The Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) is offering members who own or drive AMG vehicles an exclusive opportunity to participate in the first MBCA SLS AMG Performance Week in Germany. This AMG event is not available anywhere else. It only costs $45 to join MBCA, if you’re not already a member.

Features of the event include partipants’ driving the SLS and other AMG vehicles on a variety of roads in Germany as well as on the Autobahn. Also included are lengthy visits to AMG headquarters in Affalterbach where you’ll tour the production, engineering, design, and research facilities. The trip focuses on all the particulars that make AMG Mercedes unique in the world of ultimate luxury performance cars.

There will be an in depth visit to the Sindelfingen plant, the SLS production area, and the Center of Excellence (Maybach and the designo studio). A visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Classic Center is also included.

The trip is scheduled for June 5-10, 2011; limited to 24 participants on a first come first served basis. The cost is $4,050. per participant and includes five hotel nights, all meals, guides, ground transportation and use of the AMG vehicles (fee does NOT include airfare). Our friend Jim O’Sullivan is the contact person; tell Jim that Greg Magnus said hello!

This is truly a unique opportunity for AMG Mercedes enthusiasts. Additional information and registration details are available on the MBCA website here for those interested.

FULL PRESS RELEASE FROM MBUSA, MONTVALE, NJ:

Following its inaugural year in the U.S., Mercedes-AMG is presenting a new season for driving enthusiasts who want to sharpen their advanced driving skills at the AMG Driving Academy. Among the list of enhancements is the addition of a Pro Level for 2010. Under the guidance of top professional instructors, the AMG Driving Academy offers the opportunity 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 mph in less than four seconds.

Originally founded by Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy launched in the U.S. in 2009. More than six-hundred driving enthusiasts participated in the advanced driver program last year, and participants now have the opportunity to attend an advanced three-day Pro Level program at one of the top circuits in the U.S., Road Atlanta. Program participants have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and SLS AMG. Continue reading » »

Tommy Kendall is best-known for his dominating SCCA Trans-Am Series career where he won four championships in the 1990′s, including a near perfect season in 1997 where he won nearly every race on the schedule. Tommy is a successful television broadcaster and analyst today, and is currently hosting the Speed Test Drive on SpeedTV.

“I’m very excited about being a part of this incredible program with Mercedes-Benz and AMG says Tommy Kendall. I’ve had a great relationship with Mercedes-Benz and the AMG Challenge for many years, but as a racer, you are always looking to push the performance envelope to the limits of both yourself and your equipment.”

“People always tell me that I have the greatest job in the world on ‘Test Drive’ because I get to push incredible vehicles to the limit on great race tracks, and then evaluate how they perform. The AMG Driving Academy gives people the chance to do just that by really picking up the pace from where the Challenge leaves off, and push participants and AMG vehicles to the limit at three of my favorite tracks in the U.S. Graduates can then advance through higher levels of the AMG Academy systems both here in the U.S. and in Europe, which is another great benefit of this program.”

You can join Tommy Kendall at the U.S.-debut of this world-renowned high performance driver training program this Fall, continuing the global expansion of the AMG Driving Academy founded by AMG in Affalterbach.

We are privileged to offer you the exciting opportunity to be one of the first participants here in the United States. Experience the true performance capabilities of a selection of the latest AMG vehicles ­by getting behind the wheel, on a racetrack, and receiving coaching from world-class professional racers and instructors at three legendary racetracks: Laguna Seca Raceway (CA), Lime Rock Park (CT), and Palm Beach International Raceway (FL).Only a limited number of seats are still available for a discount of 20% at Palm Beach International Raceway and Lime Rock Park if you enroll by August 31, 2009.

AMG Driving Academy Registration Center phone: 800-217-6916
For program info, including dates and track details, visit the
AMG Driving Academy Website.

Also, they are looking for additional sponsors. Any AMG Market enthusiasts interested in getting involved? If so, contact info is on their websites (links above).

Founded by Mercedes-AMG in 2007, the AMG Driving Academy consists of five different programs: EMOTION, BASIC, ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS; everything from lifestyle-oriented events and courses which take the participants through their first experience of driving at the limit, all the way to intensive race circuit training.

The AMG Driving Academy is offered on several dates at various venues.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM: Press Release with additional details here.

USA AMG DRIVING ACADEMY PROGRAM: More info here.

As the driver of an AMG Mercedes you can look forward to a high degree of safety and driving fun.  AMG enthusiasts can participate in one of the events throughout 2009 and 2010. For more info, call the AMG Driving Academy at + 49 (0) 7144 302–575 or visit the AMG Driving Academy website here. To receive AMG Market updates via email, subscribe here and you’ll be the first to receive the updates.

www.mercedes-amg.com/driving-academy

North American Debut of the Next-Generation E-Class Line
The ninth-generation E-Class Sedan and all-new E-Class Coupe are making their first appearance in North America at the New York Auto Show as well.  The new E-Class line can be identified by a “cubist” treatment of the trademark twin-headlight face.  Two parallelogram lights are recessed into each front fender, bracketing the three-dimensional chrome frame of the front grille.  While the car looks futuristic, aficionados might recognize styling cues reminiscent of the “Ponton Mercedes” of the 1950s.

The E-Class line will go on sale in the U.S. initially with the E350 and E550 Coupes in June 2009, followed shortly by their sedan counterparts in July.  The E63 AMG and all-wheel-drive 4MATIC Sedans will follow this fall and the 50-state E350 BlueTEC diesel model will be added next year.
A More Efficient Full-Size SUV – The ML450 HYBRID
The ML450 HYBRID features a powerful electric motor that can work together with a 3.5-liter V6 engine to attain improved fuel efficiency over the full-size ML550 – or when needed, provide the acceleration of a V8.  Around town, the ML450 HYBRID operates as a zero-emission vehicle when powered by its electric drive alone.   Using a modified Atkinson cycle for maximum fuel efficiency, the V6 engine kicks in when needed and, when accelerating on a freeway entrance ramp for example, the electric drive and combustion engine work together for a total of 335 horsepower – more than many V8s.

Restyled GL-Class Features BlueTEC Clean Diesel Power
The renamed GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 have been facelifted for the 2010 model year with a restyled grille, bumpers, wheels and new lights, including LED taillights.  Making its first-ever appearance at the New York Show, the GL350 BlueTEC gets surprisingly good performance and very low exhaust emissions while delivering 20-30 percent better fuel economy.

September 15, 2008
A group of AMG enthusiasts are heading to Roebling Road Raceway (Bloomingdale, GA) on Monday September 15, 2008. Audi enthusiasts are also invited. The event includes a full day of open track but registration is limited to only 25 attendees. The 2.02-mile Roebling Road asphalt road course consisting of nine turns is located just 20 miles from downtown Savannah, Georgia. Details here.

October 24-28, 2008
The Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) South Jersey Section is hosting a national driving event in Millville, New Jersey on October 24-28, 2008. Drive your Mercedes-Benz like it was built to be driven – Coaching by Trained Instructors! Registration is now open for this event – details here.

Here is the info for those interested: 

AMG ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
With a team of MBUSA AMG Specialist on hand, bring on your questions! On Wednesday, March 26th from 9:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST AMG Product Management will join us for this unique opportunity to have your questions answered in our third chat session of 2008. The session will be located in the "Chat Section of the Private Lounge.

AMG AT THE NY AUTO SHOW
With an opportunity to host more than 100 Private Lounge members and guests at the AMG NY Auto Show Preview Night, the event was a full success. We are also happy to report that a Private Lounge member’s guest was also the winner of the IWC watch given away at the event. Details and images of the event can be found on the Private Lounge.

In other news, a date has been added to the AMG Challenge Graduate Program: 

FOR THE AMG PRIVATE LOUNGE
DATE ADDED – 2008 AMG CHALLENGE PRIVATE LOUNGE GRADUATE PROGRAM, APRIL 25, 2008 AND OCTOBER 5, 2008
We still have a small number of spots open for the Las Vegas date in April and we are now registering for the Miami date in October. The AMG Private Lounge is pleased to offer a 2008 AMG Graduate Challenge program to our members on Friday, April 25th in Las Vegas and Sunday, October 5th in Miami. These Private Lounge Graduate Challenge events will follow the same format as our standard Graduate Program with the addition of a few AMG surprises. Registration is first-come first-serve and is limited to 45 participants. Registration will fill up quickly so sign up now if you are interested. Visit the Private Lounge and look for the discussion boards.

Pittsburgh Section

Pittsburgh Section of Mercedes-Benz Club of America is pleased to host StarTrack 2007. In addition to StarTrack 2007, Mercedes-Benz is also the Marque of the Year for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Please read the explanation of fees below. We expect a strong showing from the 190SL Group, Gullwing Group and Pagoda Group as we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the 300SL Roadster. Pittsburgh Section has planned a full four days of events for concours and driving. Please join us as we celebrate and raise money for the PVGP charities!

 

Basic Schedule

The StarTrack Concours d’Elegance will be held in Schenley Park on Sunday July 15 as part of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Vintage racecars race through the park as we watch them from our show area. Sunday night we will enjoy the StarTrack Black Tie Banquet (black tie is optional) at the Embassy Suites. Monday and Tuesday we move to BeaveRun Motorsports Park for time trials, defensive driving, autocross, and acceleration run. Experienced driving instructors will be available to assist you and help you in all driving events. We will have classes for all levels of abilities and vehicles so you can drive at your comfort level.  Please see the details on technical inspection and helmet requirements on the MBCA website under Rulebook.

StarTrack Sunday participants are welcome and encouraged to attend the Saturday PVGP Marque of the Year Show at no additional charge.

 

Please note that the parade lap scheduled for Sunday morning by the PVGP is subject to time change based on racetrack availability. We will get the lap on Sunday morning but what time is beyond the control of Pittsburgh Section. Therefore we may not be able to accommodate concours cars on the parade lap. Those who place their cars early for concours are encouraged to ride along with other members in this unique MBCA parade.

 

Please register as soon as possible. On-site registration will be accepted, but not all participation options and meals may be available to late registrations.  Your early registration will be appreciated. Please note that your MBCA membership must be current at the time of registration.

 

MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB STARTRACK

Pittsburgh Section Officers, directors, and members are excited to host StarTrack 2007 and are ready to assure that you will enjoy the event. Please contact us with any questions.

 

Bob Speer                 412-848-1149             respeer@comcast.net

Dave Fabyonic        724-327-7361             davidfab@usa.net

 

Please check the Pittsburgh Section Website for updates: www.mbcapitt.org

The show's centerpiece is a series of 17 vivid, original pieces by Warhol commissioned by and of Mercedes-Benz, and subjects include classics such as:

• The 1886 three wheeler, widely recognized as the first automobile;
• The 1955 W196 streamliner race car, the celebrated 1954 300 SL Gullwing, and
• The 1969 C111 concept car. 

In celebration of the marque’s 100th anniversary, Warhol was originally commissioned to complete 80 canvasses representing multiple periods of Mercedes-Benz history, though his passing in 1987 left just a fraction of the works completed.

The Warhols, featuring some of Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated vehicles as subjects. Many of the iconic cars represented in his work have been embedded in America’s pop-culture consciousness. The Mercedes-Benz sponsored event is an exceptional opportunity to view how Andy Warhol immortalized these classics in his own work.

UPDATE: A few days after we posted this story, the NY Times Blog "Wheels" picked up our post from a feed and added more info on the Warhol display. For a little more info on the display, visit their blog post here.

The painting, “Green Car Crash (Green Burning Car I),” is being sold at a Christie’s auction according to the NY Times' post, Fasten Seat Belts for Warhol at Auction. It is a rare Warhol that is expected to topple previous sales records according to Carol Vogel of the NY Times.

NOTE: Since we published this post the dates and locations have changed. You can find all of the updated info for the AMG Mercedes-Benz Challenge here on our new blog (subscribe and you'll receive updates when new info is added). 

Here's the description of the event provided by Mercedes-Benz and the dates/locations: 

Your day at the AMG Challenge will give you an adrenaline rush…unlike any other. You'll learn high-performance driving skills from racing greats including Le Mans and World Challenge champions. You'll experience the twists and turns of a first-class race track driving a range of Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles including the E55, C55, CLK55, CL55, SLK55 and the S55. And you'll power through esses with the SL55 AMG and thunder down the high-speed stretches with the all new CLS55 AMG.

It will be a full day packed with excitement including:

• On-track driving clinics
• Timed competition on an autocross track
• Performance driving exercises highlighting car positioning, steering method, throttle control, racing line theory and much more
• Open lapping on the main track
• Hot laps with top-name professional drivers
• At the conclusion of the event, there will be a celebratory champagne toast including a certificate, trophy and awards presentation

It all adds up to an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. The event admission fee is $1,195. If you haven’t registered yet, sign up now. These limited spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Updated 2007 AMG Challenge Dates Link

Visit one of the following links or call the phone number provided below if you want more info:

• Phone numbers for Mercedes-AMG: 201-802-7891 or 201-802-7892
  (9:00AM-6:00PM EST)

Other Resources

• Brief video of 2006 AMG Challenge on photobucket
• Collection of photos from 2003 AMG Challenge at Lime Rock, CT

Editors Note: Sorry, you can't drive you own car. Several cars are provided.

If you’re interested in some of the finest 190SL examples in the United States, visit this link for pictures taken during the 2006 190SL Convention recently held in Athens, GA.