OK, you might not drive your AMG this way, but wouldn’t it be fun?

Daimler’s interest in battery systems, electric drive systems and related vehicle projects leads to the automaker acquiring nearly 10 percent of one of the leading electric vehicle companies, Tesla Motors Inc. This investment deepens the relationship between the inventor of the automobile and the newest member of the global auto industry. Tesla is the only production automaker selling a highway capable electric vehicle in North America and Europe.

The two companies have already been working closely to integrate Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler’s electric smart car. In order to benefit from each other’s know-how, the investment enables the partners to collaborate even more closely on the development of Continue reading » »

AMG Market/PR News/MARANELLO, Italy – May 17, 2009  (Source RM Auctions): RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, made history at the Ferrari factory in Maranello today as a 1957 Ferrari 250 TR, chassis no. 0714TR sold for €9,020,000 at the third annual Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event  to set a new world record for the most expensive motor car ever to be sold at auction.

Returning to its Maranello birthplace for its auction debut, the €9,020,000 sale price (about 12.14 million US) for 0714TR represents €1,980,000 more than the previous auction world record which was set at the same sale last year.

“The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world – both in the room and on the telephone – competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

“The eyes of the world were watching today’s sale as cars of this quality are so rarely offered to the market. The quality and the provenance of the Testa Rossa speaks for itself and the price we achieved today is testament to that. We are delighted with the result the car achieved today,” he added.

The beautiful and immediately recognizable Scaglietti-designed ‘pontoon-fender’ 250 TR was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only Continue reading » »

What are you driving this weekend?
OK, maybe not a Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS but here’s what your weekend might look like if you had one.

UPDATE (June 9, 2009): MBUSA has officially announced the AMG Driving Academy details for the United States; three upcoming venues this fall – PRICING AND COMPLETE UPDATE HERE.

This week alone, several people inquired about the AMG Challenge event dates for 2009. The answer, there are none – AMG Challenge has been discontinued! But hold on now. The world-renowned driver-training program from Mercedes-AMG arrives in the USA this September (2009); the AMG Driving Academy.

The “AMG Driving Academy” has replaced the AMG Challenge events for 2009. The new driving program is a major departure from the AMG Challenge in that there will be additional emphasis on driver training versus the experience of a test drive at speed. You can read a press release for the overall AMG Driving Academy here.

The following dates and venues have been released by Mercedes-AMG (stay tuned for pricing and registration info): Continue reading » »

Spring is here and so are hundreds of opportunities to attend auto events being held throughout the country. Last week I was in Indianapolis with the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts but I missed a great 190SL event right here in my home town! With so many events taking place how do you decide? Location is likely the determining factor but many of us are willing to go great distances to share our automobile passion.

Here are a few automobile events off the beaten path:

AMG Driving Academy
Various dates and venues
Press Release with details here

At the AMG Driving Academy licensed and race-tested instructors teach you specifically how to better assess and master critical situations in order to act competently and confidently in extreme conditions. As the driver of an AMG Mercedes you can look forward to a high degree of safety and driving fun. A variety of events are offered, from lifestyle and basic training to PRO level.  AMG enthusiasts can participate in one of several AMG Driving Academy 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 (you can download the brochure). We’ll have an article on the driving events published soon so subscribe here to receive the updates.

The Style & Innovation of the American Automobile (MA)
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This event features a very special collection of cars, scrumptious cuisine and the sounds of an official Disc Jockey, Johnny Z. You can also bring your own classic car to park on the lawn for display – weather permitting. The Museum will be closed to the public until Friday, May 8th when we re-open with our new exhibit, “The Style and Innovation of the American Automobile”.  For more info, visit the Larz Anderson Auto Museum website.

Tire Kicking Session – The Stable in Gladstone (NJ)
Mercedes-Benz Club of Am., Northern NJ Section
Saturday, May 9, 10AM

The main objective of The Stable, Ltd. is to provide discerning customers with prime examples of great automobile design, performance, comfort and appeal. Also located on the premises is an auto upholstery shop, specializing in auto interior restoration, such as convertible tops, leather upholstery re dying, or interior leather replacement.  Talk, tour and browsing are all part of the plan.  The Stable has for a long time been a favorite visiting spot for car enthusiasts.  Contact Lucille at: LuluChab@aol.com. Websites: MBCA Northern NJ Section and visit The Stable website for directions.

Summit Point Spring Festival (WV)
Greater Washington Section – MBCA
Saturday, May 9th, 2009

The MBCA Greater Washington Section will be participating in the first annual Summit Point Spring Festival. This family event sponsored by Summit Point Raceway will feature activities for everyone, including pony rides for the littlest cruisers, as well as many automotive activities and demonstrations for visitors of all ages.  GWS will be participating with a corral area for MBCA members as well as take part in the on-track parade laps on both the Shenandoah Circuit and Main Circuit. Entry fee of $5 per cruise-in car, which will include the scheduled laps; additional charge ($15 per car) for the lunchtime parade laps. For more info, contact Richie Crim on 304.856.3682 or visit the website.