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.
