Speed Limits to be Abolished at Nürburgring

The very idea of a race circuit with speed limits seems faintly ridiculous, especially when the circuit is question is the Nürburgring Nordschleife

The very idea of a race circuit with speed limits seems faintly ridiculous. And when the circuit is question is the Nürburgring Nordschleife—also known as the Green Hell and sometimes even claimed to be the world’s greatest racetrack—the very idea of limiting velocities over parts of the course comes close to outright sacrilege.

Yet that’s been the situation for several months with restrictions imposed on parts of the famous circuit in response to a fatal crash in a race earlier this year. That led to further controversy when Swedish hypercar maker Koenigsegg was denied its long-planned attempt to break the production-car lap record using the 1341-hp One:1, with the Nürburgring’s official release at the time suggesting that the days of unrestricted running on the Nordschleife could well be over.

Happily it seems not, with a second release from the circuit’s owners, Capricorn Nürburgring GmbH, stating that, after some relatively minor changes have been made to the 12.9-mile-long circuit, we can expect the speed limits to be abolished some time next year.

“Safety on the Nordschleife during races, but also during test drives of the industry and during tourist ride sessions, is our highest priority,” said Carsten Schumacher, the Nürburgring’s managing director, in the official release. “We responded to the accident by carrying out a detailed analysis of the situation and compiling targeted measures to further increase active and passive safety, and especially the safety of spectators along the Nordschleife.”

That means the installation of additional safety fences on many of the fastest parts of the track, and likely further restrictions on where spectators can stand during races. The track will also be resurfaced near the Flugplatz corner “smoothing out five bumps which are the result of years of high utilization and heavy use.” The result is unlikely to abolish all airborne exploits, but should decrease the risk of the sort of high-speed flip that caused the spectator fatality in March.

The proposed changes have been submitted to both the German Motor Sport Association and the FIA, with the plan being to carry out work over the winter so that the speed limits can be removed in early 2016. We’ve reached out to Koenigsegg to find out if this means the company plans to relaunch its effort to break the Nordschleife record.

The very idea of a race circuit with speed limits seems faintly ridiculous. And when the circuit is question is the Nürburgring Nordschleife

The very idea of a race circuit with speed limits seems faintly ridiculous. And when the circuit is question is the Nürburgring Nordschleife

Nürburgring Finally Sells for $139 Million

The Nürburgring, also known as the Green Hell, sold to auto parts maker, the Capricorn Group for $139 Million

The Nurburgring, known to many by its nickname, Green Hell, because of its demanding Formula One course, was just sold to Capricorn Group, an auto parts maker based in Dusseldorf.

The sale values the nearly 1,000 acre property with 12.9 mile track at roughly $139 million, the sale also includes around 35 million dollar to be spent further developing the site.  The sale comes almost two years after it was initially put of for sale and after its owners failed to pay on loans that were taken out to build hotels and a rollercoaster. “The creditor committee had two very good offers and in the end decided on the offer with the highest price and good prospects for the region,” insolvency lawyer Jens Lieser said in the statement.

The Nurburgring is not only Germany’s most famous race circuit but also among the most famous in the world.  The track was built in 1927 and has played host to over 30 Formula One races.

Capricorn’s acquisition includes the 12.9 mile track as well as the newer 3.2 mile Grand Prix circuit.

nurburgring

Nürburgring

Formula 1 German Grand Prix Results

Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 driver's Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton finished the German Grand Prix in 9th and 5th position

After starting from pole position, Lewis Hamilton finished Sunday’s German Grand Prix on the Nürburgring in fifth place. While it wasn’t an ideal finish for the Brit, it was a big step up from where he was running just 15 laps prior to the finish when he was in 10th. Mercedes AMG Petronas teammate Nico Rosberg finished the race in 9th place after starting the race from the 11th position and dropping as far back as the16th position by the 49th lap.

Formula 1 German Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg Pit Stop at German Grand Prix

After a dismal first half of the race, Rosberg and Hamilton fought hard to pick up points for the team, two for Rosberg and 10 for Hamilton. While it may not seem like much, these points mean the Mercedes AMG Petronas team will continue to hold onto second place in the Constructors’ standings behind Red Bull and just three points ahead of Ferrari.

Drivers Car No. Chassis No. Race Result / Fastest Lap
Lewis Hamilton 10 F1 W04 / 04 P5 1:34.156
Nico Rosberg 9 F1 W04 / 03 P9 1:34.181
Weather Hot and sunny
Temperatures Air: 24-26°C Track: 42-45°C
Formula 1 German Grand Prix

2013 German Grand Prix Pit Lane

Lewis Hamilton

That was really a tough race out there for us today. I didn’t have a great start and the Red Bulls were much quicker off the line, dropping me back to third. We really struggled with the second set of tires which then compromised the rest of my race. It’s a real shame as the team are working so hard and doing such a good job. We’ve clearly got a good car but for some reason, it doesn’t work in these hot conditions. We’ll keep working on it and the positive from today is that we were able to recover to fifth place with a good strategy and great pit stops, and we’re still second in the Constructors’ table. Hopefully we’ll have a better chance at the next race but, for now, there’s a lot of hard work ahead of us.

Nico Rosberg

The car didn’t feel so nice to drive today. We struggled a lot with the rear tires and that’s why we weren’t able to match the pace of the guys in the front. Even so, I had a bit of fun when I changed to the option tires and could really push to at least score a few points. But we need to understand the new tires a bit more because it seems that the new construction has shuffled things around, especially in these hot conditions. We have to do a lot of work in the next weeks to make sure we arrive in Hungary in good shape.

Formula 1 German Grand Prix

Dieter Zetsche and Ross Brawn at German Grand Prix

Ross Brawn

Our first thoughts today go to the cameraman who was struck by an errant wheel in the pit lane. Happily, he does not appear to have suffered serious injuries but it was once again a reminder of the dangers of our sport and underlines the need for constant vigilance in terms of safety. Today was a race of two halves for us. In the first part, we were once again overstressing the tires – particularly on the prime compound – and our performance fell away as a result. However, as the temperatures cooled off a little and things settled down, both drivers had respectable pace and were able to fight their way back through the field. Lewis and Nico kept pushing until the final lap and were rewarded for their commitment and determination.

At one point it didn’t look like we would come away with much at all from this afternoon, so there has to be a certain satisfaction in saving 12 points today. We have said all along that there is still a question mark over our performance in hotter conditions, and today’s race showed that we still have work to do. We have made big steps forward since Bahrain and Barcelona, where we particularly suffered with hotter track temperatures, and our performance was much improved compared to those races. But we have not yet done enough to convert our Saturday pace into race-winning speed in all conditions on Sunday. The three-week break until Hungary will give us an opportunity to think about how we can make further progress on our tire management as well as continuing to develop the core performance of the car.

Toto Wolff

We had a real character-building afternoon here at the Nürburgring. Neither of the drivers could find any grip on the prime tire in the first part of the race and it mirrored similar experiences we have had so far this season. We managed to recover in the second half, though, and our result was pretty respectable in the end given how things looked after the first 30 laps. Well done to both drivers for squeezing the maximum out of the car today. After such a successful weekend in Silverstone, it feels a little bit like a night and day difference for us. We need to get our heads down at the factory, properly analyse our performance and keep working hard because we know that we will see similar temperatures in Hungary to what we experienced here.

Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Sets Green Hell Record

The Mercedes SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive circled the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a record time of 7:56.234 minutes

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive circled the Nürburgring Nordschleife (“north loop”) in a record time of 7:56.234 minutes. Therefore, the electric AMG super sports car is at the same time the first electrically-powered series production vehicle, which masters the legendary race track in under eight minutes. The record time of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive was notarially certified. Two weeks after the first overall win for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 in the 24 Hours Nürburgring, a further member of the SLS AMG family impressively demonstrates its potential on the most difficult race track worldwide.

“Mercedes-AMG impressively shows the potential of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive with the new record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Mercedes-AMG is the first vehicle manufacturer which makes it possible to circle the Nordschleife in under eight minutes with an electrically-powered series production vehicle. This record run is another proof for our constant innovative vigour,” according to Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“For the first time, an electrically-powered series production vehicle circles the Nürburgring Nordscheife in under eight minutes. The record for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive in 7:56.234 minutes on the Nordschleife shows the special position of our innovative and unique drive solution. With the extremely efficient battery technology deriving from Formula 1, four electric motors positioned close to the wheels, the individual wheel torques “AMG Torque Dynamics,” the SLS eSound and our ambitious “AMG Lightweight Performance” design strategy, the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive generates a breathtaking sensation unlike any other model out on the road,” according to Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

2014 SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Production Car at the Nurburgring

The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, with which Mercedes-AMG set up the record on the 20.832 kilometres long traditional race track in the Eifel, corresponds to the series version, which celebrates its launch in June 2013. The currently strongest AMG high-performance car has four electrical motors with a total output of 552 kW (751 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft).

The gullwing car is therefore advancing to become the strongest and fastest electrically-powered series production vehicle in the world. The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

A new dimension of driving performance – the AMG brand pledge is fulfilled to remarkable effect by the outstanding performance dynamics, which come courtesy of AMG Torque Dynamics and are made possible by the wheelselective all-wheel drive. The most “electrifying” gullwing model ever has been developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The extremely powerful highvoltage battery for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is the result of the collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth in the UK and is setting the pace in energy density, power density and efficiency. Here, the British Formula 1 experts were able to draw on their extensive experience with KERS hybrid concepts.

2014 SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Production Car at the Nurburgring

The car’s agile response to movements of the accelerator pedal and the linear power output are a source of pure delight: unlike with a combustion engine, the build-up of torque is instantaneous with electric motors – maximum torque is effectively available from standstill. The spontaneous torque build-up and immense power delivery without any interruption in traction on the one hand are combined with completely vibration-free motor running characteristics on the other.

An overview of the most important data:

SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive
Max. output 552 kW (751 hp)
Torque 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft)
0-100 km/h 3.9 s
Top speed 250 km/h*
Range 250 km (according to NEDC)
Battery energy content 60 kWh
Battery voltage 400 volts
CO2 emissions 0 g/km
*Electronically limited

*Electronically limited

All-wheel drive with AMG Torque Dynamics offers new-found freedom

Four motors, four wheels – the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive guarantees driving dynamics of the highest calibre, while at the same time providing the best possible active safety. Optimum traction of the four driven wheels is therefore ensured, whatever the weather conditions. According to the developers, the term “AMG Torque Dynamics” refers to individual control of the electric motors, something which enables completely new levels of freedom to be achieved. The AMG Torque Dynamics feature is permanently active and allows for selective distribution of power to each individual wheel. The intelligent distribution of drive torque has a beneficial effect on driving dynamics, handling, driving safety and ride comfort. Each individual wheel can be both electrically driven and electrically braked in accordance with the specific driving situation, thus helping to

  • optimise the vehicle’s cornering properties,
  • reduce the tendency to oversteer/understeer,
  • increase the yaw damping of the basic vehicle,
  • reduce the steering effort and steering angle required,
  • increase traction,
  • and minimise ESP® and ASR intervention.

The AMG Torque Dynamics feature boasts a high degree of variability and individuality by offering three different driving modes:

  • Comfort (C): comfortable, forgiving driving characteristics
  • Sport (S): sporty, balanced driving characteristics
  • Sport plus (S+): sporty, very agile driving characteristics
2014 SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Production Car

2014 SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Production Car

Manufaktur hand finishing at company headquarters in Affalterbach

Mercedes-AMG has installed a dedicated Manufaktur hand-finishing section for electric vehicles at its headquarters in Affalterbach for final assembly of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive. The electrically powered gullwing model is assembled and readied for operation at a total of seven different stations. The entire logistics process is based in Affalterbach, too.

Production of parts such as the exterior and interior initially takes place at the Mercedes-Benz production facility in Sindelfingen. In Affalterbach, highly trained workers take charge of assembling the axles, electric motors, transmissions and cooling system components. Particular care is taken with the installation of all high-voltage components, such as the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, the accompanying cables, inverter and control units, and the onboard charger. Needless to say, the utmost standards of safety are applied during all work on high-voltage components. The operational check and extensive final inspection at the end ensure that the manufacturing and product quality offered by the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is of the very highest order.

2014 SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Production Car at the Nurburgring Interior

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive celebrates its sales launch in June 2013. The purchase price for Germany (incl. 19% VAT):

  • SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive: 416,500 euros (USD $549,780 as of 2:00 pm Eastern on Thursday, June 6, 2013)

The SLS AMG Electric Drive is currently not planned for sales and distribution in the United States.

Four Mercedes AMGs Go Up Against F1 Silver Arrow

A Mercedes A 45 AMG, SLS AMG Black Series, SLS AMG GT3, & E63 AMG compete against Michael Schumacher in an F1 Silver Arrow

The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, and a Mercedes E 63 AMG compete against Michael Schumachers F1 “Silver Arrow” in the High-Performance Demonstration on the famous Nurburgring North Loop.

The race starts with an A 45 AMG driven by Bernd Mayländer, followed by an E 63 AMG driven by Karl Wendlinger, Nico Rosberg in an SLS AMG Black Series and Bernd Schneider with the SLS AMG GT3. The last car – the Formula 1 Silver Arrow with Michael Schumacher starts and tries to ride across the finish line at the same time with all the other Mercedes-AMG cars.

2014 Mercedes S63 AMG Spied on the Nürburgring Track

Spy photos of the 2014 Mercedes S63 AMG in minimal camouflage testing on the Nürburgring race track

The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was revealed only a couple of weeks ago in Hamburg and while we are still making our way through all of the new safety, tech and design features, Mercedes is busy testing additional S-Class variants.  Last week we saw multiple spy shots of the S-Class Coupe and now today we have photos of the AMG S-Class.  The 2014 S63 was wearing light camouflage as it made it’s way around the Nürburgring race track for testing. We expect the new AMG S-Class to have power provided by a M157 twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine with 570bhp +/-.

While the new front bumper with larger air intakes are hidden under camo, we can see two AMG style exhausts on each side along with  a revised bumper. The AMG prototype spied also looks to be sporting bib brakes behind its new AMG wheels.

2014 Mercedes S63 AMG Spy Photo

2014 Mercedes S63 AMG Spy Photo

We will keep you posted as additional details are revealed and expect to see more as its likely reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September gets closer.  Thanks to Andrus and GMotors for the photos and tip.

Top Crashes at the Nürburgring – Video

The following video is a compilation of all the best or worst crashes of open track days on the Nürburgring Nordschleife

The following video is a compilation of all the best or worst, depending on how you look at it, crashes of open track days on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The thing about the Nürburgring is, it does not forgive errors. Misjudging one of its 154 turns means, best-case scenario, you’ll end up in the Armco with your car and your ego severely bruised.  Though seemingly a miracle, it looks as though none of the driver’s in the highlight real were injured.

Carscoop via Jalopnik

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Crashes and Burns on the Nürburgring

The SLS AMG Black Series accident happened on the Nordschleife at the “Döttinger Höhe”, a long straight about 1.5 miles long

Yesterday, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series was spied testing around the Nürburgring.  Today, the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series was spied crashing on the Nürburgring.  Not exactly the publicity Mercedes-Benz was hoping for, but as they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity.  Though your supercar bursting into flames shortly after it crashed may be the exception.

The SLS AMG Black Series accident happened on the Nordschleife at the part called “Döttinger Höhe”, a long straight about 2,5km (1.5 miles) long where the Black Series can reach speeds close to 180 mph.

The E-Unit rescue team and the ambulance arrived within minutes to help these AMG test drivers who according to our photographer were uninjured.

Thanks to our good friend Andrus for the tip and GMotors for the photos

Mercedes-Benz Classic at the Nürburgring for the ADAC Eifelrennen

The history of Germany’s most traditional motorsport event is an integral part of Mercedes-Benz racing history

From June 8-10, 2012, Mercedes-Benz Classic will put on an exceptionally fascinating show in the ADAC Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring.  With a history dating back to the year 1922, the ADAC Eifel race, the longest motorsport events in Germany. There is a range of about 70 events so far in 90 years on a par with classics such as the Grand Prix of Germany, France, Italy and Monaco, the 24 hour race in Le Mans or the 500-mile race in Indianapolis. With the Eifel race, names and events, cars and motorcycles as well as numerous anecdotes connected, made history.

Mercedes-Benz rally cars and touring cars from the 1960s and 1970s play just as active a part in the Eifelrennen as the renowned supercharged sports cars from the 1920s. Amongst others, the Stuttgart-based brand will bring to the Nürburgring a 310-hp (228-kW) 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK (series W 06 III) – the car Klaus Ludwig will drive in the so-called “Elefantenrennen”.

This stage of the ADAC Eifelrennen is reminiscent of the opening race at the Nürburgring in 1927, which Rudolf Caracciola and Adolf Rosenberger won in a dual-victory driving the Mercedes-Benz type S. Hence the honorary title “Champion of the Nürburgring”, which Caracciola earned for himself in the ensuing years.

The 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, which later gained fame as the “Red Sow”, and the classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SE (W 112) rally car will also be driven by other renowned Mercedes-Benz racing drivers, such as Jochen Mass and Dieter Glemser. The AMG Version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (W 109) luxury saloon drew attention in 1971 when the red touring car earned first place in its class and a second-place ranking in the overall classification at the 24 Hour Race of Spa-Francorchamps. Outfitted largely with standard equipment, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE carried on the brand’s brilliant motorsport tradition in the 1960s above all with numerous rally victories.

The “fintails” were also successful on the circuit. The 220 SE (W 111) rebuilt by Mercedes-Benz Classic, which will compete in the three-hour race for the Dunlop FHR long-distance cup, is a reminder of this success. Jochen Mass will be behind the wheel during this stage. Thus the Eifelrennen marks a new high point in the partnership between Mercedes-Benz Classic and the Fahrergemeinschaft Historischer Rennsport e. V. (FHR). Founded in 1983, the FHR has been promoting historic motorsport for almost 30 years and has made a significant contribution to the popularity of the current racing series with historic competition vehicles.

The ADAC Eifelrennen has been held at the Nürburgring since the opening of the legendary race track in 1927. But the event’s roots stretch back even further – from 1922 to 1926, contenders raced in a circuit around the town of Nideggen in what was called the ADAC Eifelrundfahrt-Rennen. The Eifelrennen also marked the birth of the iconic Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows. In 1934, type W 25 racing cars appeared here for the first time not in the usual white livery, but with their shiny aluminium bodywork exposed.

In 2009, ADAC relaunched the Eifelrennen as an event for vintage motorcars. With a variety of competitions for different classes and a multitude of sideshow events, the event provides an exceptional stage for the highly active scene of historic motorsport. It will also include the presentation of some 70 club vehicles by Mercedes-Benz Classic in the paddock and the big club meeting in the Mercedes arena, with an expected turn-out of over 500 classic cars.

Mercedes-Benz Classic cars at the 2012 ADAC Eifelrennen

Mercedes-Benz SSK 27/170/225 hp (series W 06 III), 1928

Of the six-cylinder supercharged sports cars in the Mercedes‑Benz S model series, type SSK (series W 06 II, W 06 III and WS 06) is the most exclusive and most fascinating version. The model designation stands for Super-Sport-Kurz (Super Sport, Short), emphasising the shorter wheelbase alongside its particularly sporty character. In the summer of 1928, works team driver Rudolf Caracciola raced the brand-new SSK to victory at the Gabelbach race and races on the mountains of Schauinsland and Mont Ventoux. In 1930 and 1931, the SSK helped him win the European Hill Climb Championship. The weight-reduced, further modified 1931 version, also known as the SSKL (Super-Sport-Kurz-Leicht (Super Sport, Short, Light), W 06 RS), also achieved spectacular victories. The win at the legendary “Mille Miglia” 1000-mile race was one of the most important of these. In April 1931, Rudolf Caracciola was the first non-Italian to win this gruelling road race from Brescia to Rome and back.

Technical data for Mercedes-Benz model series SSK 27/170/225 hp (W 06 III) road-going version

  • Production period: 1928-1930
  • Cylinder: 6/in-line
  • Displacement: 7065 cc
  • Performance: 170 hp (123 kW), with supercharger 225 hp (166 kW) at 3300 rpm
  • Maximum speed: 192 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) “FHR fintail”

To commemorate the motorsport successes of the period and to keep the tradition of the brand’s exceptional racing history alive while also making historic motorsport even more attractive for private drivers, Mercedes-Benz Classic reconstructed a type 220 SE “fintail” saloon (series W 111) in 2011, for use in historic motorsport events . The car meets the regulations of the FIA International Sporting Code, Appendix K (FIA – Féderation Internationale de l’Automobile). The vehicle is used in particular for the Dunlop FHR long-distance cup held by the Fahrergemeinschaft Historischer Rennsport e. V. (FHR) – the world’s biggest historical long-distance racing series as per Appendix K. True to practice for the 1960’s, the competition car closely resembles the production model from a technical standpoint. The usual modifications included stiffer suspension elements and body components, a larger fuel tank and an engine performance tuned specifically for the intended use.

Technical data for Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) “FHR fintail”

  • Production period: 1959-1965
  • Cylinder: 6/in-line
  • Displacement: 2195 cc
  • Performance: 120 hp (88 kW) at 4800 rpm
  • Maximum speed: approx. 170 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 300 SE (W 112) rally car

From Argentina to Germany, the rally-car version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE dominated the touring car scene in the years 1963 and 1964. As with all other Mercedes-Benz motorcars from the period which competed in rallies, the large “fintail” saloons were modelled closely on their standard counterparts. Daimler-Benz AG also used this fact as a selling point for the production saloons. But the saloons underwent certain modifications, depending on how they were to be used. These included reinforced chassis elements, a larger fuel tank, and changes to the engine performance, for instance, by lowering the compression ratio to achieve better engine reliability. There were also variations in the gearbox and axle ratios.

Technical data for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE (W 112) rally car

  • Production period: 1963-1964
  • Cylinder: 6/in-line
  • Displacement: 2996 cc
  • Performance: 195 hp (143 kW) (production version: 160 hp/118 kW; from 1964: 170 hp /125 kW)
  • Maximum speed: over 200 km/h (production version: 175 km/h to 195 km/h, depending on year of construction and rear axle ratio)

Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG (W 109)

At the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 AMG touring race car, Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz won a surprising class victory and second place in the overall classification on 24 July 1971 in the 24-hour race at Spa, Belgium. The winning car was developed by the then-virtually unknown AMG, founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher under the name “Ingenieursbüro, Konstruktion und Versuch zur Entwicklung von Rennmotoren” (engineer’s office, construction and testing for the development of racing engines). The modified vehicle was based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. With an output of 184 kW (250 hp), the car was absolutely unrivalled in its time. But Aufrecht and Melcher made the fastest German series production car of the period even more powerful: engine capacity grew from 6330 to 6835 cc and the performance of the improved V8 engine increased to 315 kW (428 hp). The race win at Spa marked the breakthrough for AMG and would be followed by further victories. The original car from 1971 no longer exists, but in 2006, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG was re-developed in a detailed reconstruction.

Technical data for Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG (W 109)

  • Production period: 1971
  • Cylinder: V8
  • Displacement: 6835 cc
  • Performance: 315 kW(428 hp)
  • Maximum speed: 265 km/h

Drivers for Mercedes-Benz Classic at the 2012 Eifelrennen

Dieter Glemser

Born in Kirchheim/Teck on 28 June 1938.

Dieter Glemser’s career in the fast lane began with the Schorndorf Hill Climb race in 1960. Many class victories followed in various mountain and circuit races on the Nürburgring.

Glemser began racing for Daimler-Benz AG in 1963, winning overall in a Mercedes 220 SE at the Poland Rally and taking second place in both the Germany Rally (including a class win) and the Grand Prix of Argentina. In the following year, too, Glemser participated in the triple victory of the Böhringer/Kaiser, Glemser/Braungart and Rosqvist/Falk teams at the Grand Prix of Argentina.

Glemser celebrated victory once again in 1971 with a European Champion title for Ford in the touring car championships and a win at the 24-hour Spa-Francorchamps event. He also held the title of German Motor Sport Champion in 1973 and 1974. However, following a severe accident caused by tyre damage at the Macau Touring Car Race, Southeast China, in November 1974, he decided to end his active motorsport career.

For ten years from 1990, Dieter Glemser was a member of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport team, and as hed of department, he was responsible for the organisation. From 2001 to 2008, he worked on a freelance basis for Mercedes-AMG and Daimler AG for sport and driver safety training as well as at Classic events. He continues to drive at Mercedes-Benz Classic events to this day.

Klaus Ludwig

Born in Bonn on 5 October 1949.

Klaus Ludwig started in motorsport by competing in slalom races, orienteering excursions and touring car races from 1970 to 1973. He went on to achieve high rankings in the German Racing Championship and secured victories here in 1979 and 1981, in addition to three wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, 1984 and 1985.

In 1988, he won the German Touring Car Championship with Ford, then joined the AMG-Mercedes team in 1989, driving to victory 19 times in the five years that followed. The high points of his career were the driver’s title in the championships of 1992 and 1994 as well as a second place finish in 1991 – successes which earned him the nickname “King Ludwig”. In 1995 and 1996, Klaus Ludwig competed in the German Touring Car Championship for Opel’s Team Rosberg.

In 1997 and 1998, Ludwig was once again driving for Mercedes-Benz, this time in the FIA GT Championship, winning the overall ranking together with Ricardo Zonta in 1998. In the first season of the new German Touring Car Championship, he was the oldest contender to date to win a race, in 2000, and concluded the season in third place overall in a Mercedes-Benz CLK. When the season was over, he ended his active career as a professional racing driver.

Jochen Mass

Born in Dorfen near Wolfratshausen/Munich on 30 September 1946.

Jochen Mass, originally a trained seaman, began his richly varied motorsport career in 1968 racing touring cars for Alfa-Romeo and as a works team driver for Ford between 1970 and 1975. During this time, he won the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (1972). At the same time, he drove in Formula 2 (1973) and in 105 Formula 1 Grand Prix races (1973/74 for Surtees; 1975-1977 for McLaren; 1978 for ATS; 1979/80 for Arrows; 1982 for March).

With the 1985 German Sports Car Championship title and a stint as a works driver at Porsche until 1987 under his belt, he was recruited for the Sauber-Mercedes team, also as a works driver. He drove in Group C for this team until 1991. In the new Silver Arrow, the Sauber-Mercedes C 9, Jochen Mass won the 24 Hours of Le Mans together with Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens and finished runner-up in the 1989 World Championship. Three years later, Mass became involved in team management for the German Touring Car Championship.

Sir Stirling Moss described him as “a highly skilled driver with an incredible feel for race cars and in-depth knowledge of motorsport of all ages”. Jochen Mass still represents Mercedes-Benz at historical racing events and at vintage super sports car events such as the ADAC Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring. Whether in a Silver Arrow W 165 or a Mercedes-Benz SSK, Jochen Mass knows and drives them all.

New ‘Fintail’ from Mercedes-Benz Classic to Compete at the Nürburgring

A Mercedes Fintail will compete in the season final of the long-distance cup on October 22-23 at the Nürburgring

A ‘Fintail’ based on the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE model (W 111 series) will compete in the season final of the long-distance cup organised by Fahrergemeinschaft Historischer Rennsport e.V. (FHR) on 22 and 23 October 2011 at the Nürburgring. Its participation in this race reflects the commitment of Mercedes-Benz Classic to upholding the traditions of the brand, which itself has a remarkable history in motor racing, and encouraging private drivers to take part in historical motorsport events. Mercedes-Benz Classic is a partner of the FHR race series. The ‘Fintail’ will be driven by British journalist Andrew Frankel and former touring car driver Klaus Ludwig. The vehicle has been built by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in accordance with the regulations laid down in Appendix K of the international sports regulations of the FIA (Féderation Internationale de l’Automobile).

Founded in 1983, the FHR has been promoting historical motor racing for almost 30 years and has made a significant contribution to boosting the popularity of the current race series with historical competition cars. The FHR, which has been under the auspices of ADAC Nordrhein since 2000, currently has around 600 active members.

Events taking place during the 2011 season include the ‘FHR HTGT for the Dunlop Trophy’ held as a series of sprint races for pre-1971 GT and touring cars, and the ‘Dunlop FHR Long Distance Cup’, a series of long-distance races for pre-1971 GT vehicles and touring cars built before 1976. In addition, there will be two series for formula vehicles.

Through its involvement in this fascinating sport, Mercedes-Benz is not only demonstrating its commitment to the active historical motorsport scene, but is also paying tribute to an exciting chapter in its own history. When the era of Mercedes victories in Formula One World Championships and racing cars ended in 1955, Mercedes-Benz enjoyed great success for a number of years in international long-distance races and rallies. This period was characterised in particular in the early 1960s by the ”Fintail’ saloons with six-cylinder engines (220 SE and 300 SE models), which also served as a model for the new Mercedes-Benz 220 SE.

Typically, there was not much difference technically between competition cars and production models in the 1960s. The usual modifications included reinforcement of chassis elements and body components, a bigger fuel tank and adjustment of the engine characteristics to suit the specific purpose.

The principle of designing a powerful competition car that is closely based on stock technology is one that Mercedes-Benz Classic followed closely when building the 220 SE for the FHR Long Distance Cup. The modifications made to the production vehicle by the specialists at the Classic Center included equipping the interior with a safety cage with a safety quick-release lock for side impact protection elements such as cross door bars and protective side moulding (Fix Opening and Closure Security System, or FO-CS for short). In addition, the tail fin has been fitted with a fire extinguishing system and a 100-litre FT3 safety tank. In future, the car will also boast 5.5 x 15 wheels fitted with 6 x 15 tyres. Naturally, the W 111 also features the same classic light grey paint finish (shade DB 140) as used on vehicles between 1961 and 1964.


Mercedes-Benz 220 SE vehicle data

  • Engine: six-cylinder (in-line)
  • Bore x stroke: 80 x 72.8 mm
  • Cubic capacity: 2195 cc
  • Output: 120 bhp (88 kW) at 4800 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 19.3 mkg (189 Nm) at 3900 rpm
  • Front axle: double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar, telescopic shock absorbers
  • Power transmission: via propshaft on rear axle
  • Rear axle: single-joint swing axle with compensating spring, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers
  • Brakes: hydraulic braking system with brake booster
  • Front brakes: disk brakes, diameter: 253 mm
  • Rear brakes: Duplex drum brakes with turbo-cooled Alfin drums, diameter:
  • 230 mm
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission with floor shift
  • Clutch: single-plate dry clutch
  • Top speed: approx. 170 km/h