If you're new here, you can subscribe to AMG Market and receive summary updates when new content is published by the editors (no SPAM). Our blog subscribers also receive some premium content privileges. Thanks for visiting!

Our friends at TRG Motorsports sent us the press release below. Along with Circle B Motorscars of Texas, they will debut the SLR McLaren 722 GT in Joliet, Illinois on July 26:

Petaluma, Calif., (June 30, 2009) – TRG Motorsports together with Circle B Motorcars of Texas will debut the No 71 Circle B Motorcars Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT car in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Series at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois on July 26.

Continue reading » »

AMG Market/PR News/Mercedes-AMG Press Release/Affalterbach – AMG, the high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is presenting the new E63 AMG. This dynamic sports sedan with day-to-day suitability is the top-of-the-line E-Class model, offering an impressive combination of outstanding performance, exhilarating driving dynamics and a technology transfer from the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster.

The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular E-Class models with the powerful AMG 6.2-liter V8 engine, the completely newly developed adaptive AMG sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its unique exterior and interior design. Newly developed compound brakes are also available as an option for the top-of-the-line E-Class model. Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel-efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety. (Photos and additional details below)

Continue reading » »

Race car driver, Susie Stoddart and fashion ambassador, Julia Stegner with the SLR Roadster at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin venue

The fifth edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin began with the fusion of fashion and automobile. Susie Stoddart, one of the world’s top race car drivers drove with Mercedes-Benz fashion brand ambassador Julia Stegner in the SLR Roadster to the red carpet at Berlin’s famous Bebelplatz. In high style, they were on their way to the joint fashion show of Black Coffee from South Africa and Ramírez from Argentina presented by Mercedes-Benz.

It was the first time that both fashion labels had shown their collection at one of the top international fashion events.

“I think it’s fantastic that Mercedes-Benz, as part of its worldwide fashion activities, gives outstanding talents from domestic markets the chance to present their fashions on a major international runway,” said Julia Stegner.

Along with DTM racing driver Susie Stoddart, the top model was delighted with the extraordinary show and the creative designs presented by the fashion labels from Johannesburg and Buenos Aires.

Both Black Coffee and Ramírez had previously been awarded at fashion events sponsored by Mercedes-Benz in their respective countries. These awards won them the opportunity to stage their own show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. “Fostering top domestic designers and up-and-coming fashion talents is a key element of our international fashion activities. We’ve established numerous national fashion prizes around the world and sponsor exclusive fashion festivals in order to level the international playing field for exceptionally talented designers,” said Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes‑Benz Cars.

Black Coffee and Ramírez showed extraordinary fashion designs

With their Black Coffee label, designers Jacques van der Watt and Daniça Lepen won the renowned Mercedes-Benz South Africa Award for Art and Culture, which this year was awarded in the field of fashion design. At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, they presented an extraordinary collection that merges past and future to create a new style for today’s South Africa. Faces are covered with helmets and nets reminiscent of colonial Africa, combining contemporary colurs, beading and printing that creates a look that is completely fresh, yet historic. “In a world full of technology, we return to age old finishes to infuse garments with personality and charm,” explained both designers. Black Coffee has always taken inspiration from old African traditions to create contemporary, luxurious fashion.

In late 2008, Pablo Ramírez of Argentina was named top national designer at Fashion Edition Buenos Aires. His spring/summer 2010 collection, which he showed in Berlin, is a tribute to Kouka, the legendary top model from his homeland and guiding spirit of 1960s Parisian designers. “My dresses represent the quintessential of grace. They are an ode to femininity and timeless elegance,” described Pablo Ramírez.

Updated technology as well as active and passive safety is creating more appeal for the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG. Both top-of-the-line S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG embody state-of-the-art technology. The S 63 AMG, with its 386 kW/525 hp AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The S 65 AMG, meanwhile, with the AMG 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine delivers more power; 450 kW/612 hp, 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

[More Info & Photos of the AMG S65 here]

Exterior Features

Contributing to the status of both models is the new, more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, now featuring twin chrome-plated louvers in the case of the S 65 AMG. The new front apron incorporates AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and two transverse air outlets on each side. In addition, the lettering on the front wings and redesigned exterior mirrors includes the “6.3 AMG” or “V12 Biturbo.” The new rear apron is now highlighted as well: the centre section of the diffuser insert is painted in the same color as the vehicle body. New rear lamps with 52 LED’s in the form of a double “C” also give the S-Class an instantly recognizable appearance from behind.

Continue reading » »

The "International Engine of the Year Awards 2009" finds engines from Mercedes-Benz and AMG were the best in three categories.

The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine received two awards: "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 liter" categories. This engine is naturally aspirated and it develops up to 386 kW/525 hp’; it took first place by a wide margin in each case.

In the "2 to 2.5 liters" category, the new four-cylinder diesel unit from Mercedes-Benz also took first place by a comfortable margin.

The "International Engine of the Year Awards" are among the most prestigious in the automobile sector.

Continue reading » »

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’s an excerpt of the email notice rec’d 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

Choose from a

Continue reading » »

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.