MBUSA has officially announced the AMG Driving Academy details for three upcoming venues this fall.
And, you can be one of the lucky few to drive the all-new 2011 SLS AMG, which is being offered at the Stage I Programs at Laguna Seca Raceway only. The 2011 SLS AMG is one of the most technologically advanced AMG Mercedes ever.
Here is an excerpt of the email notice received this morning from MBUSA:
AMG Driving Academy in the U.S.
This world-renowned driver training program arrives in the United States 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. This highly exclusive program will be offered at three legendary racetracks: Laguna Seca Raceway (CA), Lime Rock Park (CT), and Palm Beach International Raceway (FL).
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 professional racers and instructors.
A limited number of seats are available at an early registration DISCOUNT of 20% if you enroll by Friday June 19, 2009.
Please call the AMG Driving Academy registration center at 1-800-217-6916 to learn more and register today. For additional program information, including dates and track details, please click here.
The fast-paced combination of in-car and classroom training on the country’s premier racetracks will create an experience that you’ll cherish for life.
Fine print: MBUSA, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to terminate the AMG Driving Academy Program entirely and/or to modify, change, alter and/or delete any and all terms, conditions and rules regarding: 1) the AMG Driving Academy Program in general; 2) customer participation in the AMG Driving Academy Program; and 3) the nature, level, value, frequency and amount of any individual prizes and awards to be given to any program participants, at any time before and/or during the course of the AMG Driving Academy Program without notice.
Again, note that the all-new 2011 SLS AMG will join the Stage I Programs at Laguna Seca Raceway only.
Program Highlights
Choose from three internationally respected racetracks in the U.S.
Receive intense, high-quality training from the world’s best professional racers and instructors
Engage in custom-designed exercises that showcase AMG vehicles’ extraordinary dynamic driving capabilities in an authentic environment
Get behind the wheel of several AMG models, to appreciate the dynamic nuances of each
Experience greater in-depth instruction, driver development and seat time than offered in the former AMG Challenge
Enjoy an exclusive dinner reception and introductory briefing the evening before your program
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 » »
The following is a recent MBUSA press release for the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, an exclusive high-performance coupe for especially discerning customers.
A spectacular look, unique performance data, consistently lightweight design and the highest degree of exclusivity – these attributes sum up the new 65 AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz. The high-performance coupé features pure-bred motor sports technology, and introduces sports car fans to a whole new world in terms of dynamic performance. The AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing a maximum output of 661 hp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, guarantees the dynamic performance of a super sports car. Continue reading » »
EDITOR’S NOTE: The AMG Challenge events have been discontinued for 2009! Hold on – the AMG Driving Academy has replaced the program – details here.
2008 AMG CHALLENGE EVENTS
(Discontinued for 2009)
Thunderhill Raceway Park
November 12 & 13, 2008 – AMG Challenge;The standard AMG Challenge program includes on-track driving clinics, line theory and vehicle dynamics training, hot laps and a follow-up awards ceremony.
November 14, 2008 – AMG Challenge Graduate; The Graduate Program builds on the skills acquired in the original AMG Challenge program. You’ll learn advanced techniques that are taught in a faster-paced, more aggressive track experience.
If you have any questions about the AMG Challenge event, call MBUSA at 800-526-3822 (9:00AM-6:00PM EST, M-F).
Back in December of 2006, EPA fined Mercedes-Benz USA and DaimlerChrysler AG for certain air pollution violations. At that time, 29,000 AMG Mercedes-Benz vehicles were involved with a recall to address emission related defects.
Everyone with an affected AMG Mercedes-Benz has been to the dealer to have their software updated and the secondary relay in the air pumps replaced right? OK, probably not.
We are providing this information now so those that have purchased a used car will be aware of the issue. And, they can have their car repaired at the dealer under the recall if necessary.
The following information is from EPA's "Settlement Fact Sheet" published on their compliance website. It provides the VIN number ranges and AMG Mercedes-Benz models recalled. Continue reading » »
AMGmarket.com/PR News/Ref. MBUSA, MONTVALE, NJ- The Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC diesel sedan was chosen as one of Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 Green Cars. This honor comes in conjunction with the launch of KBB Green (www.kbb.com/green), an all-new section that will feature tools, advice, forums and more for the environmentally minded and fuel-conscious new-car shopper.
“The Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC demonstrates quite clearly that hybrid powertrains are not the only way to reach environmental excellence,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director of Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “The advanced BlueTEC system is a technological marvel that brings out the best of diesel technology while virtually eliminating the shortcomings.”
The Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC concept utilizes state-of-the-art diesel engine technology and Continue reading » »
AMGmarket.com/PR news/Ref. MBUSA, MONTVALE, N.J. – Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, an 11.6 percent increase over last July. This brings the year-to-date total to 140,012 units, marking a 2.3 percent increase over the same period last year and setting the new record for MBUSA year-to-date sales.
Both the volume-leading C-Class and E-Class model lines posted gains of 45.4 percent and 53 percent increases respectively. Other highlights for July sales include Continue reading » »
AMG Mercedes has a private forum for AMG owners where they release event info and news – the AMG Private Lounge. For example, on March 26 a team of AMG specialists will answer questions during a live forum event. You can register for the site using your VIN. Once registered, you can participate in the discussions and/or read the posts if you missed the event.
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.
I have been asked to help find AMG Mercedes-Benz owners interested in participating in a photo shoot in Paradise Valley, AZ. Mercedes-Benz USA is commemorating AMG's 41st Anniversary in 2008.
The event will take place in late February 2008. MBUSA is looking for AMG models from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. This is a great way to meet AMG enthusiasts and increase the long-term value of your car. Your car may be included in MBUSA marketing materials.
AMGmarket.com | News – As an ongoing marketing promotion, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) released Mixed Tapes 16 today; an hour’s worth of free music plus the bonus track, "Make My Day." The bonus track is featured in a recent C-class TV commercial.
In all, 16 new MP3 files are available for anyone to download.
You can listen to all songs online then select the songs you like or download the entire CD at: Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape. You must allow "popups" on your browser to access the files and listen to the music online.
You can subscribe to their newsletter and receive a notice for each mixed tape release. Don’t bother trying to download the files on the day you get their announcement; download speeds come to a crawl due to site traffic – wait a few days. MP3’s are large files; about 75 megs of data if you download the entire CD. Download individual songs if you don’t have a high-speed Internet connection.
Here's the announcement from Mercedes-Benz I rec'd this morning:
Bonus track for free download: "Make My Day" from Waldeck
To start off the new C-class, you will find a special highlight on Mixed Tape: The music from the C-class TV commercial as a free download.
The track, “Make My Day” from Klaus Waldeck is made distinguishable by the charismatic voice of Joy Melcolm and the nonchalant nu jazz sounds. This song is featured in the most recent C-class TV commercial, starring Fernando Alonso.
Along with this bonus track, you will also find Mixed Tape 16 available for download: 15 tracks, from hip hop to indie rock! For free, as always: http://www.mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape
EDITOR'S NOTE: You can't access the earlier releases so download the music before the next release, which usually occurs every 3-4 months.
The following is a recent MBUSA press release for the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series, an exclusive high-performance coupe for especially discerning customers.
