros (ADVANCED), 4990 euros (PRO)

The AMG Lodge beckons as an exclusive abode in the breath-taking Swedish scenery. The AMG-owned hotel on Galtis Mountain near Arjeplog offers a beautiful view across the surrounding forests and lakes. Exclusive rooms, the excellent restaurant and the large spa area with whirlpool and a fitness studio promise a pleasant stay. Each year, the area around Arjeplog serves as a well-known test centre which is used by many automobile manufacturers to put their prototypes to the acid test in the tough Swedish winter.

AMG Driving Academy arranges complete incentives

The AMG Driving Academy also arranges complete incentive trips for companies, customers or business partners. The programme covers all types of individual wishes, including AMG factory tours, a guided tour of the SLS AMG production plant in Sindelfingen, guided excursions with the latest AMG high-performance vehicles, race track training or visits to motor sport events including a full supporting programme followed by evening function, for example. A personal incentive scout puts an exciting programme together and is on hand during the event, attending to all participants' needs and ensuring that they take a wealth of wonderful memories away with them.

AMG social networking and AMG Private Lounge

Via the AMG Driving Academy's Facebook, Flickr and YouTube pages, customers and fans can keep up to date with all activities, exciting event reports and glimpses behind the scenes included. It is also possible to stay in touch with like-minded people and with Mercedes-AMG GmbH. One highly exclusive way of sharing your passion for the brand with other AMG enthusiasts is the AMG Private Lounge. This official online forum enables owners of an AMG-Mercedes to exchange their insider knowledge with others and to maintain direct contact with Mercedes-AMG.











* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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Former Formula 1 driver becomes AMG brand ambassador: Karl Wendlinger is a new instructor at the AMG Driving Academy

By | Published Thursday, 23 February 2012

Racing driver Karl Wendlinger (Austria) is now part of the Mercedes-AMG team. The 43 year-old will be on hand at AMG events as a new AMG brand ambassador, alongside DTM championship record holder Bernd Schneider and David Coulthard. Karl Wendlinger will also be bolstering the team at the AMG Driving Academy as an instructor and supporting the SLS AMG GT3 Customer Sport teams.


SLS AMG GT3 customer teams can book Karl Wendlinger for test or racing sessions as part of the driver support programme from AMG Customer Sports and draw on his great knowledge as a sports car expert. The 43 year-old will be supporting his colleagues Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger, who have accompanied the SLS AMG GT3 throughout its entire development and testing programme. Jäger has been working as a coordinator for AMG Customer Sports since 2010.

In his new role for Mercedes-AMG, Karl Wendlinger will be on hand as a point of contact at press and customer events. As a new member of the AMG Driving Academy's team of instructors, he will also be on location at race tracks. Here too, he will join forces with Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger, who belong to the AMG Driving Academy's core team, along with Bernd Mayländer (driver of the official F1™ Safety Car).

Return to the Mercedes fold

For Karl Wendlinger, this collaboration marks a return to the Mercedes fold: from 1990 to 1991 the Austrian was a member of the Mercedes junior team competing in the sports car world championship along with Michael Schumacher and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. In 1991 he switched to Formula 1. In 1994, Wendlinger raced for the Sauber-Mercedes team alongside Heinz-Harald Frentzen. "I'm happy to be returning to the Mercedes family," says Karl Wendlinger. "I'm looking forward to many joint projects with AMG. I'm relishing the opportunity to work alongside Bernd Schneider, Thomas Jäger and David Coulthard at selected AMG events."

"We are proud to welcome such a successful racing driver as Karl Wendlinger to the AMG team," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "Karl Wendlinger is the likeable sort of character with whom people are keen to talk at our AMG events. His comprehensive technical knowledge and driving expertise will also be a boon to the AMG Driving Academy and the SLS AMG GT3 customer teams."

Successful career in sports car racing

Karl Wendlinger's motor sport career began in go-carting at the age of 14. In 1989 he won the German Formula 3 Championship. He subsequently competed in the DTM, Formula 3000 and the 24-hour Le Mansrace. After retiring from Formula 1, Karl Wendlinger raced in various touring and sports car series. His most outstanding successes on the race track include winning the FIA GT Championship (1999), 1st place in the 24-hour Le Mans race in the GTS-Class (in the same year), overall victory in the 24-hour Daytona racein 2000 and 2nd place in the 24-hour Nürburgring race (2003). Karl Wendlinger raced for various teams in the FIA GT Championship from 2004 to 2011. In 2007 he was runner-up with Jetalliance Racing.
* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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VIDEO: A thrilling symphony of V8s on the Nürburgring

By | Published Monday, 12 September 2011


The AMG Driving Academy arrived at the Ring and started "playing" with grumpy automotive masterpieces created in Affalterbach on the mindblowing curves of the German track. The C 63 AMG, the E 63 AMG, the CLS 63 AMG and the SLS AMG were among the big stars. Gijs Muller was there to capture the entire action and, boy, those massive V8 engines sound simply delicious. Hit the play button and experience eight minutes of intense perfection. Also, press the break button and check out another cool video featuring an "army" of no less than eight, powerful and noisy 'modern gullwings' rolling rapidly down the sinuous Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Many thanks for the tip, Gijs! We really appreciate it!



Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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SLS AMG GT3 now part of the AMG Driving Academy vehicle line-up: Pushing driving performance to the limits with the SLS AMG GT3

By | Published Friday, 9 September 2011


AMG fans had the chance to drive the SLS AMG GT3 for the first time. The AMG Driving Academy is exclusively using SLS AMG GT3 vehicles at the most demanding MASTERS skill level. With these unique events, the AMG Driving Academy – which was started successfully in 2007 – is offering participants an opportunity to experience motor racing first hand whilst benefitting from what is an unprecedented high standard of safety. The new SLS AMG GT3 MASTERS is a preliminary highlight of the AMG Driving Academy, which is continually extending its programme to provide an extremely wide variety of events.


The module-based SLS AMG GT3 MASTERS programme consists of four stages: EXPERIENCE, WARM-UP, TRAINING and COMPETITION. During the three-hour EXPERIENCE stage, participants start off with the road version of the SLS AMG to benefit from some driving guidance. After an introduction and a seated "rehearsal", they take to the wheel of the SLS AMG GT3 for themselves, and are again guided safely around the race track by a lead vehicle. Participants then step into the passenger seat of an SLS AMG GT3 racing taxi driven by an experienced professional racing driver to enjoy a few quick laps around the circuit.

During the second stage – WARM-UP – the participants are given a detailed theory-based introduction to the technology and controls of the SLS AMG GT3. After a fitness check, during the subsequent training session the participants are able to familiarise themselves fully with the racing version of the gull-wing model: the programme covers such aspects as acceleration, braking, changing gear, overtaking and also a variety of other handling exercises, all carried out on sports tyres. Plus, participants who are resident in Germany also have the chance to acquire a national DMSB (German Motor Sport Federation) driver's licence.

COMPETITION forms the highlight of the SLS AMG GT3 MASTERS

In stage three – TRAINING – the SLS AMG GT3 vehicles are initially driven on sports tyres, after which they are switched over to slick tyres. The participants train with an experienced personal trainer, who they can book on an hourly basis. The focus lies squarely on the systematic enhancement of skills such as cornering techniques, perfect braking, acceleration and changing gear. Professional data and video recordings are also used for consistent improvement of race track driving technique. The highlight of the SLS AMG GT3 MASTERS is the COMPETITION stage, which is expected to start at the end of 2012: after a training session which is specific to the race circuit being used, the participants will complete initial assessment tests, followed by individual and team competitions.

Participants can take part in all MASTERS events using either the SLS AMG GT3 vehicles which are made available or driving their own vehicles. All drivers also benefit from sports medicine input. And while there are no particular requirements for taking part in the EXPERIENCE stage, when it comes to the WARM-UP, TRAINING and COMPETITION stages, participants have to complete appropriate race track training sessions. Prices for SLS AMG GT3 MASTERS events start at 1500 euros. Each event can be booked separately. The next opportunity to enjoy a unique GT3 experience with AMG is 17/18 September on the track in Groß-Dölln.

Exemplary level of safety thanks to a carbon-fibre safety cell

The racing version of the gull-wing was conceived as a customer sports car for sprints and long-distance racing according to the near-series FIA GT3 rulebook. In a set-up similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz DTM cars, the seat shell of the SLS AMG GT3 is located in a high-strength carbon-fibre (CFRP) safety cell. Thanks to its special shape, the safety cell, which is bolted to the rollover cage and the aluminium spaceframe, offers far greater protection for the driver's shoulders, hips and legs. The seat shell also features the HANS (Head and Neck Support) system, is individually foam-padded and equipped with a six-point seat belt, thus maximising occupant safety. Additional safety is provided by the steel rollover cage, which also gives further reinforcement to the aluminium spaceframe.

Tailor-made programme to meet all requirements

The AMG Driving Academy programme offers a wide selection of events which allow ambitious sports car enthusiasts to improve their car control and further enhance their driving safety. Founded by Mercedes-AMG in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy comprises five different programmes: EMOTION, BASIC, ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS. These offer everything from lifestyle-oriented events and courses which take the participants through their first experience of driving at the limit, all the way through to intensive race circuit training with a competitive edge. The level of difficulty is tailored to the participants' individual requirements. Prices for the AMG Driving Academy programmes start from as little as 370 euros.

New lifestyle events in 2011 include the EMOTION Tour Wine & Dine, EMOTION Tour Golf, EMOTION Tour Montreux and EMOTION Tour DTM Show Event Munich, all of which focus on enjoyment and community spirit.

The AMG Driving Academy adopts a strategy of expansion

The AMG Driving Academy training courses not only take place on the legendary racing circuits of Europe, such as the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg or the Grand Prix circuit at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. This year, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg (Austria), newly opened in 2011, will also play host to the AMG Driving Academy. Special events for AMG fans from the USA and China will also be held at such racing circuits as the Laguna Seca Raceway (California), Road Atlanta Racetrack (Georgia), Lime Rock Park (Connecticut), the Shanghai International Circuit and the Zhuhai International Circuit. Due to increasing demand, AMG is also preparing tailor-made events for Japan and Canada too.

Enjoy driving pleasure on the frozen lakes of Swedish Lapland

A particularly appealing training event takes place from January to March each year in Arjeplog (Sweden), not far from the Arctic Circle: the AMG Winter Sporting ADVANCED and PRO event. Participants drive the AMG high-performance cars provided exclusively on a closed-off ice surface, and the Electronic Stability Program ESP® is generally disabled. Specially developed training programmes guarantee an optimum combination of training success and driving pleasure. All the cars are fitted with special spike tyres, which ensure a precisely defined level of grip. A wide-ranging support programme for the event characterised by a typical local atmosphere rounds off the four and five-day events in Swedish Lapland. Also included is a drive or ride in the AMG Ice Taxi, a specially prepared AMG car fitted with the special spike tyres used by FIA WRC rally cars.

Since the beginning of 2009 participants in the AMG Winter Sporting event have been able to enjoy the facilities of the newly-built AMG Lodge which nestles in the breathtaking landscape of Swedish Lapland. The AMG-owned hotel on Mount Galtis near Arjeplog provides a fabulous view over the forests and lakes of the region. The exclusive rooms, excellent restaurant and large spa area including whirlpool and fitness studio help to ensure a pleasant stay.

Prominent instructors experienced in the world of motorsport

Licensed trainers with extensive racing experience pass on their vast knowledge with great professionalism. The AMG Driving Academy's 23-man team, lead by Chief Instructor Reinhold Renger, includes some prominent names such as Susie Stoddart (28, GB, DTM driver for Mercedes-Benz), Bernd Schneider (47, five-time DTM champion), Bernd Mayländer (40, driver of the Official F1™ Safety Car) and Thomas Jäger (34, coordinator for AMG Customer Sport). All of the instructors of the AMG Driving Academy have extensive experience in motorsport, significant technical know-how and excellent teaching skills.

AMG high-performance cars double up as cars for hire

Depending on the type of event, the participants drive either their own AMG cars or AMG high-performance models laid on by the AMG Driving Academy – such as the SLS AMG or the new CLS 63 AMG. Alternatively AMG hire cars are also available for a select number of events.
Standard features of all AMG events, meanwhile, are top-class hospitality – including culinary specialities, as well as accommodation in high-class hotels. The AMG Driving Academy also arranges complete incentive packages for companies, customers and business partners. These may take the form of lifestyle-oriented events along the lines of an EMOTION tour or intensive race circuit training.

AMG and social networking

Via the AMG Driving Academy's Facebook, Flickr and YouTube pages, customers and fans can keep up to date with all activities, exciting event reports and glimpses behind the scenes included. It is also possible to stay in touch with like-minded people and with Mercedes-AMG GmbH. One highly exclusive way of sharing your passion for the brand with other AMG enthusiasts is the AMG Private Lounge. This official online forum enables owners of an AMG-Mercedes to exchange their insider knowledge with others and to maintain direct contact with Mercedes-AMG.


















* Official photos and details courtesy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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