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MERCedes: classic road presence

Laila Zakwani goes to Dubai to check out a few of the recently launched Mercedes-AMG models

‘One man, one engine�is the Mercedes-AMG’s original philosophy that it still adheres to. Journalists from the region recently had the opportunity to experience a few of the newly launched Mercedes-AMG models. Last year proved to be a great achievement for Mercedes-AMG, with the launch of a variety of models, which included the E 63, CLS 63, CLK 63, S 65, SL 55 and R 63, and the official opening of the Performance Studio. Also, Mercedes-Benz Middle East confirmed its position as the lea-ders in the market with 14,500 automobiles sold year-to-date as on November 2006 �the region’s highest ever.

The adrenaline drive
On the day of the event, the morning rain enhanced the driving experience at the Dubai Autodrome, with the slippery roads enabling us to test the capabilities of a number of models, while the dry afternoon offered us the opportunity to take the cars to its limit. I took the SLK 55 AMG �a sporty and muscular car fitted with a 5.5 litre V8 engine that creates 360 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. The heavy-duty 7G-tronic transmission with aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel comes standard as does the four chromed exhaust tips, a trademark of AMG. The 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels are strong, reliable, and stylish, as it is functional. Its powerful stance gives the SLK 55 AMG a self-assured road presence and a class of its own. Outstanding handling and agility at every curve is due to the precision response to the steering movements and shock absorbers. With the four-wheel antilock disc brakes and automated stability and traction control (ESP), we were able to feel the ESP take control of the car’s situation on the sli-ppery roads, making the drive smoother.

Safety complements style
Safety is an element Mercedes-AMG has perfe-cted. This is verified by their existence as the Formula One safety car for the past ten years with its E-Class Coupe being used as the medical car since the 1980s. The powerful and modified CLK 63 AMG was the official FIA safety car for the 2006 Formula One season, making this fast coupe prepared for its demanding mission, while the C 55 AMG served as the official medical car providing emergency medical assistance if needed. With the different types of safety features in their cars, we had the chance to experience the braking system of each: the E 280, C 55, CLK 63 and E 63.

Thrilling, fast and fun are a few words that describe the sensation when in the passenger seat of the AMG 900 (CLK DTM AMG) with Bernd Maylander, Formula One’s official safety car driver. The eye-catching orange safety car is equipped with the new AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine delivering 510 hp at 6,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 465 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm. It is the first engine to be 100 per cent developed in-house at Mercedes-AMG and weighs just over 199 kg. The bonnet and doors are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, which not only makes the car lighter but also extremely safe. The carbon fibre rear wing installed on the trunk improves the aerodynamics by increasing the downward pressure at high speeds, in addition to the optimal airflow for the wheels and brakes, which avoids the car getting too hot on the racetrack.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG is known for its cutting-edge technology, dynamism and exclusivity with high performance sports cars as its specialty. It has grown to become one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the world and guarantees the highest quality performance. Founded in 1967 and specialising in racing engines, the Mercedes-AMG has constantly met their customers�needs in terms of performance, dynamics and design, especially with the transfer of their racing technology to street vehicles making it suitable for everyday use. Mercedes-AMG has continuously recreated and developed their cars making it more aerodynamic, safer, stylish, faster and fun to drive.

For the discerning customer
With the many enquiries from customers to customise their vehicles, Mercedes-Benz deci-ded to open a new Performance Studio. The company’s extensive experience in building high-performance cars has definitely been an invaluable asset, said Volker Mornhinweg, the president and CEO of Mercedes-AMG. “AMG has its roots in international motor racing, and our customers benefit directly from the impressive success our AMG drivers are having in the DTM. In the Performance Studio, we transfer the technologies from the race circuit into our vehicles.�The SLK 55 AMG Black Series is their latest product, fitted with a 5.5 litre V8 engine producing an enormous 400 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The numerous lightweight components �high-strength carbon roof, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG adjustable suspension and AMG high performance composite brake system �help guarantee the ultimate racing experience on the road.

Towards the end of the day, after our guided driving and taxi ride on the racetrack, there was an opportunity to win an IWC watch worth RO24,500. The International Watch Company (IWC) from Switzerland has formed an alliance with Mercedes-AMG and was giving away one Ingenieur AMG Chronograph watch during the event to the fastest driver over the handling course. “The Ingenieur AMG is the result of a long-term partnership, a statement of the mutual values that connect IWC and Mercedes-AMG as ‘engineer’s brands�with a drive for perfection,�says IWC brand manager, Gianfranco D’Attis.

Says Volker Mornhinweg, “This is the largest AMG campaign in the past 40 years...expect more surprises in the year 2007.�So we will have to wait and see what AMG has in stock for the car enthusiast.