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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. Afterwards the participants 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, all of which is captured on video.
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 gullwing: 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 without profile. 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.
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.
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.
Following homologation and
specification of the balance of performance by the FIA worldwide
governing body for automobile organisations, delivery of the SLS
AMG GT3 will commence in March 2011. The sales price will be
334,000 euros (net) / 397,460 euros (incl. 19 % VAT). Production
of the customer vehicles began in December 2010.
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 will
include the EMOTION Tour Wine & Dine, EMOTION Tour Golf, EMOTION
Tour Montreux and EMOTION Tour DTM Show Event Munich, all of
which will 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 swimming pool
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 (46, five-time DTM champion), Bernd Mayländer
(39, driver of the Official F1™ Safety Car) and Thomas Jäger
(34, coordinator for AMG Customer Sport). A new addition to the
team is Chris Mamerow (26). 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. Whichever
option you choose, AMG is able to put together exciting,
tailor-made programmes.
The AMG Driving Academy and social
networking
Customers and fans can keep
up-to-date with all of the activities on the Facebook, Flickr
and YouTube pages of the AMG Driving Academy – courtesy of
exciting event reports and glimpses behind the scenes. These
sites also enable contact to be maintained with other
like-minded enthusiasts as well as with Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Photos: AMG
(Mar 09, 2011)
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