The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and SL-Class vehicles are among the top 7 cars most likely to be stolen according to data released by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which tracks per-car theft losses. The rankings are reported in relative terms.

For example, a car with an HLDI theft loss score of 100 is considered to be average – numbers above 100 are higher than average. The Cadillac Escalade EXT has an astronomical loss ranking of 1,728. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and SL-Class rank 6th and 7th on the list; rankings of 227 and 209, respectively.

Additional Resources

Forbes has a more detailed story on the HDLI's report. The article is published here on MSNBC  for those interested.

Besides the autobahn, where can you drive a variety of AMGs to the limit without getting arrested? How about at the California Speedway or Lime Rock Park? Mercedes-Benz offers an event for AMG enthusiasts branded "The AMG Challenge." For a couple of grand you can experience the power of AMG on the track and learn professional skills to tame the track.

If you own an AMG you should have rec'd an invite from Mercedes-Benz, but if you didn't you can contact them by phone (see the end of this post). Also, you may forward an invitation to a friend by having them register at www.mbusa.com/amgchallenge using the code AMG999. If the events are sold out, they will be placed on a waiting list.

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.

AMG Challenge Dates 

UPDATE (April 2007): The dates and locations for the AMG Challenge have changed!

Click image to view large pic.

May 11 or 12
[May 10 added to dates]
California Speedway – Fontana, CA
AMG Challenge Graduate date, May 13

July 31 or Aug. 1
[NO LONGER OFFERED AT THIS TRACK AS OF APRIL 2007]
Lime Rock Park – Lakeville, CT
AMG Challenge Graduate, Aug. 2

Aug. 18 or 19
[NO LONGER OFFERED AT THIS TRACK AS OF APRIL 2007]
Autobahn Country Club – Joliet, IL

Sept. 18 & 19 [TRACK AND DATES ADDED]
Pocono Raceway – Long Pond, PA

Oct. 5 or 6
[DATES CHANGED TO OCT. 11 & 12]
Homestead Miami Speedway – Homestead, FL
AMG Challenge Graduate, Oct. 7

Additional Resources
AMG Market | Mercedes-Benz Enthusiasts

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

• AMG Challenge Overview Page (enter the guest code AMG999 to access the info)
• Phone for more info: 201-802-7891 or 201-802-7892 (9:00AM-6:00PM EST)

Other Resources

• Video of 2003 AMG Challenge on the AMG Market Video Page
• 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 – vehicles are provided. 

According to a statement by DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes-Benz will sell four AMG models in China this year. The AMG models slated for sale are the S65 AMG, E63 AMG, ML63 AMG and G55 AMG.  Mercedes-Benz expects strong sales given the wealth that now exists in China.

Source: Forbes.com

Besides the autobahn, where can you drive a variety of AMGs to the limit without getting arrested? How about at the California Speedway or Lime Rock Park? Mercedes-Benz offers an event for AMG enthusiasts branded "The AMG Challenge." For a couple of grand you can experience the power of AMG on the track and learn professional skills to tame the track.

NOTE: We updated this post and links. You can find the AMG Challenge Event info here.

The new-generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is being showcased at the North American International Auto Show, which is open to the public January 13-21 in Detroit’s Cobo Center.  With the debut of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz product line, the S550 is joined by the new S550 4MATIC along with three limited-production models – the V12 S600 and S65 AMG as well as the V8-powered S63 AMG.

MBUSA has released numerous press material for this show. Given the length of the PR, I've created a page for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class PR that includes the S600, S65 AMG and the S63 AMG. You can find the complete press release here on this page.

2007 AMG S63	2007 S-Class 4Matic

 If you are interested in additional photos, leave a comment indicating what you would like and we'll send them to you.