Mercedes-Benz In-Car Gaming Challenge

The most desirable luxury commodities in the 21st Century are private space and time

The most desirable luxury commodities in the 21st Century are private space and time. Automated vehicles are designed to offer people precisely that: the car is transformed from purely a means of transport to a private area of retreat. On the way to autonomous driving, Mercedes-Benz as a pioneer is going well beyond purely technical realisation and increasingly placing people at the centre of its deliberations. In the same way as the 1886 Patent Motor Car and its successors revolutionised personal mobility and therefore society as a whole, autonomously driving cars will also bring about major changes. This opens up a wealth of new possibilities in the interior for the car’s occupants to make use of the time gained by not having to actively drive the vehicle. One variant is this: gaming – ranging from attractive and entertaining games to modern learning programmes.

To find the most innovative concepts for completely new in-car experiences, Daimler is now starting a major competition for new entertainment ideas: the In-Car-Gaming Challenge. We are looking for exciting, creative ideas on all aspects of gaming. The best idea will also have an opportunity to find its way into the car. “With the In-Car Gaming Challenge, we are consciously following the principle of Open Innovation,” says Dr. Philipp Gneiting, Head of Open Innovation at Daimler. “It is above all extraordinary ideas with a high entertainment value that are most popular with car occupants. This is why we are looking for new and unconventional impulses which we will then jointly develop to the necessary maturity.”

Mercedes-Benz In-Car Gaming Challenge

Mercedes-Benz In-Car Gaming Challenge

International competition for the best gaming ideas

Whether flying to Mars in a game or fishing Mercedes stars from the sky together with other vehicle occupants: there are no limits to the imagination in the Challenge.

Applications are open to gamers, developers, interaction designers and students – either as individuals or as startups with up to five participants. Car-to-car games with occupants of other vehicles are just as welcome as unconventional ideas that involve the landscape and surroundings in the action. Innovative learning games for adults and children are also suitable for the Challenge.

Networked with the in-car electronics

The games can be designed to network with the in-car electronics. Daimler researchers are currently working very intensively in this field. At the Mobile World Congress, in the new CLA, Daimler recently gave a foretaste by demonstrating the direction in which gaming might go. The game SuperTuxKart was so cleverly integrated that not only the game interface appeared in the displays. Thanks to networked electronics, the kart in the game can even be navigated using the CLA’s steering wheel. The accelerator and brake pedal regulate the speed of the game, which can be played in the parked car. “Immersive gaming” is the term used for this intelligent integration. To make the experience even more realistic, it is certainly possible to let the imagination go even further. Movable seats could be used to simulate acceleration, for example, and braking imitated by belt tensioners. The air conditioning system could be used to create a virtual slipstream, or spread fragrances of all kinds. Ambience lighting could be used to create a wide variety of moods, from sunset to a lunar eclipse. Tactile feedback from the displays and controls can enhance the feeling of being right at the centre of the action. In this way all the senses are involved in a completely new and innovative experience.

Games for passenger cars, buses and mobile apps

The Challenge can be entered in three categories, for passenger cars, buses and as a mobile app. As well as games that can already be played in a parked car, we are looking for gaming experiences for the self-driving car of the future. The aim is for vehicle occupants to use their time just as they wish.

Variants for bus passengers can also be submitted. The trip can become a journey into another world, which virtual reality excitingly blends with the real world and the surroundings. As the travelling time of a bus on a defined route is easily calculable, the programmes can be perfectly adapted to suit. Whether action, racing or role-playing games, the vehicle occupants can play together or against each other. If the occupants of a bus form a team, they can also compete against teams in another bus or other vehicles. A mobile app can bring people together in this way: completely new competitions or championships can be created.

A mobile app for the smartphone or other devices also makes it possible to play the games in any means of transport and in any location – whether in a train, aircraft, hotel or in the home.

Super Mario Maker Adds Mercedes-Benz Level

Nintendo announced today that luxury car company Mercedes-Benz has built an original event course and it's free

Wii U game Super Mario Maker is getting a new level, but you’ll probably be surprised to learn who it’s coming from. Nintendo announced today that luxury car company Mercedes-Benz has built an original event course that launches today, December 9, for free.

Super Mario Mercedes-Benz

Super Mario Mercedes-Benz

The course is called Mercedes-Benz Jump’n’Drive, and as you can see in the image above, it features the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo made of out Mario bricks. There is also a free costume that players can unlock that puts Mario behind the wheel of the $32,500 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

This costume can be added to your collection of Mystery Mushroom costumes after you beat the level.

Mercedes-Benz invited Mario fans into its headquarters to design the level. In the course, you’ll travel through a number of car-themed areas, including a dealership, test drive facility, and the autobahn. There are also surprises to be discovered, Nintendo teased.

This isn’t the first time Nintendo and Mercedes-Benz have teamed up. The GLA car was released as DLC for WIi U racing game Mario Kart 8 earlier this year.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé Featured in “Forza Motorsport 6”

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé is the centerpiece of an exclusive download package for "Forza Motorsport 6," available on Xbox One

Even before the official market launch, games fans are able to experience the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé interactively on the racetracks of the world. The new sports car is the centrepiece of an exclusive download package which is now available for the new racing simulation game “Forza Motorsport 6,” available on Xbox One. Motorsport fans can put the new sports car from the performance brand Mercedes-AMG through its paces on legendary circuits such as the Nordschleife, Hockenheimring or Le Mans. Apart from the C 63 S Coupé, there are 14 other Mercedes models in the game, all ready for action in the pit lane. These include for example the current Mercedes-AMG GT, the gullwing models 300 SL and SLS AMG and the AMG version of the A-Class.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé featured in the racing simulation game “Forza Motorsport 6”

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé featured in the racing simulation game “Forza Motorsport 6”

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé featured in the racing simulation game “Forza Motorsport 6”

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé featured in the racing simulation game “Forza Motorsport 6”

As the comprehensive racing game of this generation, “Forza Motorsport 6” features a lot of different cars and 24-player races across 26 world-famous locales. The game also showcases other innovative features, such as wet-weather racing with physically-based 3D puddles and night racing that immerse fans in the danger and intensity at the heart of motorsport.

Mercedes-Benz has produced its own spot to mark the integration of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé. Dynamic driving scenes specially filmed on a deserted airfield alternate with graphically brilliant scenes of the car in the game itself. The sports car and its digital twin seem inseparable. The highlight at the end is the handover of the vehicle keys by the experienced racing professional and former F1-driver Karl Wendlinger, as he vacates the real cockpit for a Forza gamer: http://mb4.me/forza6

About the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé

A dynamically configured chassis, with optional air suspension, forms the basis for a high level of suspension comfort, low road roar and tyre vibration, agile handling, and driving pleasure. Lightweight construction to reduce weight, excellent aerodynamics and high-performance, efficient engines likewise play their part. A host of assistance systems provides safety of the very highest calibre. A dynamically configured chassis, with optional air suspension, forms the basis for a high level of suspension comfort, low road roar and tyre vibration, agile handling, and driving pleasure. Lightweight construction to reduce weight, excellent aerodynamics and high-performance, efficient engines likewise play their part. A host of assistance systems provides safety of the very highest calibre.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé

Displacement 3982 cc
Output 375 kW (510 hp) at 5500-6250 rpm 
Peak torque 700 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined 8.9-8.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions 209-200 g/km
Efficiency class E
Kerb weight (according to DIN/EC) 1725 kg* / 1800 kg**
Acceleration 0-100 km/h  3.9 s
Top speed 250 km/h***

* Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, without driver and luggage); ** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg); *** Electronically limited; 290 km/h with AMG Driver’s Package

About Forza Motorsport

“Forza Motorsport” is a racing game with real racetracks for the Xbox One video games console, programmed by Microsoft’s own development team at Turn 10 Studios. Since the first title was published in 2005, the games have received numerous awards by virtue of their realistic graphics and driving physics.

Mario Kart 8 Players Get Ready to Start Your Mercedes-Benz Engines

The legendary Silver Arrow of the 1930s, the 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s and the current Mercedes-Benz GLA will be available for free for Mario Kart 8

Are you ready to kart in style? On Aug. 27, Mario Kart 8 players can download three different Mercedes-Benz karts for free based on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, 300 SL and Silver Arrow models – these can be combined with other Mario Kart 8 kart parts. The only thing you need to ask yourself is, which kart will you choose?

Three automotive icons from Mercedes-Benz will thrill fans of Mario Kart 8, the fun new racing video game for Nintendo’s Wii U home console: the legendary Silver Arrow of the 1930s, the 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s and the current Mercedes-Benz GLA. This cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and Nintendo means that for the first time in the history of the popular Mario Kart series, cars from the real world are available for the breathtaking races. From 27 August 2014, 22 years after the launch the first game in the series, Super Mario Kart in 1992, all Mario Kart 8 fans will be able to download the three kart cars in Mario Kart free of charge. This will also be the start of the “Mercedes Cup”, a worldwide online tournament in which Mario Kart 8 players can test their skills against each other.

“Video and computer games are widespread throughout the world, and have a large fan community. With our presence in blockbuster games such as Mario Kart 8 we approach to modern focus groups and are achieving excellent results in making our brand more youthful” says Dr. Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Communication at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We are particularly proud of the fact that we are the first automobile brand to be represented with real vehicles in Mario Kart 8.”
“Mercedes Cup” – worldwide online tournament for games fans

Mercedes-Benz and Nintendo are accompanying the starting date for the free download of the three Mercedes Karts on 27 August 2014 with an exclusive online tournament available worldwide. In the “Mercedes Cup”, Mario Kart 8 fans around the world can compete against each other in races with the Mercedes Karts. Anybody can take part that has the Wii U console, Mario Kart 8 game, and a suitable Internet connection. Access to the “Mercedes Cup” in the game can be found via the online tournament section in Mario Kart 8. The “Mercedes Cup” races will end on 23 September 2014. Highlights with the Mercedes-Benz cars can be uploaded via Mario Kart TV and shared with Mario Kart fans all over the world.

Mario Kart 8 is a fun-racing game developed by Nintendo, which appeared in Europe for the Wii U console on 30 May, 2014. This is the eighth instalment in the Mario Kart series, which first thrilled the video game playing world in August 1992. With more than 100 million Mario Kart games sold, this series is among the most successful racing games of all time. The main character in the series, Mario, is the world’s best-known video game icon.

The eighth instalment likewise follows the classic game principle of the series, with characters in the Mario universe racing against each other and gaining advantages from various items. New features in Mario Kart 8 include sections where the players can drive along walls using anti-gravity, and even upside-down. In the process, collisions with other vehicles provide a touch more speed. Mario Kart 8 has 32 courses of which 16 are completely new, while the other 16 are revised versions from earlier titles in the Mario Kart series. Up to 4 players can play the offline mode of the game, and through online play, up to 12 players from around the world can compete with one another.

The Mercedes-Benz models in Mario Kart 8

Mercedes-Benz W 25 Silver Arrow

The Mercedes-Benz W 25 is a legendary racing car which Mercedes-Benz built for the “750 kg formula” in 1934. It was powered by a 3.4-litre eight-cylinder engine developing around 350 hp. The car’s first racing appearance at Nürburgring took Manfred von Brauchitsch to victory right away.
The origin of the name “Silver Arrow” is one of the great legends in motor racing: Developed according to the requirements of the 750 kg formula, the racing car was found to weigh 751 kg the evening before its first race. It is said that racing manager Alfred Neubauer’s lament “That paints a poor picture!” gave driver Manfred von Brauchitsch the idea of grinding off the white paintwork to reduce the weight to the permitted limit. The mechanics removed the paint finish from the car overnight. This revealed the typical, silvery sheen of the aluminium body that gave the name “Silver Arrows” to the W 25 and its successors.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198) replaced the 300 SL “Gullwing” produced from 1954 to 1957. In contrast to the latter, the Roadster version has a slightly modified front end with upright headlamps. To give protection in inclement weather, Mercedes-Benz equipped the 300 SL Roadster with a soft top which was stowed beneath a cover behind the seats. A hard top became available from 1958, giving the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster a coupé-like appearance and comfort. With an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds, the 300 SL Roadster had a top speed of 250 km/h. 1858 units of this dream car were built until 1963. Today it is among the most coveted – and also expensive – automotive classics.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the latest member of the new compact car generation. The Mercedes-Benz GLA reinterprets the compact SUV segment in impressive style. As the first Mercedes-Benz in this fast-growing segment, it is easy to handle in urban traffic, nippy on country roads and mountain passes, and dynamic and efficient on the motorway. With a Cd figure of 0.29, the GLA is the most aerodynamic of all compact SUVs. It rounds off the extensive range of Mercedes-Benz SUVs with five model series, the GLA, GLK, ML, GL and G.

Four Mercedes Models Featured in GT Racing 2

Gameloft has announced, their true-to-life automotive journey, dubbed GT Racing 2 The Real Car Experience

Gameloft has announced, their true-to-life automotive journey, dubbed GT Racing 2 The Real Car Experience for the iPhone, iPad and Android.

The game features a total of 67 cars from 35 manufacturers, four of those cars are from Mercedes.

  • Mercedes-AMG SLK 55
  • Mercedes-AMG SLS
  • Mercedes-AMG SLS GT3
  • Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Check out the game trailer below for a look at Mercedes in action.

Mercedes-Benz Featured in DRIVECLUB for PS4

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is introducing the new DRIVECLUB racing game to the European public for the first time

At gamescom in Cologne, Germany from August 21 to 25, 2013, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe will be introducing the new DRIVECLUB racing game to the European public for the first time. Mercedes-Benz is featured heavily in the game. There is the A 45 AMG, the CLA 45 AMG, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, the SL 65 AMG, and as a highlight the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series.

Driveclub PS4

Driveclub PS4

For the first time, European trade visitors and gamers will have the opportunity during gamescom to experience the new racing game on PlayStation 4 and test the breathtakingly realistic “driving performance” of the speedsters and super sports cars. As part of a limited promotion for subscribers, prospective customers can order a version of DRIVECLUB featuring exclusive added content. Mercedes-AMG has created a completely new look for the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series for this purpose. During the entire gamescom show there will also be a real Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series on hand in Cologne as promotional vehicle. In a PlayStation “tweet-to-ride” competition, twitter users can win a ride in the super sports car.

“‘Gaming’ is a medium which has experienced vast growth and is now firmly embedded in all sectors of society, thanks to smartphones, tablets and game consoles like PlayStation. As such, games provided an ideal means of appealing to young and modern target groups in an emotional and well-aimed manner, as demonstrated by Mercedes-Benz since the introduction of the A- and CLA-Class,” says Lüder Fromm, head of Global Marketing Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Exclusive extras for the first to order

In Cologne PlayStation is presenting the first demo version of DRIVECLUB playable in Europe. Trade visitors from Europe and enthusiastic gamers from all over the world will have an opportunity during gamescom to discover the brilliance of the new racing game and the possibilities it offers. In a limited subscription deal, PlayStation is offering a version of the game with selected additional contents, including the completely redesigned version of the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. The entire colour scheme of the car, the carbon-fibre look and the red styling elements, have been changed. The super sports car manifests its superior power and performance in a striking black-and-red design.

“It was a very exciting and emotional experience for me to develop the new colour scheme. With this project, PlayStation and Mercedes-AMG gave me the opportunity to feel like a boy redesigning his model car to make it sportier and more individual,” Mercedes-AMG designer Jean-Francois Huet recounts on the occasion of the game’s presentation in Cologne. The limited-edition version can be ordered in advance from selected specialist retailers. The main game page refers customers to regional subpages where the retailers can be found.

A host of activities related to DRIVECLUB

The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series dazzles not only in the game, but on the cover of DRIVECLUB, too. In the official gamescom trailer the A 45 AMG and C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series as well as the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series play one of the main roles. The SLS AMG Coupé Black Series also graces the PlayStation stand at the show. Also, in a “tweet-to-ride” competition on twitter visitors can win a ride in the sports car.

The new PlayStation racing game DRIVECLUB

DRIVECLUB brings to life the heart and soul of car culture. An incredibly authentic and immersive driving experience, DRIVECLUB lets you feel the exhilaration of racing the most powerful and beautifully designed cars in the world, all rendered in staggering detail, inside and out. Share in the thrill and excitement of high-speed solo racing, or join a racing Club to discover what DRIVECLUB is all about. Created specifically with the next-generation gamer in mind, DRIVECLUB permanently connects you and your friends, always allowing you to share your experiences, send and receive challenges, and keep up to speed with your team’s performance anytime.

Available at retail and via the PlayStation Store, DRIVECLUB gives you instant access to all of the coolest cars, tracks and locations around the world. All of these combined give you unlimited opportunities to compete, create and share challenges to showcase your skills with the world and your friends. Getting involved in as many challenges and races boosts you and your Clubs fame, helping you unlock cars, tracks, events and races. Skilled players will eventually gain access to the elite international racing series’ where the prizes are bigger and the competition is tougher.

Gran Turismo 6 Will Include Three New AMG Models

Gran Turismo 6 for PS3 will include the MercedesSLS AMG GT3, the E63 AMG and the A45 AMG

Legendary Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi announced this week that Gran Turismo 6 will be released Holiday 2013. The news was revealed at an event held at Silverstone in England celebrating 15 years of the 70-million-selling series, Gran Turismo.

Gran Turismo 6 for PlayStation 3 will receive several enhancements, improvements and additions in order to give players new levels of authenticity to ‘the Real Driving Simulator. There will be new tracks and more importantly, cars, including three new Mercedes AMG models; the SLS AMG GT3 producing over 367 kW (more than 500 hp), the E63 AMG producing 410 kW (557 hp) and the A45 AMG producing 265 kW (360 hp).  In addition to the three new vehicles, no fewer than 21 further vehicles from Mercedes-Benz which featured in Gran Turismo 5 will also be taking to the track to set the pulses of gaming fans racing.

Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Black Falcon

Globally the PlayStation 3 racing game has so far sold more than 70 million copies, with version 5 alone being enjoyed by more than ten million gaming fans since November 2010. Mercedes-Benz can look back over a long and successful history as part of this race series. Models from the star brand have been represented in the game since the market launch of Gran Turismo 2 back in 1999/2000. According to Anders Sundt Jensen: “Both Carl Benz in 1886 and Kazunori Yamauchi, the inventor of Gran Turismo in 1998 recognised that a car can do more than just take us from A to B. Both lived the automotive dream. Driving a Mercedes or playing Gran Turismo each therefore reflects a unique experience: unprecedented driving pleasure.”

Sony Playstation 4 Driveclub Features CLA45 and A45 AMG

Driveclub is a new racing franchise developed exclusively for the PS4 that features several sports cars from Mercedes-Benz

Yesterday, video game aficionados the world over reveled in the news that Sony is going to be releasing their new Playstation 4.  And while you may think this has nothing to do with Mercedes, you’d be wrong, as Sony announced they’re also launching Driveclub – a brand new racing franchise developed exclusively for the PS4 that features several sports cars from Mercedes-Benz, including the new CLA45 AMG and the new A45 AMG.  Both these high-performance vehicles will be celebrating their real-world premiere in March 2013, while Driveclub and the new Playstation 4 console will be launching this holiday season.

While you’re waiting, here’s some more info on the new Sony Playstation 4 and the CLA45 AMG and A45 AMG models:

Playstation 4 is SCEI’s next generation computer entertainment system that redefines rich and immersive gameplay with powerful graphics and speed, intelligent personalisation, deeply integrated social capabilities, and innovative second-screen features. Driveclub is the perfect fit for the lifestyle of the next generation of PlayStation gamers: an exhilarating, visceral and highly socially connected racing experience that showcases the immense capabilities of Playstation 4. Driveclub is a networked game to be played in real clubs, encouraging players to team up and to collaborate and compete with one another while experiencing the thrill of driving the best cars in the world, on the best roads in the world. The audiovisual quality of the cars and the tracks is staggering, and the view from the cockpit is absolutely true to life, immersing the player in every race and recreating the power and the drama that they would feel if they were actually sitting in the driver’s seat.

As well as the CLA 45 AMG and the A 45 AMG, further vehicles with the three-pointed star will join Driveclub.

Firing up the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine

In March the A 45 AMG will be presented at the Geneva auto show. With this new family member Mercedes-AMG will for the first time be offering a high-performance vehicle in the compact class segment. The AMG-Version of the new four-door Coupé, the CLA, is celebrating its world premiere in New York. With a peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and a maximum torque of 450 newton metres, their turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder power unit in series production. The power density of 133 kW (181 hp) surpasses even that of the most powerful super sports cars. At the same time they excel with outstanding efficiency, while also meeting the EU6 emissions standard. The A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG are equipped as standard with the fully variable, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes GT5 Competition Presents Winner With an SLS AMG

The lucky winner of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is 24 year old student Marco Calvo from Spain

The Mercedes-Benz GT5 Driving Challenge took the world’s best GT5 drivers and tested them on a real track,. Of the 15 competitors, only one would win a real SLS AMG to take home. The lucky winner of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is 24 year old student Marco Calvo from Spain.

Taking the help of “Mr. DTM” Bernd Schneider, DTM driver and former F1 driver David Coulthard, the 15 participants from around the world were introduced to the technology and the characteristics of the SLS AMG at the Austrian Red Bull-Ring earlier this week. After numerous rounds of testing, the competitors drove the SLS  AMG on the track to decide the winner.

Congratulations Marco, enjoy your new Mercedes SLS AMG.

Mercedes-Benz GT5 Competition Brings Drivers to Red Bull Ring

15 GT5 drivers from 11 different countries will come together at Austria's Red Bull Ring to drive for a real SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz is taking 15 drivers, whom qualified by playing the Gran Turismo 5 driving game, and putting them to the test on a real racetrack.  15 GT5 drivers from 11 different countries will come together at Austria’s Red Bull Ring to drive for the ultimate prize, a real SLS AMG. The AMG Driving Academy will put the drivers through differnt obstacles while being judged by some of the best driver’s in the world.

Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Features PS3 Game Gran Turismo 5

The Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy in June is featuring the Gran Turismo 5 game exclusively for the PlayStation system

The Mercedes AMG Driving Academy kicking off in June is featuring the highly anticipated Gran Turismo® 5 game exclusively for the PlayStation® 3 (PS3™) system, enhancing the trackside experience for race enthusiasts driving several real 2011 SLS AMG supercars that are part of this year’s vehicle line-up during AMG Driving Academy sessions.

AMG and Sony Computer Entertainment America, LLC teamed up to feature a Gran Turismo 5 SLS AMG gaming experience, created by Polyphony Digital, Inc., on racing sleds that incorporates the Nurburgring Nordschleife. In January 2010, the SLS AMG from Mercedes-Benz was given the honor of being the featured vehicle on the Gran Turismo 5 packaging cover. The game is expected to be available in stores this year. The Gran Turismo 5 racing sled experience is on hand throughout the AMG Academy schedule held at Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca.

“The opportunity to compare the realistic Gran Turismo 5 Mercedes demo on the racing sled and then the actual SLS AMG on the track is one that most people will not experience in their lifetime,” said Greg Clark, product manager, exclusive vehicles for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The demo gives participants a chance to get a realistic feel for the car before they step into the SLS AMG.”

The AMG Driving Academy is specifically for driving enthusiasts, who want to personally experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of Mercedes-AMG vehicles including the all new 563 hp SLS AMG capable of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.

In addition to the SLS AMG, program participants have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, and SLK55 AMG. The program features custom-designed exercises to teach dynamic driving capabilities across two of the top tracks in the U.S:

Road Atlanta (Braselton, GA)

June 11-14 & 28-30, 2010

For more than 40 years, Road Atlanta is a destination location for top tier sports car and motorcycle racing. It has a reputation of a world class motorsports facility, rich in history and tradition. This 2.54-mile, 12-turn world class road course is one of the most technically challenging in the U.S.

Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA)

August 27-29, September 25-27, October 29-30 and November 12-14, 2010

Located in one of North America’s best destination locations — the Monterey Peninsula, Laguna Seca features tremendous elevation changes, the famous Corkscrew complex, and 2.24 sinewy miles. The AMG Driving Academy Basic, Advanced and new Pro Level for 2010

  • Basic ($1,795 per participant): Intense one-day track program focuses on performance driving dynamics. In the morning, participants learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises. Once participants perfect car control and handling, they progress in the afternoon to a set of high-speed exercises that make use of the entire track.
    • Road Atlanta: June 11 – 12
    • Laguna Seca Raceway: August 27-29, Sept. 25, Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 12
  • Advanced ($3,295 per participant): Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction. Onboard diagnostics and data capture enable detailed computer analysis and evaluation. Advanced is offered to drivers who complete either Basic, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or an equivalent course.
    • Road Atlanta: June 13-14, 2010
    • Laguna Seca Raceway: September 26-27 & November 13-14
  • Pro ($3,995 per participant): The pinnacle of the AMG Driving Academy curriculum, Pro program offers increased instruction while challenging and improving capabilities and skills to a much greater degree. During the three day program, participants train on the legendary Road Atlanta circuit. As speeds increase and skills improve, open lapping provides the maximum challenge and thrill. With an intense curriculum, AMG experienced instructors prepare participants to confidently welcome the challenges of Road Atlanta.
    • Road Atlanta: June 28-30, 2010

All fees include a dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before the program, track hospitality, AMG Driving Academy certificate of program completion and an AMG gift bag. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations. Additional information and registration for the AMG Driving Academy is available at www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-800-217-6916.