Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

Inclined for star treatment? Highlights from StarDrive Mumbai.

The Mercedes-Benz StarDrive got petrol-heads in Mumbai all enthused over the weekend. Renowned for demonstrating the marvels of Mercedes-Benz engineering across 11 cities, the Mumbai edition was conducted at the Juhu Aerodrome on the 1^st and 2^nd of December. The venue was the perfect place to put the stars through their paces and allowed fans to experience these marvels of automotive engineering like they are meant to be. On display were the stunning SLS AMG, G-55 AMG and E-Cabriolet while enthusiasts could experience the M-Class, and C 63 AMG at the hands of experts. StarDrive Mumbai also saw Farhan Akhtar participate in the event as he put his favourite Stars through their paces.

The StarDrive Experience demonstrates Mercedes-Benz hallmark levels of safety by providing participants with a first-hand demonstration of PRE-SAFE®.  One of the several safety systems that contribute to the Mercedes-Benz Integral Safety concept, PRE-SAFE® takes anticipatory precautions when an imminent collision is detected. Seats bend forward into a favourable position, head rests adjust and seat belts tighten, in addition the windows and the sun roof close automatically for preventive action.  Participants get to experience PRE-SAFE® in a completely controlled and safe environment. Also demonstrated are the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Participants also climbed to new heights with the SUV demonstration that included the M-Class and the GL-Class. These mighty titans made little of a 40 degree slope with the help of their PRO-ENGINEERING Package while the Hill Hold Assist helped the vehicle stand stationary for a breath taking 2.5 seconds before rolling back. Descending is a piece of cake with Downhill Speed Regulation allowing the driver to set the speed of 4 to 18 kmph for a controlled descent. Participants were treated to a drive that was as smooth as silk as the differential lock system made little of difficult terrain.

The Mumbai edition of the StarDrive was unlike any other with a guest appearance of one of our favourite stars – Farhan Akhtar. He slipped behind the wheel of an M-Class to experience the SUV test track on his own terms. This was followed by a breath-taking ride in the C63 AMG,  on the slalom course. This was followed by drives in the SLS AMG and G55 AMG. The icing on the cake was that winners of our StarDrive with Farhan Akhtar contest got to experience an exhilarating drive in the M-Class with their favourite Star.

2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix starts off this weekend

The 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix takes place on Sunday 28 October at the Buddh International Circuit just outside New Delhi. Having made its Formula One debut last year, the 5.125 km circuit hosts Round 17 of this year’s championship.

• Nine of the ten corners between Turns 5 and 14 are taken at between 200 and 250 kph
• The maximum lateral force generated on the lap is 3.8 G in Turn 13
• The 230m run from pole to the apex of Turn 1 is the third shortest of the year after Monaco and Valencia
• The cars spend 8.2s cornering in the double right-hander at Turns 10 and 11

Michael Schumacher

The Formula One debut of India last year was certainly a success. There were a surprising amount of fans during the weekend, and the track itself really is cool. We drivers were given a very enthusiastic reception, and it will be interesting to see if this enthusiasm has remained as strong. After two races which have not been totally satisfying, we naturally wish for a more positive trend to come, and I can say that everybody in the team has put in a lot of effort to achieve it. Let's see what we can make out of it.

Nico Rosberg

The Buddh International Circuit is very challenging with an interesting combination of slow speed corners and long fast straights. The track also has one of the highest average speeds in Formula One and is good for overtaking. Last year I was really impressed by the passion and friendliness of the Indian people so I'm looking forward to visiting again and having some more interesting experiences. I hope that I will have a bit more luck than recently next weekend, and I will have the chance to achieve a good result.

Ross Brawn

Next week will see Formula One’s second visit to India following the inaugural Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in October 2011. This year, our team is very pleased to be partnering with Airtel, title sponsors of the race, and we look forward to sharing our Indian Grand Prix experience with them. It’s always a pleasure to welcome new fans to our sport, and Formula One certainly seemed to capture the imagination of those who came to the circuit last year. The facilities are very impressive, and the track proved a good challenge for the drivers.

 

Norbert Haug

After a successful inaugural race last year, we are all excited to return to the Buddh International Circuit for the second edition of the Indian Grand Prix. We received a warm welcome from a very enthusiastic public last year and it was impressive to see the prestige Formula One enjoyed with the people on its first visit to India. Following two long straights, and one shorter one, the circuit offers a challenging flow of corners from turns 5 to 15, especially the long right-hander at turns 10 and 11. This puts high loads through the front-left tyre, while the expected temperatures in excess of 30°C will also make for additional challenges.

JAPANESE GRAND PRIX – RACE 2012

Michael Schumacher finished the Japanese Grand Prix in 11th place this afternoon, having started from 23rd on the grid. Team-mate Nico Rosberg was forced to retire on the first lap after being hit by another car.

• Michael ran a two-stop prime/option/option strategy, stopping on laps 17 and 36
• His strategy made full use of his two available new sets of option tyres to gain 12 positions
• In the final stint, he caught the cars ahead of him at over a second a lap but was unable to pass for P10
• Nico was eliminated by a collision in turn two when he was hit from behind by Bruno Senna´s Williams

Michael Schumacher

I have mixed feelings after the race here in Japan, because it´s obviously unfortunate to come so close to scoring points and not manage it, after a race which went better than we expected. In the final laps, I had a nice and interesting battle with Ricciardo, but in the end I couldn´t get past him because the Toro Rosso was so quick on the straights. That´s why we have to say we couldn´t have got much more out of it today. Now let´s see how things go in Korea.

Nico Rosberg

I had a good start to the race but unfortunately it ended fairly quickly today. In the first corner Grosjean spun into Webber and that also led to my accident. I began to brake but Senna crashed into me from behind which destroyed my rear tyre and meant that I had to retire. It’s a shame as I felt very comfortable with my car on the installation lap, and I was confident that we could score some decent points. I’ll now hope for a better weekend in Korea.

Ross Brawn

From where he started today, Michael drove a strong race, and it’s a shame that he didn’t get some points for his efforts. However starting from 23rd on the grid made that just too much of a challenge, despite a very good strategy and encouraging pace from the car in the lower temperatures. The accident which caused Nico’s retirement was a great shame as the car was in good shape and he could have scored decent points if he hadn’t been taken out. There were some encouraging signs in the race and we will take heart from that as we continue to work on improving the car.

Norbert Haug

A good performance and a good drive from Michael during the race, which saw us posting good lap times for the first time this weekend - and Michael setting the sixth fastest lap time around three-quarters of the way through the race. After starting P23 following his ten-place grid penalty, Michael came home in P11, chasing the car ahead during the last seven laps. He caught him quickly, setting better lap times in the final stint, but in the end he unfortunately could not overtake to score the last available point. Nico was eliminated during the first corner crash through no fault of his own, so no points today for him or our team. We are now looking forward to the race next weekend in Korea.

Buckle up for pure exhilaration: StarDrive

The second phase of StarDrive Experience 2012 begins in various cities this month. Starting on the first of September in Delhi at the Buddh International Circuit, it continues in Chandigarh on 8^th-9^th September and concludes in Mumbai with a special drive with Farhan Akhtar on 22^nd-23^rd of the month. The experience features the Mercedes-Benz GL- Class, G-Wagon and the M-Class. You've heard stories about their power; durability and performance, now drive these marvellous machines from Mercedes-Benz in person.

The StarDrive is your chance to experience ground-breaking innovations from Mercedes-Benz. Witness PRE-SAFE®, Traction Control and ESP, Off-Road Pro Engineering and 4ETS live as you get behind the wheel of your favourite Mercedes-Benz.

The PRE-SAFE® feature has participants experience the car’s preventive protection -  seats bend forward into a favourable angle, seat belts tighten, windows and sunroofs close automatically and head restraints position accordingly. The simulation, at the hands of expert instructors, is as close as it gets to the real thing.

SUV genre stalwarts like the GL-Class and M-Class showcase sheer power as they overwhelm the toughest of terrains. They manoeuvre 40 degree slopes with considerable ease owing to the PRO-ENGINEERING Package. The differential lock system helps transfer weight from the unused wheels to the ones touching the ground, thus maintaining a perfect balance and grip on inclined terrain. The 4-MATIC and AIRMATIC suspension in these SUVs helps them adjust their suspension seamlessly in order to accommodate the rapidly changing terrain.

There’s no uphill task for these behemoths! While scaling new heights, participants can experience Hill Hold Assist that helps the car remain steady for 2.5seconds before rolling back, giving the driver enough time to prepare for the climb. Likewise, when driving down the slope, the Downhill Speed Regulation sets a speed between 4-18 kmph depending on the terrain. All the driver needs to do is manoeuvre; the car takes care of the rest by maintaining perfect balance and speed.

This year, we've taken the StarDrive experience a notch up by granting the winners of the Slalom contest a chance to be in the grand finale with Farhan Akhtar. Every qualifying participant will still take home a special gift voucher from us. So witness true marvels of the 21^st century with the StarDrive Experience.

Inherited agility. Comprehending the C-Class

Experience a new generation of agility with the C-Class from Mercedes-Benz. An automobile crafted for speed, the C-Class provides thrills like no other. Confident yet captivating, the C-Class is the perfect blend of sportiness and state-of-the-art innovations.

Available in petrol and diesel variants, the C-Class delivers uncompromising efficiency in an automobile that impresses in every detail.  While the C-Class rolled out initially in 1993, we’ve never stopped perfecting it since. Its subsequent iterations have resulted in a car that is the true harbinger of speed. The 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission ensures that the C-Class makes its mark both on the track and off it. Its proven record of wins cumulated with the 2010 DTM championship where a C-Class took first place in nine out of eleven DTM races.

Styled to exhilarate as much as it accelerates, the C-Class is easy to pick out from the crowd with a powerful and provocative front section. This styling is carried even within with the dashboard, surfaces and trims that espouse speed at every corner. The result is an automobile that looks like its speeding even when at a standstill. 

This speed comes with features that ensure a responsible drive. BlueEFFICIENCY technologies ensure reduced emissions while a slew of safety features like ATTENTION ASSIST, AGILITY CONTROL and Intelligent Light System ensure for a safe drive. The result, a perfect combination in a car that delivers agility, style and substance.  The Mercedes-Benz blog explores facets of this amazing automobile right here in subsequent posts. Stay tuned.

Michael Schumacher celebrates his 300th race

Michael Schumacher celebrates his 300^th race.

The formula for success is persistence. When Michael Schumacher lines up on the starting grid for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team at the Spa Francorchamps on Sunday, it will be his 300th Grand Prix start. A feat only one other driver has achieved. Added to this is Michael's impressive record of 91 race wins, 155 podiums, 68 pole positions and 77 fastest laps to his name.

Spa Francorchamps is where it all began for Michael. It was on the very same track that he made his Formula One debut with Jordan, back in 1991. It also has a special place in his heart as he won his first Grand Prix here in 1992 and took home his last world championship title in 2004. It comes as no surprise then that he has been made an honorary citizen of Spa. Speaking about Spa, Michael comments, "Spa is like my living room. For me, it's clearly the number one racetrack in the world.”

At 43 years of age Michael is completely committed to the sport. On the eve of this momentous race, Michael stated - "Formula One is the ultimate racing and if you're involved, you're only involved because you want to do the best that you can do." He will be commemorating this special race with a  new helmet design, crafted for this occasion.

Sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

Mercedes-Benz India ushers in the sporty and aggressive C-Class AMG Performance Edition

C-Class AMG Performance Edition

• Introduction of AMG Sports Package: The enhanced driving dynamics of the C-Class AMG Performance Edition gets more accentuated with an aggressive exterior and a dynamic interior

• Sporty Exteriors with AMG Body Styling: 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, perforated front brake discs and sports suspension

• Luxurious & Sporty Interiors with AMG Sports Package: Steering wheel gear shift paddles, 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in nappa leather, instrument cluster featuring 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds, high-resolution of 11.4 cm (4.5-inch)  & TFT colour display

Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new C-Class AMG Performance Edition with added AMG Sports Package. The C-Class 250 CDI Avant-garde has been hailed as the most aggressive vehicles in its class in terms of handling and driving dynamics. The AMG Sports Package translates this dynamism and aggression through the overall look and feel of the vehicle now. The AMG Sports package comprises carefully coordinated features for a sportier exterior and adds to the contours of the interior ambience, lending an enhanced driving dynamics.

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition sets newer standards in its segment by offering an aggressive road presence and integrating safety, comfort and agility. The New C-Class has been one of the most important and iconic model series from Mercedes-Benz stable, and has been an epitome of luxury and comfort making it one of the most popular vehicles in the segment.

 Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India: “The C-Class has been one of the most successful sedans from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio and has received overwhelming customer traction since its launch. We have sold close to 15,000 units of the C-Class since its launch in India in 2001. With the launch of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition; Mercedes-Benz aims to redefine the luxury entry level sedan segment. The new C-Class AMG Performance Edition will offer our connoisseurs a more enhanced driving experience, incorporated with the added features of the AMG styling, which is revered for its sporty and dynamic attributes globally. Mercedes-Benz’s constant endeavour has been to innovate and delight its diverse customer base through exciting products and world class service standards. We are confident that the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition will continue to excite our growing customer base and fans of AMG styling.”

The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with AMG Sports Package adds to the exemplary visual appeal of its predecessors by adding more aggressive and sporty renderings. The New C-Class AMG Performance Edition’s exterior now comes with AMG body styling with a front and rear apron, and side sill panels. The 17-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels give the car a much more aggressive look which is enhanced further by the front brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering. The Perforated front brake discs and a new Sports suspension are some of the distinctive features which make driving the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition more engaging.

The additional renderings of the AMG Sports Package include the tailpipe trim which now comes in polished stainless steel. The sporty look of the car is now more distinguished with the daytime running lamps with chrome surrounds.

A distinctive sporty look greets the interior which now has a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with 12 function keys in Nappa leather. The steering wheel is further accentuated with a red contrasting topstitching with flattened lower section, and a perforation in the grip area making long drives comfortable. Adding to the ease of driving, the steering wheel now also comes with gear shift paddles.

The AMG Sports Package in the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition provides a superlative look to the interior with a new instrument cluster which features the 3 analogue dials with tapered tube-style surrounds. The high-resolution 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) TFT colour display adds a whole new level of sophistication to the interior of the car.

Other AMG Sports Package renderings, which endow the plush interiors of the New C-Class AMG Performance Edition with a sporty look, are in the form of aluminum-look gearshift/selector lever with leather gaiter, a brushed stainless steel AMG sports pedals with black rubber studs and a headlining in black fabric. The floor mats too now comes in black with AMG lettering pronounced.

With a redesigned dashboard, new instrument cluster, equipped with an integrated colour display and revamped upholstery, the New C-Class has witnessed a complete makeover in its interiors, offering the customers a deluxe travelling opportunity.

The C-Class AMG Performance Edition is priced at INR 34, 62,609 ex-showroom in Mumbai.

Contact:  

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.: Tel. 021 35673000

Manas Dewan: e-mail: manas.dewan@daimler.com

Shekhar Das Chowdhury: e-mail: shekhar.daschowdhury@daimler.com

Ghazal Javed: e-mail: ghazal.javed@daimler.com

2012 Spanish Grand Prix – Preview

Formula One's European season starts next week with the Spanish Grand Prix taking place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. A familiar testing venue, the 4.655 km circuit plays host to Round Five of the 2012 World Championship.

• The race has been won from pole in nine of the last 10 years; the exception was 2011, when Vettel won from P2
• At 730 metres, the run from the start-finish line to the apex of the first corner is the longest of the season
• Spain was one of just two races won on a four-stop strategy last season; the other was the Turkish Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher

“After completing our testing programme in Mugello, we are now heading to the start of the European season in Barcelona next week. The positive thing about the test was that we could really concentrate on the developments we were aiming to work on. This should give us a good basis for further developments, even if maybe not for the next race to come. Barcelona is a track we have driven extensively on, and this is why we know that its characteristics do not exactly play fully into our hands. But then, we will definitely go there and try our best and at the same time keep on working for the things to come.”

Nico Rosberg

“I am really looking forward to next weekend and racing in Europe again. It's quite unique to come to a track where we have done so many laps in winter testing, however the race weekend will be a completely different challenge. The test in Mugello this week was very positive for us, and I believe we will arrive in Barcelona with a much better understanding of the tyres and how we need to set our car up. Despite the familiarity of the track, there will still be a lot of work for us to do, and it should be a good challenge.” 

Ross Brawn, Team Principal

“After a hectic start to the season with four races and the test in Mugello, we are all looking forward to the European season getting underway and the familiarity that brings. The team had a good week in Italy for the test this week where we were able to work both on challenges that affected us during the initial races of the season, and evaluate a number of new developments planned for the forthcoming races. Spain plays host to the first European race, and although the Circuit de Catalunya is a very familiar venue for the team and our drivers, the weekend will bring its own challenges. I feel confident that we are continuing to make progress, and we will of course be working hard to continue that trend.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

“The first four races of the 2012 season have offered great, thrilling sport for all fans of Formula One. Eight drivers from six teams on the podium in four races - one more driver than in the entire 2011 season - and four winners from four races for the first time in nearly 30 years; you couldn't ask for more in terms of on-track excitement and unpredictability. No team has yet produced winning form at more than one event and achieving this consistency will be key. Our MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team has registered a positive trend: after two difficult races at the start of the season, we were competitive and won in China then, in Bahrain, we were the third-fastest team on race day. We have been hard at work since then to further improve the competitiveness, consistency and reliability of our car. The Circuit de Catalunya will present a very different challenge next weekend to the ones in the first four races with track temperatures likely to be very different and with new developments on the cars. We will approach the race weekend in a focused manner in order to maximise our team performance with both drivers.”

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the new DTM Safety Car

A further highlight of the 2012 DTM season in addition to the spectacular new Mercedes-AMG C-Coupé will be the DTM Safety Car: right from the off, C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series will be providing the necessary safety for the world's most popular touring car series. With a maximum output of 380 kW (517 hp), this two-seater is the most powerful C-Class of all time. The German Touring Car Masters (DTM) gets underway at the Hockenheimring on 29 April 2012.

The Safety Car is deployed under the direction of the German Motorsport Association (DMSB), which is responsible for implementing safety measures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and discharging the attendant official sporting functions in accordance with the DTM rules. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car driven by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (44) is intended to ensure maximum safety for racing drivers, spectators and track marshals in case of dangerous situations, such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. In response to a radio message from the race organizers, the Safety Car enters the track and leads the DTM field around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed.

The most powerful C-Class of all time stands for spectacular design, technology transfer from the field of motorsport and driving dynamics of the very highest caliber. As such, the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series only required modification to a few points of detail for deployment as the DTM Safety Car. The most striking feature distinguishing it from the series production version is the aerodynamically optimized light bar on the roof. Energy-efficient, fast-response LEDs in green and orange keep the DTM racing drivers informed of the current situation.

DTM Safety Car provided by Mercedes-AMG since 2000

Mercedes-AMG has been providing the Safety Car ever since the beginning of the "new" DTM in 2000, alternating with Audi from race to race – and since 2012 with BMW also. In the Formula 1 World Championship, an SLS AMG is deployed as an Official F1 Safety-Car and a C 63 AMG Estate serves as an Official F1 Medical Car.