If you keep up with Fifth Gear, a couple episodes ago they visited the Isle of Man where David Coulthard was piloting the SLS AMG. This 2D trailer is for the 3D movie that they were shooting.

Having spent some time on the track in the SLS, I can certainly vouch for how well this car handles even with an amateur behind the wheel. I can’t imagine what someone like Coulthard can make it do. The rumor is that you may see this as a store demo for new 3D TVs – Keep an eye out!

Not that I would expect any Mercedes owner to the consider buying a Lexus LFA but since they have announced that you can actually purchase one here is a comparison from Automobile magazine to explain why you should stick with the SLS.

“While the high-pitched voice of the Lexus is a constant threat to tired windowpanes, the densely packed roar of the Mercedes puts loose plaster to a real test.”

“In the SLS, the balance between steering and throttle is more natural and better weighted. At very high velocities, the Gullwing needs fewer corrections to maintain a steady line”

“The SLS is a powerboat for the road, a mighty mauler that evokes fond memories of a brand’s glorious past, a surprisingly practical and highly visible tool for the dedicated driver.”

“The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, on the other hand, establishes a credible link to its maker’s F1 and DTM racing efforts. And it proves, fifty-six years after the original Gullwing and only weeks after the final production run of the SLR McLaren, that Mercedes still knows how to make a supercar.”

The S63 and CL63 have been updated to include AMG’s newest motor, the direct-injected 5.5 liter twin turbo. Along with the engine stop start system found in the S400 these new models provide more horsepower with increased fuel economy. It will be interesting to see if the addition of the stop start system will eliminate the wonderful rumble the current cars produce at start-up or if everyone around will now hear this every time an AMG fires up to leave a stop light. Another great benefit of going to a twin turbo setup is that it will be much easier to increase power output over the coming years or much sooner for with a quick visit to Kleemann or Renntech. The new motor’s increase to 571hp and 663 lb-ft of torque should keep you entertained for a while but it’s good to know that there is more power available when you’re ready.

When driving the CLK63 AMG Black Series we had a dashcam recording both the driver and the track. These videos were posted for us to download today and I wanted to share. I only have 2 track days under my hat (or helmet as the case may be) so that is my excuse for being slow and having a gap. I did get better as the day progressed!

Since it was just released last week most people haven’t even seen an SLS AMG in person. Last weekend at the AMG Driving Academy at Road Atlanta we were able to do way more then just look at it. They had 6 SLS AMGs for us to run on the track. I’ll tell you that this is an amazing vehicle and almost 150 mph feels like nothing for this car.

We arrived at Road Atlanta early Sunday morning and were greeted by a parking lot full of AMGs. After breakfast and a quick driver meeting we broke into groups of 10 drivers and two instructors.

Our first exercise was practicing inducing understeer and oversteer in SL63s on the wet skidpad. With that much power, no ESP, and wet pavement it’s pretty easy to put in a little too much throttle and spin all the way around.

Next, we switched to the SLS for high speed braking and corning exercises. For this we accelerated the SLS as fast as we could from our start point down the hill into turn 10a. Arriving at the corner at just over 80mph we worked through using full ABS braking to stop in the shortest distance, then braking with the correct modulation to stop at the apex of the corner, and then finally doing the turn 10a and 10b combination.

Our next activity was a slalom run and drag race in the E63. For the drag race portion we were racing another student full out down the pit lane but we had to figure out the braking point that would stop our car first within a set of cones without overshooting. Then we switched to the C63s for the high speed braking and avoidance drill. The video below is from one of my runs. They had the instructors radio wired to broadcast through our cars all day so they could give us tips and instructions. Our instructor was really fun.

After lunch it was time to run the full track. We started out in the E63. In groups of 2 or 3 we followed an instructor around the track. They placed cones around the track to show us the ideal turn-in, apex and track-out points. It was really humbling to see how fast the instructors could go while giving us instructions over the radio and watching us in their mirrors. Later they took us on a high speed taxi ride in a C63. Hopefully powersliding and using the curbs the way they did is covered in the two-day advanced class. Between taxi rides, they put us by ourselves in a CLK63 Black Series that was setup with cameras and data acquisition. I’ll be sure to post my video in a few days when the send it to us.

Then it was time to run the track in the SLS. We had great luck and were in a group with just one other car meaning that we had more time in front (behind the instructor). They really let us push pretty hard. On the back straight we were above 140mph before braking for turn 10a. Our group was fast enough that we caught and passed the other half of our larger group that were also in the SLS.

We ended our day with a flat out timed run in the SLK55 on the autocross course. I put in a respectable time but didn’t manage to win the Helmet or iPad that they gave as prizes. It was a great day and I highly recommend that you sign up for this event if you really want to see what Mercedes-Benz and AMG are capable of. To sign up just go to www.AMGacademy.com

P31 – AMG Development Package – $5950
Adds 30hp for a total of 481hp
Lightweight AMG Forged Pistons
Lightweight Connecting Rods
Revised Crankshaft
New Engine Management
AMG compound Braking System
Red Painted Brake Calipers
Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler
Exclusive Engine Intake Runners in Titanium Grey
Top Speed at 174 mph
AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel

#1
Steel Grey
Black Leather
Black Ash Wood Trim
Premium 2 Package
Parktronic
Driver Asistance Package
Illuminated Door Sills
MSRP $97895

#2
Black
Black Leather
Black Ash Wood Trim
Premium 2 Package
MSRP $93225

The 2010 E63 has been a hot commodity for the last few months! Every one we have had has been pre-sold so I haven’t even had a chance to drive one yet. Maybe one of these will make it here without a deposit and I’ll get a chance. Maybe not! Please get it touch if one of the E63s should have your name on it!

P31 – AMG Development Package – $5950
Adds 30hp for a total of 481hp
Lightweight AMG Forged Pistons
Lightweight Connecting Rods
Revised Crankshaft
New Engine Management
AMG compound Braking System
Red Painted Brake Calipers
Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler
Exclusive Engine Intake Runners in Titanium Grey
Top Speed at 174 mph
AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel

The Limited Slip Differntial from the P30 Package will be available as a stand alone option (code 471) for $2000. The suspension components of the P30 package have been completely discontinued because of owner feedback that it made the ride too stiff.

We just took in a 2009 SL63 AMG with 5400 miles. As there are no more SLs in production until later this spring and probably no AMGs for a few months beyond that…this is a great opportunity!

Black
Black AMG Premium Leather
H73 Carbon Fiber Trim
Distronic
Parktronic
Panoramic Roof
Premium 1 Package:
Active Ventilated Seats
Electronic Trunk Closer
Airscarf
Keyless Go
Original MSRP: $143,845

It hasn’t been offically priced yet but I would love to entertain an offer! Please call or e-mail as soon as possible! …think over $100,000, under $110,000.