Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive Contest

Mastering the art of speed on a legendary race track has always been a distant dream for most of us. Up until now!

Mercedes-Benz is offering you a chance to fulfil that dream.  Through a unique twitter contest, we now provide our racing enthusiasts an opportunity to win slots at the AMG Driving Academy. All you have to do is answer our trivia questions that relate to the Mercedes-Benz and Performance Drive.

The winners of the contest will get to hone their driving skills on the Buddh International Circuit, where they will be taught to drive by professionals on Mercedes-Benz AMG marvels.

To participate in the contest, all you have to do is:

1.      Follow the Mercedes-Benz India Twitter profile (@MercedesBenzInd).

2.      Answer the questions asked with the hashtag #mercperfdrive

Contest Starts 8^th April, Monday and ends 10^th April, Wednesday.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the thrill & exhilaration that comes with being a part of the AMG Driving Academy. Logon to your twitter account to participate now!

Terms & Conditions - This contest is only open to resident citizens of India 18 years & above in age. The winner will be chosen at the sole discretion of Mercedes-Benz India and will be final and binding.

Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive

Speed remains to be the ultimate automotive fascination. While few can truly push the red line and quench their thirst for speed in the real world, the Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive provides mere mortals the opportunity to tame speed, the right way. The Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive is an exclusive program which consolidates all Mercedes-Benz events under one umbrella. Be it the chance to see the ‘Stars’ in action, train to perfect yourself on asphalt in AMG tuned cars or take Mercedes-Benz SUV’s across challenging terrains, the Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive has it all.

Watch the ‘Stars’ at their best at the ‘Star Drive’, a one of a kind program to get you closer to the Mercedes-Benz automobiles in action. Experience the performance of the renowned AMG’s. When their 6.3 litre V8 revs, its spits out insane amount of power and the sporty exhaust note is enough to make you skip a heartbeat.  The Mercedes-Benz SUV range showcases its prowess to conquer any terrain with superior technology and off-road capability.

 

If SUV’s amaze you, the ‘Star Off-Road Experience’ is made just for you. Get a first-hand insight on the superior technology which sets Mercedes-Benz SUVs a class apart from the rest. The off-road track is designed to simulate every possible scenario you may come across when you are not on tarmac. Enjoy the thrill as Mercedes-Benz SUVs tackle treacherous terrain without breaking into a sweat.

 

Get the racer in you to hone your driving skills at the AMG Driving Academy, the only driving academy in India where you are schooled to perfect your driving skills on high performance AMG cars. The AMG Driving Academy is driven by pure passion. Get behind the wheel of these fantastic automobiles on the world-class Buddh International Circuit under guidance from the world’s best instructors. The AMG Driving Academy offers courses to suit your level and take it towards perfection with challenging race track training across 6 skill levels. The track experience is like no other and leaves you in complete enthral.

 

If you are still hungry for more, sign up for any of the Mercedes-Benz international driving events. For the young guns out there, Mercedes-Benz ‘Young Star Driving Program’ is designed to train young aspiring drivers under race tested conditions with expert professionals on track to guide you into the world of professional motor racing.

 

So logon to www.mercedesbenzperformancedrive.in to set your pulse racing with the Mercedes-Benz Performance Drive.

New driving safety training courses from Mercedes-Benz and AMG

New driving safety training courses from Mercedes-Benz and AMG: Helping to ensure a safe, confident and enjoyable driving experience

Mercedes-Benz is starting the 2012/2013 season with a new wide-ranging programme of driving safety training events designed to appeal to all types of drivers. Courses for young people, beginners, advanced and even expert drivers are being offered at 14 locations throughout Germany using vehicles generally provided by Mercedes-Benz – whether saloons, coupés, roadsters or off-road vehicles. The goal of the events is to help drivers to handle their vehicles in a safer and more confident manner, even in emergency situations – and of course to ensure that they enjoy the experience of driving.

One fact confirmed by the accident statistics is that Mercedes drivers are involved in fewer accidents than drivers of cars made by other manufacturers. And this is an area in which the diverse range of driving safety training events offered by Mercedes-Benz can make a contribution. It is all part of the comprehensive safety philosophy of the brand with the star – which in addition comprises accident research and the development of trend-setting assistance and safety systems based on this research and which other automotive brands have also adopted.

Taking place at 14 on and off-road locations throughout Germany, the driving safety training events enable participants to learn how to be more aware of typical danger situations and to practise appropriate responses. By providing courses almost nationwide and at reasonable prices – the half-day basic compact training event for 18 to 25-year olds, for example, costs just 95 euros – Mercedes-Benz is aiming at as many car drivers as possible. Ultimately all road users are able to benefit from the confident car control practiced during the training, not just Mercedes drivers. Any accident is one accident too many.

The target group for the various courses is correspondingly diverse, ranging from learner drivers to experienced professionals, and from sales training to events for professional drivers and chauffeurs. The sole requirement is that the driver must hold a class 3/class B driver's licence.

According to Wolfgang Müller, Chief Instructor for Mercedes-Benz Driving Events: "We offer training events to meet a variety of different interests, so for example not only classic driving safety training sessions which can be aimed specifically at young drivers who are still a bit inexperienced, but also pure sports driving training events for highly motivated drivers." The sports driving training sessions are not just geared towards fun but also towards driving safety. Anyone who is able to control a vehicle at its limits is more composed and considered in situations of danger. Another highlight is that the participants take part in the training using vehicles provided by Mercedes-Benz. This enables exercises to be incorporated which are considerably more dynamic. In addition, the instructors also have the opportunity to demonstrate how effective modern assistance systems can be – as a safety pioneer, Mercedes-Benz provides technologies in this area which are simply not available, or not yet available, in other vehicles. Almost the entire Mercedes-Benz model range is available for the training events.

In addition to extensive driving skills and experience, all of the instructors have the distinct ability to convey the various interconnected driving physics principles in such an easy-to-understand manner that the participants are able to apply them in practice in their everyday driving.

There are on and off-road events designed to take place both in the summer and the winter. The most important events include:

• Basic compact training: on this half-day course, participants find out how an accident can be prevented effectively. Exercises include full brake application combined with an evasive manoeuvre, and a slalom course. Compact training is also available as a reasonably-priced special training event for 18 to 25-year-olds.
• Basic training: as part of this one-day event, the participants learn how dangerous situations can be dealt with safely and confidently with support from active control systems. The demanding programme of lessons includes taking evasive action without braking from 80 km/h, emergency braking and correcting skidding vehicles.
• Advanced training: this extension course provides additional solutions for dealing with hazardous situations at higher speeds – such as emergency braking at 100 km/h or controlling a rear-end skid on a wet bend.
• Enhanced training: here exercises are conducted at high speeds. For example, participants learn how to keep their vehicle under control during an emergency lane change manoeuvre at motorway speeds of 130 km/h. In addition, challenging drift exercises on famous race tracks are also on the agenda.
• Sports training: with this new training event, racing enthusiasts enjoy the unique opportunity to experience driving from the perspective of a racing driver. For example, they learn how to find the ideal line and optimum braking point.
• Eco training: during this half-day event, attendees take part in simple practical and theoretical exercises to learn how to reduce fuel consumption by handling their car more efficiently. On average, those who complete the eco training course subsequently use 15 percent less fuel.
• Professional basic training: this event enables professional drivers to enhance their driving skills. For example, the programme includes performing an evasive manoeuvre at 100 km/h in a predefined direction through a set of traffic lights, emergency braking scenarios and correcting a tail-skidding vehicle at motorway speed, for example. Driving practice is complemented by theoretical exercises tailored to the specific profession with trainers who also instruct police taskforces.
• Mercedes-Benz Fascination Tour: this is a new addition to the range of Mercedes-Benz driving events. This one-day driving experience in vehicles provided by Mercedes-Benz features highlights focusing on the history and present status of the brand in Stuttgart and the surrounding area.

• Mercedes-Benz Fascination Experience: this event immerses participants in the world of Mercedes-Benz for two full days. A visit to the wind tunnel and test track at the plant in Untertürkheim is followed by a voyage of discovery around the Mercedes-Benz Museum and an evening meal together. On the second day, it is on to the training circuit with the opportunity to put the current model range through its paces in slaloming, braking and evasive manoeuvres.
• Off-road events: at a variety of off-road driving training events participants are able to discover what an off-road vehicle is capable of and how to keep such a vehicle under control both on and off the road. In addition to basic training, additional stages are available such as advanced training, enhanced training and extreme training. New additions include a range of winter off-road training events. In the spacious stone quarry outside Kitzbühel, participants are able to get to grips with difficult terrain at half or full-day training events using G, GL, GLK and M-Class vehicles.
• Travel Experience: discovering the world with Mercedes – this is what the participants in the Travel Experience event can expect to enjoy. There are trips to Abu Dhabi, for example, with its endless dune-covered landscape and perfect sandy beaches offering relaxation. Other trips of a lifetime include experiencing Spain from a different perspective or enjoying an off-road adventure in the wintry Arctic Circle. A particular highlight is the "Journey to the Roof of the World": lasting some 47 days, it takes participants from Lodz in Poland all the way to India, travelling via Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

SLS AMG lets loose on the race track

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sets the fastest lap time on the Buddh International Circuit.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is as much a sight to behold as it is a thrill to drive. There are not many cars on the road that can match its looks and the performance leaves everything else in its dust. But few have actually witnessed the true potential of the SLS AMG. It is capable of going toe to toe with the finest racing cars in the world.

Recently, the SLS AMG gave undeniable proof of that fact.  The lucky participants of the AMG Driving Academy held at the Buddh International Circuit were able to see the car in its true element when it set the lap record for the circuit at 2.1 minutes. The F1 track that not too long ago hosted its first Grand Prix had its fastest time blown away by the Roadster with AMG Driving Academy instructor, Norman Simon, behind the wheel.

The AMG Driving Academy at the Buddh International Circuit is a first of its kind in India. The first session of the AMG Driving Academy got a rousing response with the participants grasping the idea of cornering and braking at race pace. At the end of the day, they left with a sense of awe and accomplishment.

The SLS AMG is certainly making waves, not only on the road but on the race track as well.  

The Stars Lead the way

When it comes to the pinnacle of automotive engineering, you only need to turn to the Stars to find your way. With last weekend’s win of the Mercedes-Benz GP team at Shanghai China, the brand has once again reiterated this fact.

Mercedes-Benz has for long been a true leader in the automotive space. Not just the inventors of the automobile, the very genes of innovation run through our veins. The company has established itself in every aspect of automotive engineering, including performance, safety and luxury. Over 80% of all automotive patents are owned by Mercedes-Benz. We help define the future of mobility with innovations such as BLUE EFFICIENCY.  Our innovations have moved beyond occupants and keep in mind the safety of pedestrians as well with innovations like the ACTIVE SAFETY bonnet.  

We have pioneered several initiatives in the Indian market, creating benchmarks for other luxury automotive brands. We established the AMG Driving Academy in India, an event where people could learn how to handle top –of-the-line vehicles with the help of experts. The MercedesTrophy redefines luxury golfing in India for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our StarDrive initiative is the first in its segments and offers a unique test-driving experience that tests the mettle of our Stars. We even offer more car, per Star, with our unique Star Lease program that allows you to lease a Mercedes-Benz car without any hassle of maintenance.

The recent Formula One win is another stellar example of a new beginning and how we will lead the way in the near future.

Mercedes-Benz & Jaypee Sports International introduce India to Performance driving

• India’s first Performance Driving Academy at Buddh International Circuit; only three other institutes globally from Mercedes-Benz
• Certificate course for the BASIC-Training in India: escalation to ADVANCED, PRO and MASTERS levels for aspirants
• Participants were trained on the high-performance AMG range from Mercedes-Benz; global trainers including Bernd Maylander, Official Formula One World Championship Safety Car Driver and Reinhold Renger, Chief Instructor at The AMG Driving Academy

Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with Jaypee Sports International Limited, today launched its renowned AMG performance driving academy at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida. The academy will be officially known as JPSI-AMG Performance Driving Academy. Present on the occasion were Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, Sameer Gaur, Managing Director & CEO, Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI), Bernd Maylander, Official Formula One World Championship Safety Car Driver and Reinhold Renger, Chief Instructor, AMG Driving Academy. 

Speaking at the event, Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “With Buddh International Circuit, we have laid strong foundations together for Motorsports in India. The F1 debut was just the beginning. JPSI and Mercedes-Benz take this step further by offering India’s first performance driving academy. Under the guidance of expert instructors who are themselves former race drivers and champions, our patrons will now have an opportunity to hone their driving skills. Performance driving has come of age in India and the popularity of AMG is testimony to that.”

“Buddh International Circuit has been hailed as one of the best tracks in the world and we are delighted to offer racing enthusiast an opportunity to experience AMG Performance Driving. Mercedes-Benz has decades of experience in this arena and we have found the perfect partner in them.” Said Sameer Gaur, Managing Director and CEO of Jaypee Sports International (JPSI)

Mercedes-Benz along with JPSI has crafted the Performance Driving Academy to create a platform of high-octane experience to motorsports enthusiasts in India. The new Academy will offer structured programs, cars, trainers and help groom new talents on the racing circuit.

The experience of Mercedes-Benz in training enthusiasts for performance driving spans decades. And, at the launch of the academy in India, MB brought the former Mercedes-Benz DTM Driver and now the Official F1 Safety Car Driver Bernd Maylander in India. Along with him, the chief instructor of the AMG Performance Driving Academy, Reinhold Renger was present to give the very first drive experience and personalized hands on training to the Indian Media.

BASIC-Training

Currently, the BASIC-Training course is available In India. In this course, one builds the ideal foundations for the safe and masterful use of an AMG Mercedes with its range of features- for increased safety and better enjoyment of driving. In theoretical and practical training units, professional instructors show drivers how to exploit one’s driving potential to the fullest and that of the vehicle in the future. The BASIC-Training course is offered to enthusiasts for INR 75,000 per participant. However, Mercedes-Benz customers are offered special privileges & the course is offered at a special price of INR 50,000.

Around 50 participants had an opportunity to drive the AMG range of performance cars to drive on the track; C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG and SLS AMG. The popularity of AMG in India was a further enabler in the establishment of JPSI-AMG performance driving academy, as explained by Ola Käellenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Mr. Käellenius added, “The AMGs enjoy huge popularity and we are delighted that India will have an opportunity to experience the AMG range in its fullest glory at the globally acclaimed Buddh International Circuit. Our expert instructors will help the participants hone their skills even further at the same time ensuring that the highest standards of safety are ensured for all. We look forward to welcome our passionate fans for the advanced level courses as well.”

"We started with the F1 event and here we are, back with our commitment to bring the best to our consumers in India. Performance is the DNA of Mercedes-Benz and launching the renowned AMG driving academy only further strengthens our commitment. We are proud to offer Indian fans a unique product and brand experience with the JPSI-AMG Driving Academy", said Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India

Successful racing drivers as high profile instructors 

The AMG Driving Academy employs a total of 21 instructors globally. The permanent team around chief instructor Reinhold Renger includes high-profile racing drivers: Bernd Schneider with five DTM Championships under his belt, plus an ITC and FIA GT Championship title for good measure, ranks as one of Germany's most successful racing drivers.

Bernd Mayländer drove for Mercedes-Benz for eight years in the DTM 

and FIA GT Championships, and has been the permanent driver in the 

Official F1™ Safety Car since 2000 – in his SLS AMG he is helping to ensure 

the best possible driver safety throughout this year's Formula 1 season. At present, Schneider is heavily involved in the development and testing programmes for the new SLS AMG GT3–partnered by his instructor colleague Thomas Jäger (33), 2009 Champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and long-time DTM driver for Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz’s involvement with motorsports has a legacy spanning 117 years and the company has been a major force in Motorsports since 1894. The Silver Arrows were born on 3 June 1934 when Manfred von Brauchitsch won the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring at the wheels of a Mercedes W25. On 4 July 1954, the Silver Arrows returned for the first time when Juan Manuel Fangio drove his W196 streamliner to victory in the French Grand Prix at Reims, which he won ahead of his team-mate Karl Kling. It was also the first Formula One race win for Mercedes-Benz. From the legendary Silver Arrow to the Mercedes AMG team of today, no other automobile manufacturer in the world shares the same relationship with racing as Mercedes-Benz. The dominance of the tri-star only grows stronger and better with 6 cars running on Mercedes-Benz engines today!

About Buddh International Circuit

F1’s newest showpiece, Buddh International circuit, has been designed as one of the fastest, most exciting motor racing circuits in the world, and is well suited to the requirements of powerful, high-spec racing of cars and motorcycles. After successfully hosting the inaugural F1 Indian Grand Prix on October 30, 2011, BIC will soon host some of the most challenging motorsport events on the planet. 

The 5.14 km track has a combination of 16 corners, high-speed straights and dramatic changes in elevation that has been designed to provide ample opportunities for overtaking, which is what makes motor racing exciting. At the same time, in terms of adherence to safety norms and regulations, run-off areas, medical facilities, facilities for the media and overall infrastructure, BIC is among the best in the world. 

BIC has been designed by world-renowned German architect and race track designer Herman Tilke, who has also designed other world-class race circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, Indonesia, the UAE, South Africa, South Korea and the US.