AMG Performance Media: Internet plus telemetrics as in motor racing

Informative, distinctive and unique: the new AMG Performance Media combines numerous telemetric displays such as various engine data, lateral and linear acceleration, lap times with high-speed mobile internet connectivity. Many of the functions of AMG Performance Media were inspired by motor racing. This outstanding optional system developed by Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its debut in the SLS AMG Roadster and Coupé, and will also be a feature of other AMG high-performance cars in the future.


Key functions at a glance:

- Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function
- Recording of individual lap times on a closed-off racetrack, with sector times and memory function
- Integration of Drive Unit functions to save setup data to memory and initiate RACE START
- Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-100 km/h (alternatively: quarter-mile)
- Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature
- Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position
- Real-time display of individual tyre pressures

AMG Performance Media is activated by pressing the AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, and operated with the COMAND Controller. All functions are visible on the high-resolution 17.8-centimetre colour display of the standard COMAND APS multimedia system. Numerous items of information which are otherwise integrated into the AMG menu in the central display are now to be found in graphic form in AMG Performance Media – e.g. the tyre pressure display, the active transmission mode, the ESP® mode, the suspension setup and the engine oil/coolant/transmission oil temperatures.

The upper menu bar offers a choice of "Data", "Race" and "Setup", while the lower bar offers further choices such as "Temp", "Power" and "Tyres". When the desired sub-menu has been selected, the menu bars disappear and the display fills the entire screen. Three displays always appear at the same time, the most important information being displayed in the centre. Simulated digital dial instrument with red needles ensure outstanding legibility. The vehicle is configured using the "Setup" menu – storing e.g. the transmission mode or the ESP® mode: the active setup appears on the left, an individually configurable setup in the centre and RACE START mode on the right.

Real-time "Power" display: engine output and torque

Sheer excitement is guaranteed by the "Power" display: depending on the accelerator position shown on the right, the central dial instrument shows the current engine output in hp while the scale on the left indicates the current torque in newton metres – in this way AMG Performance Media delivers full, visual proof of the high performance of which the SLS AMG Roadster is capable. In the "Temp" menu the engine oil temperature is shown in the centre, flanked by the coolant temperature (left) and the transmission oil temperature (right). The tyre pressure display shows a stylised SLS AMG and the respective tyre pressures.

"Race" mode: G-Meter visualises high driving dynamics

In "Race" mode the so-called G-Meter appears in the centre, showing the driver the current lateral and linear acceleration. The left and right displays show the current brake pressure and the accelerator position, each as a percentage. The G-Meter enables the driver to monitor the high driving dynamics of the SLS AMG Roadster. Depending on the driving situation, the red dot moves forwards, backwards, to the left or right. Three circles in the dial instrument show a graduation of the current G-forces from 0.5 g and 1.0 g to 1.5 g. Motorsport fans will be familiar with this display from TV reporting of Formula 1 events.

A grey bar shows the maximum acceleration rates achieved since the last reset. In the "History" function the driver can call up a display of the lateral and linear acceleration figures for the last ten minutes. The time of day, steering angle in degrees and vehicle speed are also stored in memory. A screenshot showing the figures is also available, and this can be saved to an external memory via a USB interface.

"Track" menu: personal race engineer on board

An even greater motor sports feeling is provided by the "Track" menu. This mode not only offers various recording possibilities, for example individual lap times on a closed race circuit, but also sector times including an analysis and memory function. In short: "Track" mode places a personal race engineer on board the SLS AMG Roadster, who is able to help the competitive driver to make continuous improvements to their personal racetrack performance.

Not only the respective lap times are therefore displayed, but also the difference from the fastest lap time. And this is not all: all individual figures such as brake pressure, accelerator position, lateral and linear acceleration can be separately displayed for each lap when in Parameter mode. In conjunction with the individually selectable sector times, the driver is able to see at a glance where his improvement potentials lie.

The matrix display allows up to five laps to be compared. AMG Performance Media saves the absolved racing laps to memory. The driver is able to decide which laps to display. The fastest lap time is shown in green, and the best and worst individual figures in green and red respectively.

The relevant circuit layout is shown graphically, with the Nürburgring North Loop and Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg integrated ex factory. New circuits can be individually absolved, named and stored in memory. Lap times and data recorded in Track mode can be saved to a USB stick, enabling the data to be reloaded into the system at a later time, or analysed on the PC at home.

RACE START mode: faster and more convenient than before

RACE START mode is a further function, and its activation is faster and more convenient in conjunction with AMG Performance Media. After selection using the COMAND Controller, a bar chart shows the driver the necessary braking pressure. The driver then only needs to pull the shift paddle in the "Up" direction once to confirm the RACE START function, fully depress the accelerator and release the brakes. Manual pre-selection using the rotary transmission control is unnecessary, as is activation of ESP® SPORT Handling mode.

High-speed mobile internet access

In addition to all the telemetric displays derived from motor sports, AMG Performance Media provides fully-fledged, mobile high-speed internet access: when the car is stationary, the driver and passenger are able to surf the web and install apps. This unique system therefore offers functions similar to those of a smartphone. AMG Performance Media uses the widely used, highly capable Android operating system. Depending on availability, AMG Performance Media uses HSDPA/UMTS and EDGE/GPRS as data services. The precondition for the internet functions is a mobile phone contract with a data option. Internet navigation is via the COMAND Controller, which also allows a cursor mode. No internet sites can be displayed while the car is on the move.

InCar hotspot with WLAN function

The InCar hotspot is yet another function: WLAN-capable devices such as netbooks, laptops, smartphones or MP3 players can be connected to AMG Performance Media to allow wireless internet surfing – also of course while on the move in the passenger's case. Connection of the device is fast and convenient, as with the Bluetooth function.

Install and use apps during a journey

AMG Performance Media also allows apps to be installed, with access using the menu item "Apps". For installation, apps can be downloaded from the internet via the system browser or alternatively using a computer. For this purpose the system has an interface housed in the glove compartment to which a USB stick can be connected. Use of the apps is possible while on the move if the predefined Drive Mode is supported. Apps which do not allow vehicle-compatible display are hidden when the car is on the move. There is audio reproduction in the background.

After the global premiere of the Concept A-CLASS in April 2011 at Auto China in Shanghai, the brand with the three-pointed star will now broadcast its press conference at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt live on the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page. In this way, all Mercedes-Benz fans throughout the world have the opportunity of experiencing global premieres live. Jean Aw, from the American blog NOTCOT (www.notcot.org), will also hold a live interview with Christoph Horn, Director of Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars and Anders Sundt Jensen, Director of Brand Communication Mercedes-Benz Cars, about the new products and features at the IAA. All interested bloggers and fans can participate actively in this discussion by asking questions. The discussion will also be broadcasted on the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page. Questions can be sent to the Twitter hashtag #mbLiveTalk.


“Through our wide range of online and social media activities, we have for years now been reaching increasing numbers of young people who are interested in our brand and products. We are therefore expanding on these activities continuously – from the direct experience there at the trade fair stand to active real-time dialogue, all the way to incorporating fans into our own blogs", explains Anders Sundt Jensen, regarding the numerous extensive new Internet activities offered. The Mercedes-Benz press conference at the IAA will be live-streamed on 13 September 2011, from 10:20 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz . Following the press conference, the blogger live talk with Jean Aw will start on the same channel at 1:00 p.m.

Mercedes-Benz looking for additional guest reporter

At the same time as the IAA, Mercedes-Benz is also starting a large-scale online casting on www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz and www.reporter.mercedes-benz.com . The firm is looking for an additional guest reporter to join the Mercedes-Benz online reporter team. Almost four million Mercedes-Benz fans will determine the winner in a crowd-based vote.

With the slogan “Inspire the Community with Your Passion for Mercedes-Benz”, the Stuttgart-based premium automotive brand is using its Facebook page to call on all its fans to participate in the casting – or even to send in their own application. Applications are made directly on the Mercedes-Benz Reporter Blog. Those interested in becoming the new reporter can upload a freely structured two-minute video showcasing their reporting skills to the Reporter Blog between 14 September and 4 October. Fans can begin voting for their favourites on 20 September. The voting phase continues until 11 October.

The main prize awaiting the new guest reporter is the production of his or her own video report. During the course of filming, the new reporter will be immersed deeply in the world of Mercedes-Benz, visit various locations, talk to experts and test a range of vehicles. The winner will also receive an expense allowance to cover the application as well as an honorarium.

The Mercedes-Benz Reporter Blog

The Mercedes-Benz Reporter is a social media format operated around the world by the brand with the three-pointed star since 2009. Mercedes-Benz reporters offer their own individual angle on every product and brand-relevant topic. The format is also open to guest reporters. Some bloggers and Mercedes-Benz fans have created reports in the past. The tone of these reports differs greatly from other Mercedes-Benz platforms thanks to the particularly authentic character and the dialogue-based approach.

Mercedes-Benz.tv App wins two design prizes

Mercedes-Benz.tv has had excellent results in two design competitions with its iPad and iPhone app: in the “Automotive Brand Contest 2011” and the “red dot design awards”. With these awards, the competition juries recognise the innovative and outstanding market expertise shown by Mercedes-Benz.tv’s formative contribution to the world of digital brand television.

As part of the “Automotive Brand Contest 2011”, which took place for the first time this year, the Design Council awarded the Mercedes-Benz iPad and iPhone app with the title “Winner”. The award ceremony will be held on 13 September 2011 as part of the Automotive Designers Night during the IAA in Frankfurt.

In the red dot design awards, the iPad and iPhone app by Mercedes-Benz.tv won the “red dot: best of the best” award for the top design quality in the Interface Design (Apps) category. The award ceremony will be held on 7 October 2011 in Berlin's Konzerthaus. The red dot design award is the world’s largest design competition. The Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen has been awarding prizes for excellent design since 1954. The coveted “red dot” has since then established itself as an internationally recognised seal of quality and is now awarded in various disciplines.
International re-launch makes Mercedes-Benz.tv even more attractive

The web TV platform www.Mercedes-Benz.tv has had a new look since 30 August 2011. With re-organised and updated look and contents, the broadcast station provides information around the world about everything to do with the premium vehicles from Stuttgart. Motorsports, lifestyle and events ensure diverse entertainment. The Internet has already had a tremendous influence on classic television and will continue to do so.

The goal when re-developing Mercedes-Benz.tv was to achieve a contemporary combination of the classic TV experience and the modern video format on the Internet.

The new design allows users to access content even quicker in times of ever-shortening attention spans.