Three new big hitters pack a punch as Mer-cedes-AMG Performance Tour goes another round at YAS

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Three thundering new models from Mercedes-Benz’ fierce Affalterbach division stepped into the ring at YAS this week, as the white-knuckle test drive experience that is the annual AMG Performance Tour returns in 2012 for another round. The newly launched trio of the E 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and ML 63 AMG packed a mighty punch at the hotly anticipated exclusive event, which for the last five years has invited media and motoring enthusiasts from across the region to live AMG’s brand claim of ‘Driving Performance’.

Capping a fleet that included the C 63 AMG, C 63 AMG Coupé, CLS 63 AMG, SLS AMG, and SLS AMG GT3, the potent new trio of AMG models headlined an impressive act. Taking place under lights, participants had a chance at the wheel whilst being advised by top track experts and racers to command the full power, poise and pace of AMG in an arena of adrenalin fuelled activities.

Fully demonstrating the tremendous capabilities of the new-born beasts, a ‘Performance Parcours’ area provided an opportunity to learn the techniques of handling in extreme conditions. A one-on-one ML 63 AMG drag-race and braking showdown pushed drivers to the limit, whilst SLS AMG GT3 ‘taxi rides’ allowed the brave to suit up in full racing kit for mind-warping hot laps with professional AMG drivers.

Briefing drivers before they put pedals to the metal, Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East & Levant, said: “Featuring not one, not two, but three new models for the Middle East, this year’s AMG Performance Tour is one of the most immersive test drive events we have held for our loyal customers and partners in the region. Now in its fifth year, the 2012 inception of the tour race-starts our Year of the AMG strategy by putting our most valued drivers in the driving seats of these incredible precision machines, that with a roar of the accelerator can transform comfort and luxury to heart-pounding, thrill-seeking joy in an instant.”

The ML 63 AMG

With unparalleled ride comfort, and cavernous, high-quality luxury interiors, the newly launched ML 63 AMG uniquely embodies both Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant’s 2012 strategies of ‘The Year of the SUV’ and ‘Year of the AMG’, confidently conveying intent to meet performance with sophistication.

Driven by 525 horses and 700 Nm of torque, the ML 63 AMG 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine, made famous by the award winning CLS 63 AMG, thunders it from 0-100km/h in a sports car beating 4.8 seconds. An optionally available AMG Performance package delivers a further 15hp and 70 Nm, allowing the luxury sports SUV to harness 557hp and 760nm to rocket to a century in a blistering 4.7 seconds.

The SLK 55 AMG

With an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine developing a peak output of 422 hp, 540 Nm of torque, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds with a (electronically limited) top speed of 250 km/h, the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors and takes its place as the most powerful SLK of all time.

The new top-of-the range AMG’s eye-catching and unmistakable expressive design demonstrates its individuality even at first glance. Distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG bodystyling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions, while adding a markedly athletic touch. High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.

The E 63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG has always been the businessman’s dirty secret. A pinstriped wolf in sheep’s clothing, the thunderous AMG sports saloon masquerades as a refined and palatial vehicle for the corner-office elite. Yet beneath its distinguished exterior lies its true character; a huffing, snorting mechanical beast, ever-ready to devour its more placid contemporaries in the corporate lot with its roaring engine note and unmatched performance.

Packing the earth-shattering AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, the base level E 63 AMG produces 525 hp and 700Nm of torque which can be called upon across the rev range between 1750 and 5000rpm. Combined with the optional AMG Performance package, these figures increase to 557 hp and 800 Nm, through 2000 to 4500 rpm. The E 63 AMG achieves exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.3 and 4.2 seconds respectively, with an (electronically limited) top speed of 250 km/h.