Here is the telemetry video that was recorded while I was doing hot laps in the SLS AMG. You can see speed, g-forces and my track position on the “dashboard” as well as my perspective and my face while driving! It looks like I am talking to myself the whole time…I am! I was repeating all of the instruction I had gotten throughout the day – Drift left here, apex, eyes up, spot the next cone, apex, accelerate hard,  BRAKE! Also, when the instructor comes over the radio it was not me who had been too aggressive, it was the car behind me.

The AMG Academy comes back to Road Atlanta on Friday – You can visit the AMG Academy website for all the details.

The 2012 C-Class Coupe is scheduled to arrive in August/September of 2011. It has been a while since we have seen a 2-door C-Class in the US! With 2 engine choices and great options it should be a hit!

Standard Equipment

• C250: 1.8 litre turbo inline-4 with 201 hp / 229 lb/ft torque
• C350: 3.5 litre V6 with 302 hp / 273 lb/ft torque
• C350 4matic due in 2012
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Split Folding Rear Seats
• Rain-Sensing intermittent wipers
• Bluetooth
• Shift Paddles
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Adaptive BRAKE with HOLD function
• LED daytime running lights and tail lamps
• Auto Dimming driver side and rear view mirrors
• HomeLink garage door opener
• Integrated Compass in rearview mirror
• HD Radio
• USB Interface

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Mars Red
• Magnetite Black Metallic
• Cuprite Brown Metallic
• Iridium Silver Metallic
• Palladium Silver Metallic
• Diamond White Metallic
• Steel Greyt Metallic
• Lunar Blue Metallic

Interior Colors

• Black – MB-Tex, Leather
• Almond / Beige – MB-Tex,
• Sahara / Beige – Leather
• Ash – MB-Tex, Leather
• Red Leather
• Trims – Burl Walnut – Standard on C350, Aluminum – standard on C250, Ash Olive Matte Wood – Optional on C250/C350

Option Packages

Premium 1 Package - C250 $1995, standard on C350

• iPod/MP3 Media Interface
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• harman/kardon Premium Sound
• Heated Seats

Full Leather Seating Package – $1640

• Full Leather Seating
• Memory Package

Lighting Package – $1180

• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Headlamp Cleaning System
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist

Multimedia Package – $2750

• Rearview Camera
• COMAND system with Hard Drive Navigation
• 7.0″ High-Res LCD screen
• Enhanced Voice Control System
• 10GB Music Register
• 6-disk DVD changer
• Gracenote Media Database with cover art
• SD card slot

Lane Tracking Package – $950 – Great New Option!!!

• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

Stand-Alone Options

• PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance – $970
• Rear Side Airbags – $420
• mbrace – $660
• iPod/MP3 Interface – C250 $310, C350 standard
• Burl Walnut Wood or Ash Olive Matte Wood – C250 $325, C350 standard/no charge
• 18″ AMG 7-Spoke Alloy Wheel – C250/C350 $1040
• 18″ AMG 5-Twin Spoke Alloy Wheel – C250/C350 $1040
• Heated Front Seats – C250 $750, C350 standard
• KEYLESS-GO – TBD
• Rear Seat Entertainment – C250/C300 4matic/C350 TBD
• Illuminated Doors Sills – TBD
• Wheel Locks – TBD
• Chrome Door Handle Inserts – TBD
• Nav + 4 – TBD
• Rear Trunk Lid Spoiler - C250/C300 4matic TBD
• Roof Spoiler - C250/C300 4matic/C350 TBD
• Media Interface PLUS – TBD
• Rear Spoiler – TBD
• Dynamic Handling Package – C250/C350 $1530
• 6-Disk CD Changer – $480

Wheels:

1. C250 Standard 17″
2. C350 17″ AMG
3. C250 / C350 Sport Optional 18″ AMG
4. C250 / C350 Sport Optional 18″ AMG

All of this information and pricing is still preliminary can can change before the vehicle is released. The US debut will be at the New York International Auto Show on April 20th.  The 2012 C-Class Sedan is available for order now.

The 2012 C-Class Sedan is scheduled to arrive in August of 2011 with 4 models in the portfolio. It is a refresh for the model with new engines, new front and rear styling, new wheels, redesigned interior,  improved level of standard equipment and additional optional equipment.

Standard Equipment

• C250: 1.8 litre turbo inline-4 with 201 hp / 229 lb/ft torque
• C350: 3.5 litre V6 with 302 hp / 273 lb/ft torque
• C300 4matic: 3.0 litre V6 with 228 hp / 221 lb/ft torque
• C63: 6.3 litre V8 with 451 hp / 443 lb/ft torque
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Adaptive BRAKE with HOLD function
• LED daytime running lights and tail lamps
• Auto Dimming driver side and rear view mirrors
• HomeLink garage door opener
• Integrated Compass in rearview mirror
• HD Radio
• USB Interface

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Mars Red
• Magnetite Black Metallic
• Cuprite Brown Metallic
• Iridium Silver Metallic
• Palladium Silver Metallic
• Pearl Beige Metallic
• Diamond White Metallic
• Silver Mist Metallic
• Lunar Blue Metallic
• Sapphire Grey Metallic

Interior Colors

• Black – MB-Tex, Leather
• Almond / Beige – MB-Tex, Leather(Luxury only)
• Sahara / Beige – Leather(Sport only)
• Ash – MB-Tex, Leather
• Cappuccino Leather(Sport only)
• C63 can be solid or two-tone – Black, Sand, Porcelain Classic Red
• Trims – Burl Walnut (standard Lux, Option Sport), Black Ash (C350/C63), Aluminum (C250/C3004Matic Sport), C63 Optional Carbon Fiber

Option Packages

Premium 1 Package - C250/C300 4matic $2590, C350/C63 AMG standard

• iPod/MP3 Media Interface
• 4 way power lumbar support
• Driver’s Seat Memory and Power Steering Column
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• harman/kardon Premium Sound
• Heated Seats
• Split Folding Rear Seats

Full Leather Seating Package – C250/C300 4matic/C350 $1640

• Full Leather Seating
• Memory Package

Luxury Package – C250/C300 4Matic option

• 17″ Split 5-spoke Alloy Wheel
• Comfort Suspension for 4Matic

333 Sport Package – C250/C300 4Matic

• Sport Suspension
• Sport body styling

Lighting Package – $1180

• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Headlamp Cleaning System
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist

Multimedia Package – $2750

• Rearview Camera
• COMAND system with Hard Drive Navigation
• 7.0″ High-Res LCD screen with 3D map views
• Enhanced Voice Control System
• 10GB Music Register
• 6-disk DVD changer
• Gracenote Media Database with cover art
• SD card slot

Lane Tracking Package – $950 – Great New Option!!!

• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

P31 AMG Development Package – C63 AMG only – $6060

• Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid Spoiler
• Red Brake Calipers
• Top Speed Raosed to 174 mph
• Increased Output (+30hp)

Stand-Alone Options

• PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance – $970
• Rear Side Airbags – $420
• mbrace – $660
• Panoramic roof – $1090, not for C63
• Limited Slip Differential – C63 only $2030
• iPod/MP3 Interface – C250/C300 4matic $310, C350/C63 AMG standard
• SIRIUS - C250/C300 4matic $460, C350/C63 AMG standard
• Burl Walnut Wood - C250/C300 4matic $325, C350/C63 AMG n/c
• 18″ AMG 7-Spoke Alloy Wheel – C250/C300 4matic/C350 $1040
• 18″ AMG 5-Twin Spoke Alloy Wheel
• 18″ AMG 5-Spoke Alloy Wheel – C63 n/c
• Heated Front Seats - C250/C300 4matic $750, C350/C63 AMG standard
• KEYLESS-GO – TBD
• Carbon Fiber Trim – C63 AMG only $2590
• Sport Grille Conversion Kit – C250/C300 4matic TBD
• Rear Seat Entertainment – C250/C300 4matic/C350 TBD
• Illuminated Doors Sills – TBD
• Wheel Locks – TBD
• Chrome Door Handle Inserts – TBD
• Nav + 4 – TBD
• Rear Trunk Lid Spoiler - C250/C300 4matic TBD
• Roof Spoiler - C250/C300 4matic/C350 TBD
• Media Interface PLUS – TBD
• Rear Spoiler – TBD
• Dynamic Handling Package – C250/C350 $1530
• 6-Disk CD Changer – $480
• Power Read Sunshade – $440

Wheels:

All of this information and pricing is still preliminary can can change before the vehicle is released. The US debut will be at the New York International Auto Show on April 20th.  The 2012 C-Class Sedan is available for order now.

Practice for the first race of the 2011 Formula One season starts tonight in Melbourne! With Mercedes-Benz engines powering 6 cars on the field and with 3 former world champions at the wheel we should have a lot to cheer for.

Among the many rules changes for this season the one that will be the most interesting to see used during a race will be the new movable rear wing.  This replaces the movable front wings added to last year’s cars as an attempt to allow for more overtaking.  The thing that makes this new rear wing adjustment a real unknown in the actual race are the rules governing when it can be used.

Race control will notify the driver (electronically) that they have the option to move the rear wing to its alternate position when that car is less than one second behind another car (on the same lap).  This adjustment will only be available on parts of the track.

So in addition to basically playing a video game at 200 mph on a steering wheel with about 30 buttons, knobs, and displays, drivers will now have to make sure they are close enough going into a corner be allowed to use the rear wing while also shifting and activating the KERS.

This should be an interesting season!  For a good Q&A about the new rules with Charlie Whiting check out this post on the Racecar Engineering blog.

Last Wednesday I was able to attend the 1-Day Basic Training at the AMG Driving Academy at Road Atlanta. It was even better than I remembered from last year! The vehicles we unbelievable – C63 AMG, E63 AMG, SLS AMG, SLK55 AMG – the staff was world class and the track was thrilling! All day the instructors  encouraged me to accelerate faster, brake harder and be more aggressive. In addition to having a great time, I think I also became a better driver. Here is the video I made during the event. Please pardon all the giggling…it is just so much fun!

There are still openings for the rest of the dates!

BASIC

• April 1, 2, 5, 7, 8 at Road Atlanta
• May 12, 13, 14, 18 and  June 14, 15, 16 at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut
• September, October and November Dates at Leguna Seca

ADVANCED

• April 3-4 at Road Atlanta
• May 16-17 at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut
• September 25-26 and October 23-24 at Leguna Seca

PRO

• April 9-11 at Road Atlanta
• November 10-12 at Leguna Seca

You can visit the website to contact the staff or book your dates. If you have an AMG you should go to see what your car can really do. If you are considering an AMG you should go to get  REAL test drive! Everyone should go – AMG owner or not!

Thank you AMG Driving Academy for an unparalleled experience!

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will arrive in US showrooms this May. With a new look, innovative technology and new standard safety features the 2012 SLK-Class will continue to be a sporty roadster with stylish comfort!

Standard Equipment

• SLK250: 1.8 litre turbo inline-4 with 201 hp / 229 lb/ft torque
• SLK350: 3.5 litre V6 with 302 hp / 273 lb/ft torque
• Power seats and steering column with memory and lumbar
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Adaptive BRAKE with HOLD function
• LED daytime running lights
• Rain-sensing intermittent wipers
• HomeLink garage door opener
• Integrated Compass in rearview mirror
• 8 Airbags – up from 6
• HD Radio
• Aluminum trimmed roll bars
• Electronic parking brake
• mbrace
• Flex bottle holder

Exterior Colors

• Black
• Mars Red
• Obsidian Black Metallic
• Steel Grey Metallic
• Iridium Silver Metallic
• Palladium Silver Metallic
• Pearl Beige Metallic
• Diamond White Metallic
• Indium Grey Metallic
• Silver Mist Metallic
• Lunar Blue Metallic –  delayed launch

Interior Colors

• Black – MB-Tex, Leather and Premium Leather
• Sahara Beige – MB-Tex, Leather
• Ash / Black – MB-Tex, Leather
• Bengal Red / Black – Premium Leather
• Trims – Aluminum is standard

Option Packages

Premium 1 Package - $2590

• iPod/MP3 Media Interface
• AIRSCARF
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• harman/kardon Premium Sound
• Heated Seats
• IR Remote Roof Automation

Trim Package – $990

• Burl Walnut trim on center console and doors
• Wood and Leather shift knob
• Wood and Leather Steering Wheel

Lighting Package – $1070

• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
• Headlamp Cleaning System

321 Sport Package – SLK350 $2500, SLK 250 TBD

• 18″ AMG 5-spoke Wheels
• Ambient Lighting in Solar Red
• Sport body styling

Multimedia Package – $2150

• COMAND system with Hard Drive Navigation
• 7.0″ High-Res LCD screen with 3D map views
• Enhance Voice Control System
• 10GB Music Register
• 6-disk DVD changer
• Gracenote Media Database with cover art
• SD card slot

DISTRONIC PLUS Package – Special Order – $1900, required Multimedia Package and Automatic Transmission

• DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake
• PRE-SAFE

Dynamic Handling Package – Special Order – TBD

• Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension
• 2 Driver-Selectable Suspension Modes
• Torque Vectoring Brake
• Sport Button
• The best blend of agility and comfort

Stand-Alone Options – SLK250/SLK350

• 18″ 5-twin spoke wheel – TBD/$500
• PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance – $970/$970
• Analog clock on Dash Top – $250/$250
• AIRGUIDE Windstop – $350/$350
• MAGIC SKY CONTROL Panoramic Roof – $2500/$2500
• Panoramic roof with fixed tint – $500/$500
• 7G-TRONIC Automatic transmission – $1520/Standard
• Digital Dual Zone Climate Control – $760/$760
• KEYLESS-GO – TBD
• Leather – TBD/Standard
• Premium Leather – TBD/$630
• Illuminated Doors Sills – TBD
• Wheel Locks – TBD
• Media Interface PLUS – TBD
• Rear Spoiler – TBD
• Chrome Hood Vent Fins – TBD
• Nav + 4 – TBD

Wheels:

1. SLK250 Standard 17″
2. SLK350 Standard 18″
3. SLK250 / SLK350 Optional 18″ Sport
4. SLK250 / SLK350 Optional 18″

All of this information and pricing is still preliminary can can change before the vehicle is released. The US debut will be at the New York International Auto Show on April 20th.  The 2012 SLK-Class is available for order now.

The Mercedes-Benz designo program gives Mercedes-Benz owners the opportunity to choose interior and exterior colors that are quite special! For 2011 the E-Class sedan and wagon have been given a wide selection of paint and leather choices as well as a few recommended designo editions. These vehicles will be built between April and June of this year. If you are looking for something special…now is the time to order!

Click on thumbnail images to enlarge!

10 designo Paints: $2300 / $3950 for Magno colors

• Mystic Blue
• Mocha Black
• Mystic Red
• Mauritius Blue
• Graphite
• Magno Alanite Grey
• Platinum Black
• Magno Cashmere White
• Magno Platinum
• Mystic Brown

7 designo Leathers: $4500 (V6) / $3800 (V8)

• Sand
• Platinum White
• Saffron Beige
• Mystic Red
• Auburn Brown
• Black
• Light Brown

3 designo Trims:

• Natural Curly Maple
• Natural Bamboo
• Black Piano Lacquer

All of these finishes can be mixed and matched to create a Mercedes-Benz exclusive to you. Mercedes-Benz has also created 5 recommended designo Editions if you would like a starting point.

5 designo Editions:

• Espresso Edition – Mocha Black/Sand Leather/Natural Curly Maple
• Magno Alanite Edition – Magno Alanite Grey/Auburn Brown Leather/Black Piano Lacquer
• Mystic Blue Edition – Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Natural Bamboo
• Mystic Brown Edition – Mystic Brown/Light Brown Leather/Natural Curly Maple
• Platinum White Edition – Magno Cashmere White/Platinum White Leather/Black Piano Lacquer (My favorite!)

Most 2003 and older Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not equipped with a Bluetooth systems and there has not been a cost effective way to integrate it into the car until now. The new Mercedes-Benz Portable Hand Free Kit was released to dealerships today to solve this problem!

Product Highlights:

• One button control to answer and receive calls
• Omni directional microphone and speaker design
• Streams audio from phones for navigation and audio playback
• Voice dial is supported through the phone
• Supports 9 languages
• 400 hours standby time, 14 hours talk time and auto shutoff after 30 mintues

The part number is BQ6820981 and the MSRP is $105. The kit includes the Hand-Free Kit, Visor Clip, Cigarette Lighter Adapter, USB Cable for charging, and user manual. Contact your local parts department to get yours!

Mercedes-Benz USA has recently created an Instructional Video gallery featuring topics such as Setting the Clock, Homelink Garage Door Programming, Bluetooth Programming, Cruise Control, Voice Control, Keyless GO and many other features. These videos are designed to help owners get the most of their Mercedes-Benz. I have included the Clock Setting Video in this post. You can view all of the videos at the MBUSA website or on the MBUSA YouTube Channel. Enjoy!

The Washing D.C. area Mercedes-Benz dealerships have donated a 2011 E350 Cabriolet and a 2011 C300 Sport Sedan to The National Capital Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. These two vehicles will be raffled off during the 24th Annual Leukemia Ball on March 12th. Only 6000 tickets will be printed and sold for $100 each. You do not have to be present to win and can purchase tickets over the phone by calling  703 399 2900. Support a great cause and win a Mercedes-Benz!