Stuttgart/Hamburg. Yesterday evening, Mercedes-Benz presented the S-Class in a special event. At the Airbus A380 delivery centre in Hamburg-Finkenwerder, the new Mercedes-Benz flagship met up with the world's largest and most advanced passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. As "Germany's most valuable package", the star of the event had previously been flown from Stuttgart to Hamburg in an Airbus A300-600 freighter operated by DHL – just in time to celebrate the world premiere with around 750 international guests from politics, industry and the media.

On an LED video screen measuring some 200 square metres, the guests were able to witness the new S-Class being unloaded and driven across the runway to the launch pavilion equipped with multimedia facilities – flanked on each side by current Mercedes models. 15 cameras recorded the event and broadcast the images around the world via an outside broadcast truck. 96 loudspeakers and 20 kW of sound output ensured that every word was heard.

The choice of the A380 Delivery Center as the location for the world premiere was no accident. Like the A380, the new S-Class will set new standards in luxurious travel. "Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

2000 square-metre pavilion for the launch celebration

As a logistical tour de force, Mercedes-Benz had a launch venue constructed where Airbus customers from Europe and the Middle East normally take delivery of their new A380, with a multimedia presentation stage, S-Class showroom, product display, VIP lounge and extensive backstage areas for technical facilities, logistics and catering. This included a kitchen for five German Michelin-star chefs, who opened a unique "ten-star restaurant" on the evening of the premiere to celebrate the S-Class.

Constructing the temporary building took around 14 days, employing up to 100 personnel from various trades each day. A total of 160 semitrailer trucks delivered the necessary materials: more than 500 tonnes of steel, 4000 square metres of wood, 400 spotlights, 96 loudspeakers and an LED video wall measuring 28 metres in width and seven metres in height.

The additional power supply with 3000 KVA of output required 25 kilometres of newly laid cables, 40 distributors and its own generators. Sound quality, for example during the live appearance of the international star Alicia Keys, was not only ensured by the precisely positioned loudspeakers, but also by 26 out­put signal channels and a mixing console with 168 input channels. 400 spot­lights with 130 electric motors in around 1000 metres of traversing rigs shed the best possible light on the S-Class.

The new S-Class: Luxurious travel at the highest level

The new Mercedes-Benz flagship model is the epitome of a modern luxury saloon. The S-Class is an exclusive first-class office along the lines of a business jet, as well as a haven of relaxation with the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle and individual interior fragrancing.

"Our completely newly developed S-Class establishes a never-before-seen dimension in luxury, comfort and efficiency in a saloon, and raises the standard of safety equipment in automobiles to a new level. More than ever, this makes it synonymous with luxury and innovation in automotive engineering," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

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With the combined power of more than 1400 hp, Mercedes-Benz is taking to the starting grid of Gran Turismo^® 6 with three of its latest models. All set to provide pure excitement and fascination in the new version of the gaming classic for the PlayStation^®3 are three high-performance vehicles from AMG: the SLS AMG GT3 producing over 367 kW (more than 500 hp), the E63 AMG producing 410 kW (557 hp) and the A45 AMG producing 265 kW (360 hp). In addition to the three new vehicles, no fewer than 21 further vehicles from Mercedes-Benz which featured in Gran Turismo^® 5 will also be taking to the track to set the pulses of gaming fans racing. Gran Turismo^® 6 will be celebrating its market launch this holiday season. Details of the game were announced yesterday by Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer and Game Director of Polyphony Digital Inc., on the occasion of the celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of the popular Gran Turismo^® series at Silverstone in England.

"Together with Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Polyphony Digital, we are delighted with the unique success which Gran Turismo^® has enjoyed over the last 15 years", said Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "We are particularly proud that three of the latest models from our high-performance AMG brand are all celebrating their digital premiere in the latest version of the legendary game series. Mercedes-Benz and Gran Turismo^® have a number of things in common. Above all, they share the same vision: to provide their customers – whether in real life or in the virtual world – with the ultimate in driving pleasure."

Globally the PlayStation^® 3 racing game has so far sold more than 70 million copies, with version 5 alone being enjoyed by more than ten million gaming fans since November 2010. Mercedes-Benz can look back over a long and successful history as part of this race series. Models from the star brand have been represented in the game since the market launch of Gran Turismo^® 2 back in 1999/2000. According to Anders Sundt Jensen: "Both Carl Benz in 1886 and Kazunori Yamauchi, the inventor of Gran Turismo^® in 1998 recognised that a car can do more than just take us from A to B. Both lived the automotive dream. Driving a Mercedes or playing Gran Turismo^® each therefore reflects a unique experience: unprecedented driving pleasure."

Anniversary wishes from Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz prepared a very special surprise for the guests at the anniversary celebrations in Silverstone. They were able to experience the breathtaking driving performance of the SLS AMG GT3 both live on the race track, courtesy of professional racing driver and AMG Driving Academy instructor Jan Seyffarth, as well as in the virtual world of the games console. The two other AMG models from the game were also on hand for onlookers to admire. The anniversary celebrations were rounded off with an exclusive shuttle service for guests.

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Stuttgart/Hamburg. The stars were out in force at the Airbus facility in Hamburg-Finkenwerder for yesterday's world premiere of the new S-Class when for one night only Mercedes-Benz opened a globally unique "Ten Star Restaurant" in the Airbus A380 delivery centre. Five German star-rated chefs specialising in different culinary styles were on hand to indulge the approximately 750 international guests from the worlds of politics, industry and media with a variety of culinary specialities. The gourmet creations were served up at several live cooking stations by chefs Juan Amador, Douce Steiner, Tim Raue, Matthias Schmidt and Wahabi Nouri, and formed the crowning touch to the evening's 'flying menu'.

With some unique dishes specially arranged for the world premiere, the chefs brought a further touch of refinement to the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon - a vehicle which is an exclusive first-class mobile office and a centre of well-being, all rolled into one. And just as the new S-Class is once again setting standards in terms of luxurious automobility, all five of the chefs are characterised by their exceptional culinary skills.

Juan Amador: veal cheeks in curry sauce, coconut jelly and mango mayonnaise

Well known and highly praised for his avant-garde compositions and flavour contrasts, three-star chef Juan Amador surprised guests with veal cheeks in curry sauce, coconut jelly and mango mayonnaise. Born in Swabia and with a German/Spanish background, he is regarded as one of the most innovative chefs around. He specialises in classic French haute cuisine as well as in the techniques of molecular gastronomy. In his own creative studio, the 44-year-old chef develops new cooking methods, researches completely new aromatic combinations, and also redefines or completely reinterprets familiar dishes. He earned his first Michelin star at just 25 years of age. He runs the "Amador" restaurant in Mannheim, which is currently rated with 18 points by the Gault&Millau gourmet guide.

Douce Steiner: diced turbot in lemon sauce with green asparagus tips and sorrel

Douce Steiner, the first German female chef to earn two Michelin stars, served diced turbot in lemon sauce with green asparagus tips and sorrel. Hailing from southern Baden, she is well known for her love of vegetables and herbs – and also famous for her light sauces. In 2007 she took over the "Hirschen" hotel and restaurant in Sulzburg, in the Margravian region of southwest Germany, from her father, under whom she also served as an apprentice. In 2011, the 42-year-old was named "Rising Chef of the Year" by the Gault&Millau gourmet guide. Two years later she earned her second star with her light, Mediterranean-inspired style.

Tim Raue: wasabi langoustine

Two-star chef Tim Raue, from Berlin, delighted guests with an Asian dish - wasabi langoustine. The current edition of the Gault&Millau guide describes the work of the 39-year-old chef as a "love affair with Asia". His dishes are characterised by the careful composition of spices and aromas from China, Japan and Thailand. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Asia, Raue's creations reflect an intense sense of harmony and a strong balance between sweet, sharp, sour and salty highlights. With 19 points, he is one of the few chefs to come close to the maximum score in the current Gault&Millau guide for his restaurant "Tim Raue".

Matthias Schmidt: frozen cress with sorb purée and mustard caramel

31-year-old Matthias Schmidt from Frankfurt am Main is one of the leading creative chefs from the younger generation. As a bold chef, he has earned a reputation which stretches way beyond the boundaries of the banking metropolis. This is because he has turned his back on classic haute cuisine and now works only with (organic) regional products. As part of his approach he opts for little-known products which are not often found in high-end gastronomy, such as sorb and few-flowered leek. His recipe for success lies in the use of often hand-picked ingredients used in his typically innovative style, full of contrasting flavours, to create high-quality, top-class dishes. For the S-Class he created frozen cress with sorb purée and mustard caramel. The two-star chef runs the "Villa Merton" restaurant in Frankfurt. The Gault&Millau guide has awarded the chef's ground-breaking cuisine 17 points.

Wahabi Nouri: Frisian shoulder of ox braised in ras el hanout with celeriac polenta and pickled mirabelle plums

Wahabi Nouri was born in Casablanca and has a reputation as something of a wizard when it comes to the finest culinary delights. As such he charmed the guests at the premiere with Frisian shoulder of ox braised in ras el hanout with celeriac polenta and pickled mirabelle plums. His imaginative dishes are considered to be works of art. They are based on classic delicacies from French cuisine, which the 43-year-old chef combines discreetly yet emotionally with influences from his Moroccan homeland, as well as some modern twists. In 2002 he opened the "Piment" restaurant in Hamburg and one year later earned his first Michelin star. In 2010 he was named "Chef of the Year" by the Gault&Millau guide.

World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon in Hamburg

The S-Class gourmet creations of the top chefs

Five of the best German chefs brought a further touch of refinement to the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Hamburg with some unique gourmet creations.

Juan Amador: veal cheeks in curry sauce, coconut jelly and mango mayonnaise

4 veal cheeks
butter freshly ground white pepper
50 g butter
20 g purple curry
20 g beetroot granules breadcrumbs
hazelnut oil Maldon salt
curry paste
50 g nut butter
80 g dried honey bread

Curry sauce
1 dsp chopped shallots
1 tsp purple curry
200 ml red Banyuls wine
ground arrowroot Maldon salt
1 dsp chopped garlic
30 ml red wine vinegar
500 ml veal jus butter

Coconut jelly
1 l coconut milk 4 gelatine leaves
1 pinch Maldon salt 10 g agar agar
1 pinch sugar

Mango mayonnaise
400 g mango purée
200 ml olive oil
6 g lota (Textura)

PreparationTo make the curry sauce: gently fry the shallots and garlic in a little butter. Sprinkle over the purple curry powder and deglaze with the red wine vinegar. Add the Banyuls and allow to simmer until syrupy in consistency. Add the veal jus, bring to the boil and simmer to reduce by a half, then pass through a sieve and thicken with a little arrowroot.

To make the coconut jelly: bring the coconut milk to the boil with the salt and sugar. Stir in the agar agar, bring to the boil then remove immediately from the heat and sieve before stirring in the softened gelatine. Pour into 2 cm-deep moulds and allow to cool. Before serving, mix the jelly with a little argan oil in a thermomixer to form a smooth cream.

To make the mango mayonnaise: bring the mango purée to the boil and stir in the lota, then add the olive oil to the warm mixture using a hand-held blender until an emulsion is formed. Keep warm. Vacuum-seal the veal cheeks individually with a little hazelnut oil and immerse in a water bath at exactly 60°C for 12 hours. To make the curry paste: melt 50 g butter and 50 g nut butter in a pan. Add the purple curry, breadcrumbs and beetroot granules. Season with salt and keep warm.

Remove the veal cheek from the bag, season with salt and pepper and fry briefly on each side. Coat with the curry paste, sprinkle with a little Maldon salt and serve.

Douce Steiner: diced turbot in lemon sauce with green asparagus tips and sorrel

Turbot
4 x 60 g turbot fillet salt and pepper
1 dsp vegetable oil
1 dsp butter
1 sprig lemon thyme

Season the fish and fry on each side in the vegetable oil until golden; roast for about 3 minutes in the oven at 180°C, then add the butter and thyme and baste continuously for about ½ minute. Serve with the lemon sauce.

Lemon sauce
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 lemon grass stalks, crushed and roughly chopped
3 saffron threads
2 dsp lime-infused olive oil
½ l chicken, fish or vegetable stock
3 lemons, grated zest and juice
6 sprigs lemon thyme
50 g cold butter
freshly ground salt and pepper
1 tsp pink pepper, crushed

To make the lemon sauce: gently fry the shallots, lemon grass and saffronn in the lime-infused olive oil. Add the chicken stock and the grated lemon zest and simmer until reduced by about a half. Add the thyme and simmer for a further 1-2 minutes. Pass the mixture through a sieve and return the liquid to the pan. Add the lemon juice and butter, season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly just before serving. Sprinkle with the pink pepper as a final touch.

Green asparagus tips and sorrelTrim 4 spears of asparagus and boil for approx. 5 minutes with salt, sugar and 1 dsp butter, then rinse in cold water so it retains its lovely green colour. Just before serving, halve the spears and fry quickly in a dsp olive oil. Place on top of the fish, which should already be on the plate with the lemon sauce, and scatter with the sorrel.

Tim Raue: wasabi langoustine

Langoustine
4 langoustine tails
2 dsp cornflour

Wasabi mayonnaise
7 dsp Japanese mayonnaise
1 dsp wasabi powder
2 dsp freshly grated wasabi root
1 dsp lime juice
4 tsp green rice

Dressing
80 ml Nuc Nam fish sauce
50 ml rice vinegar light (Marukan)
50 ml lemon squash (e.g. Rose's)
3 dsp finely diced carrot
3 dsp finely diced mango
1 dsp chopped coriander stalks

Toss the langoustine tails lightly in the cornflour and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Fry in hot fat (160°C) for 3 minutes.. Blend the wasabi powder with the lime juice, then stir all other ingredients into the mayonnaise. Fry the rice in hot fat at 160°C for a few seconds, place on kitchen paper to drain, season lightly with salt. To make the dressing: mix all liquid ingredients together, then add the carrot, mango and coriander .Serve chilled.

Matthias Schmidt: frozen cress with sorb purée and mustard caramel

The sorb, also known variously as the service-tree, checker tree or sorb apple, is a wild fruit tree related to the rose.

Sorb purée
300 ml apple-quince mead
400 ml glucose
4.5 g dried woodruff
600 ml parsley root juice
35 g garden cress
250 g Boskoop apples
250 g Povida apples
3 g agar agar
3 leaves gelatine
150 g ripe sorb apples

Mustard caramel
60 g sugar
30 g mustard seed

Boil the quince mead with the glucose, add the woodruff and leave to steep for 24 hours and then pass through a sieve. Blend the cress, the parsley root juice and the woodruff mixture together in a mixer until the cress is completely liquidised. Freeze the resulting mixture.

Extract the juice from the Boskoop apples, bring to the boil and pass through a fine cloth. Core the Povida apples, chop finely and allow to soften in the hot Boskoop apple juice. Add the agar agar to the hot mixture, boil for one minute and then add the softened gelatine. Blend everything together to a smooth purée. The sorb apples should be so ripe that they are completely brown and can be pressed through a fine sieve to separate out the flesh of the fruit. Mix the two purées together.

Allow the sugar to caramelise until golden yellow; add the mustard seed and then remove the mixture immediately from the pan onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Allow to cool before cutting into small pieces with a knife.

Wahabi Nouri: Frisian shoulder of ox braised in ras el hanout with celery polenta and pickled mirabelle plums

Frisian shoulder of ox
ox shoulder, approx. 1.5 kg in weight
2 pimientos
1 clove ½ cinnamon stick
2 onions ras el hanout spice mixture
15 g ginger
1 bay leaf
0.5 l white wine zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
250 ml veal stock salt

Chop the onions roughly and allow to marinate for at least three days with all the other ingredients. Sear the meat, season with salt and ras el hanout; add the onions and continue to cook gently. Pour over the marinade and allow to braise for about three hours at 80°C until tender. Remove the meat and place on one side to cool. Sieve the sauce to remove residue and simmer to reduce to the desired consistency. Warm the meat through in the sauce.

Celery polenta
½ head of celery
50 g parmesan
250 ml chicken stock
100 g polenta
100 ml milk
20 ml olive oil

Extract the juice from the celery and immediately bring this liquid quickly to the boil before passing through a fine cloth. Mix this stock with the remaining ingredients to create a soft polenta, then refine with grated parmesan and olive oil.

Pickled mirabelles
100 g mirabelle plums
50 g sugar
50 ml water
25 g white balsamico
salt
2 g agar agar

Halve the mirabelles and bring to the boil with the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the agar agar. Allow to steep and remove any stones. Add the 2 g agar agar and bring to the boil; allow to cool, liquidise and sieve.

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Stuttgart/Cannes. Once again, Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG are supporting the Cannes Film Festival with a wide range of activities. Twelve high-performance models from Mercedes-AMG will be adding to the glamour along the Croisette between 15 and 26 May 2013. They are there to provide an exclusive shuttle service, for spur-of-the-moment test drives and as display vehicles. One particularly special star will, in addition, be putting in a sparkling appearance in front of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc: the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class which, in a parallel event to the opening of the Film Festival, yesterday celebrated its world premiere Hamburg.

The new luxury saloon, which includes such features as a hot-stone ENERGIZING massage function and individual perfume atomisation, will be making its debut on the Côte d‘Azur at the legendary Cinema Against AIDS gala evening in aid of the amfAR foundation, to be held on 23 May at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Mercedes-Benz is a Signature Sponsor of this star-studded gala, considered one of the most prestigious events held during the Film Festival. As well as the new S-Class, Mercedes-AMG will be presenting the world's most powerful electric super sports car in the grounds of the hotel - the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive. And ensuring that guests arrive in style at the red carpet will be a shuttle service provided by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG.

Exclusive shuttle services and test drives with AMG vehicles

Each day of the Film Festival, the shuttle vehicles will carry celebrity guests and visitors to "Le Club by Albane" at the Hotel JW Marriott and to the Boulevard de la Croisette for film shoots for the daily show "Le Grand Journal" on French TV channel Canal+, and from there to the red carpet outside the "Palais du Festival". Attracting attention outside the Hotel InterContinental Carlton, directly on the Croisette, will be a display incorporating the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series. A vast LED wall behind the vehicle will share special impressions of the world of AMG with visitors.

And last, but not least, Mercedes-AMG will be offering individual test drives for guests and visitors on each day of the Festival. Participants will be able to take the wheel of one of a range of current AMG models and experience for themselves the AMG brand claim of "Driving Performance" along the twisting coast roads of the Côte d‘Azur. From 15 to 26 May, daily between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., anyone interested can sign up for a test drive outside the Hotel 3.14.

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A unique combination of performance and efficiency

Atlanta. The 918 Spyder embodies the essence of the Porsche idea: it combines pedigree motor racing technology with excellent everyday utility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption. The task faced by the development team was to create the super sports car for the next decade with a highly efficient and powerful hybrid drive. Developing the car from scratch, appropriately beginning with a sheet of white paper, allowed the team to come up with a no-compromise concept. The entire car was designed around the hybrid drive. The 918 Spyder therefore demonstrates the potential of the hybrid drive to a degree never seen before: the parallel improvement of both efficiency and performance without one being at the cost of the other. This is the idea that has made the Porsche 911 the most successful sports car in the world for 50 years. In short, the 918 Spyder will act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future.

The 918 Spyder reveals its close links to motorsport in a variety of ways. It has been designed, developed and produced by Porsche engineers who build race cars, in cooperation with series production specialists. A great deal of insight gained from the development of Porsche race cars for the 24 hours race in Le Mans in 2014 is thus integrated into the 918 Spyder – and vice versa. The structural concept of the 918 Spyder with a rolling chassis as its basis – a basic vehicle that can be driven even without a body – is race car tradition at Porsche. The concept of the V8 engine originates from the LMP2 RS Spyder race car. The load-bearing structures, the monocoque and subframe, are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Porsche has many years of experience with this high-strength, lightweight construction material and has again achieved top results with the development of the series production 918 Spyder. Many parts of the super sports car come from manufacturers who have a proven record as suppliers for motorsport vehicles.

Hybrid drive brings advantages in terms of driving dynamics

A key message of the 918 Spyder is that the hybrid drive from Porsche is a plus for no-compromise driving dynamics. Drivers can experience this thanks to the unique all-wheel drive concept with a combination of combustion engine and electric motor on the rear axle and the second electric motor on the front axle. It is based on knowledge gained by Porsche during motor races with the successful 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Due to the additional, individually controllable front drive, new driving strategies for extremely high, safe cornering speeds can be implemented, especially for bends. Furthermore, the advanced “boost" strategy manages the energy of the electric drive so intelligently that, for every sprint with maximum acceleration, the full power of the 918 Spyder can be tapped into by simply pressing the accelerator down fully. In short, the 918 Spyder allows even drivers without motorsport training to experience the potential of advanced longitudinal and transverse dynamics.

The Porsche 918 Spyder also has the potential to break many records. The current lap time for the North Loop of the Nürburgring is 7:14 minutes. This time was achieved in the presence of international journalists during test drives in September 2012 – more than a year before start of production. The 918 Spyder prototype was therefore approximately 20 seconds quicker than the Porsche Carrera GT. More test drives on the Nürburgring North Loop will follow. An even more important factor is that the 918 Spyder surpasses previous models and competitors by far in its efficiency as well. As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it systematically combines the dynamic performance of a racing machine with low fuel consumption. To sum it up: maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption.

Carbon monocoque guarantees lightweight design with a low center of gravity

The 918 Spyder utilizes the best state-of-the-art technologies, taken straight from motor racing, to achieve its top performance. The entire load-bearing structure is made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) for extreme torsional rigidity. Additional crash elements at the front and rear absorb and reduce the energy of a collision. The car’s unladen weight of approximately 3,715 lbs. (3,616 lbs. with “Weissach" package), an excellent low weight for a hybrid vehicle of this performance class, is largely attributable to this concept.

The drivetrain components and all components weighing over 110 lbs. are located as low and as centrally as possible within the vehicle. This results in a slightly rear end biased axle load distribution of 57 percent on the rear axle and 43 percent on the front axle, combined with an extremely low center of gravity at approximately the height of the wheel hubs, which is ideal for driving dynamics. The central and low position of the traction battery directly behind the driver not only supports efforts to concentrate masses and lower the center of gravity; it also provides the best temperature conditions for optimum battery power capacity.

Chassis with race car genes and rear-axle steering

The multi-link chassis of the Porsche 918 Spyder is inspired by motorsport design, complemented by additional systems such as the PASM adaptive shock-absorber system and rear-axle steering. Basically, this incorporates an electro-mechanical adjustment system at each rear wheel. The adjustment is speed-sensitive and executes steering angles of up to three degrees in each direction. The rear axle can therefore be steered in the same direction as the front wheels or in opposition to them. At low speeds, the system steers the rear wheels in a direction opposite to that of the front wheels. This makes cornering even more direct, faster and more precise, and it reduces the turning circle. At higher speeds, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels. This significantly improves the stability of the rear end when changing lanes quickly. The result is very secure and stable handling.

Porsche Active Aerodynamic (PAA) for different driving modes

Porsche Active Aerodynamic (PAA), a system of adjustable aerodynamic elements, ensures unique and variable aerodynamics; its layout is automatically varied over three modes ranging from optimal efficiency to maximum downforce and is tuned to the operating modes of the hybrid drive system. In “Race" mode, the retractable rear wing is set to a steep angle to generate high downforce at the rear axle. The spoiler positioned between the two wing supports near the trailing edge of the airflow also extends. In addition, two adjustable air flaps are opened in the underfloor in front of the front axle, and they direct a portion of the air into the diffuser channels of the underbody structure. This also produces a “ground effect" at the front axle.

In “Sport" mode, the aerodynamic control system reduces the attack angle of the rear wing somewhat, which enables a higher top speed. The spoiler remains extended. The aerodynamic flaps in the underfloor area close, which also reduces aerodynamic drag and increases attainable vehicle speeds. In “E" mode, the control is configured entirely for low aerodynamic drag; the rear wing and spoiler are retracted and the underfloor flaps are closed.

Adjustable air inlets under the main headlights round off the adaptive aerodynamic system. When the vehicle is stationary and in “Race" and “Sport" mode, they are opened for maximum cooling air intake. In “E-Power" and “Hybrid" modes, they close immediately after the car is driven off in order to keep aerodynamic drag to a minimum. They are not opened until the car reaches speeds of approximately 81 mph or when cooling requirements are higher.

From comfortable to race-ready: five modes for three motors

The core of the 918 Spyder concept is its distribution of propulsive power among the three power units; their cooperation is controlled by an intelligent management system. To best exploit these different approaches, the Porsche developers defined five operating modes that can be activated via a “map switch" on the steering wheel, just like in motorsport cars. On the basis of this pre-selection, the 918 Spyder applies the most suitable operating and boost strategy without driver intervention, thus allowing the driver to concentrate fully on the road.

Quiet and elegant: “E-Power"

When the vehicle is started up, the “E-Power" mode is the default operating mode as long as the battery is sufficiently charged. In ideal conditions, the 918 Spyder can cover approximately 18 miles on purely electric power. Even in pure electric mode, the 918 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in seven seconds and can reach speeds of up to 93 mph. In this mode, the combustion engine is only used when needed. If the battery’s charge state drops below a set minimum value, the vehicle automatically switches to hybrid mode.

Efficient and comfortable: “Hybrid"

In “Hybrid" mode, the electric motors and combustion engine work alternately with a focus on maximum efficiency and minimum fuel consumption. The use of individual drive components is modified as a function of the current driving situation and the desired performance. The Hybrid mode is typically used for a fuel economy-oriented driving style.

Sporty and dynamic: “Sport Hybrid"

In more dynamic situations, the 918 Spyder selects the “Sport Hybrid" mode for its power sources. The combustion engine now operates continuously and provides the main propulsive force. In addition, the electric motors provide support in the form of electric boosting or when the operating point of the combustion engine can be optimized for greater efficiency. The focus of this mode is on performance and a sporty driving style at top speed.

For fast laps: “Race Hybrid"

“Race Hybrid" is the mode for maximum performance and an especially sporty driving style. The combustion engine is chiefly used under high load, and charges the battery when the driver is not utilizing its maximum output. Again, the electric motors provide additional support in the form of boosting. Furthermore, the gear-shifting program of the PDK is set up for even sportier driving. The electric motors are used up to the maximum power output limit to deliver the best possible performance for the race track. In this mode, the battery charge state is not kept constant, rather it fluctuates over the entire charge range. In contrast to Sport Hybrid mode, the electric motors run at their maximum power output limit for a short time for better boosting. This increased output is balanced by the combustion engine charging the battery more intensively. Electric power is thus available even with several very fast laps.

For pole position: “Hot Lap"

The “Hot Lap" button in the middle of the map switch releases the final reserves of the 918 Spyder and can only be activated in “Race Hybrid" mode. Similar to a qualification mode, this pushes the traction battery to its maximum power output limits for a few fast laps. This mode uses all of the available energy in the battery.

Main propulsion: the race car’s eight cylinder engine

The main source of propulsion is the 4.6-liter, eight cylinder engine that produces 608 hp of power. The engine is derived directly from the power unit of the successful RS Spyder, which explains why it can deliver engine speeds of up to 9,150 rpm. Like the race engine of the RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder power unit features dry-sump lubrication with a separate oil tank and oil extraction. To save weight, components such as the oil tank, the air filter box integrated into the subframe and the air induction are made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Further extensive lightweight design measures have resulted in such features as titanium connecting rods, thin-wall, low-pressure casting on the crank case and the cylinder heads, a high-strength, lightweight steel crankshaft with 180 degrees crankpin offset and the extremely thin-walled alloy steel/nickel exhaust system. Striking features of the V8 are that it no longer supports any auxiliary systems, there are no external belt drives and the engine is therefore particularly compact. Weight and performance optimizations achieve a power output per liter of approx. 133 hp/l – the highest power output per liter of a Porsche naturally aspirated engine – which is significantly higher than that of the Carrera GT (106 hp/l) and outstanding for a naturally aspirated engine.

Unique race car design heritage: top pipes

It isn’t just this engine’s performance but also the sound it makes that stokes the emotionality of the 918 Spyder. This is attributable first and foremost to the so-called top pipes: the tailpipes terminate in the upper part of the rear end immediately above the engine. No other production vehicle uses this solution. The top pipes’ greatest benefit is optimal heat removal, because the hot exhaust gases are released via the shortest possible route, and exhaust gas back pressure remains low. This design requires a new thermodynamic air channeling concept. With the HSI engine, the hot side is located inside the cylinder V, the intake channels are on the outside. There is another benefit as well: the engine compartment remains cooler. This is especially beneficial to the lithium-ion traction battery, as it provides optimum performance at temperatures between 68 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, less energy needs to be used for active cooling of the battery.

In parallel in the drivetrain: hybrid module

The V8 engine is coupled to the hybrid module, since the 918 Spyder is designed as a parallel hybrid like the current hybrid models from Porsche. Essentially, the hybrid module comprises a 115 kW electric motor and a decoupler that serves as the connection with the combustion engine. Because of its parallel hybrid configuration, the 918 Spyder can be powered at the rear axle either individually by the combustion engine or electric motor or via both drives jointly. As is typical for a Porsche super sports car, the power pack in the 918 Spyder has been placed in front of the rear axle, and does not have any direct mechanical connection to the front axle.

Upside-down for a low center of gravity: Doppelkupplung

A seven-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission handles power transmission to the rear axle. The high-performance transmission is the sportiest version of the successful PDK; it has undergone a complete redesign for the 918 Spyder and has been further optimized for high performance. To ensure a low mounting position for a low center of gravity of the entire vehicle, the gear unit was turned “upside down" by rotating it 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis, in contrast to other Porsche series. If no power is required on the rear axle, the two motors can be decoupled by opening the decoupler and PDK clutches. This is the action behind the Porsche hybrid drive’s typical “coasting" with the combustion engine switched off.

Independent all-wheel drive: front axle with electric motor

On the front axle, there is another independent electric motor with an output of approximately 95 kW. The front electric drive unit drives the wheels at a fixed ratio. A decoupler decouples the electric motor at high speeds to prevent the motor from over-revving. Drive torque is independently controlled for each axle. This makes for very responsive all-wheel drive functionality that offers great potential in terms of traction and driving dynamics.

Lithium-ion battery with plug-in charging system

The electric energy for the electric motors is stored by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery comprising 312 individual cells with an energy content of about seven kilowatt hours. The battery of the 918 Spyder has a performance-oriented design in terms of both power charging and output, so that it can fulfill the performance requirements of the electric motor. The power capacity and the operating life of the lithium-ion traction battery depend on several factors, including thermal conditions. That is why the battery of the 918 Spyder is liquid-cooled by a dedicated cooling circuit. The global warranty period for the traction battery is seven years.

To supply it with energy, Porsche developed a new system with a plug-in vehicle charge port and improved recuperation potential. This vehicle charge port in the B-pillar on the front passenger side lets users connect the storage battery to an electrical supply at home to charge it. The charge port is standardized for the country of purchase. The on-board charger is located close to the traction battery. It converts the alternating current of the household electric supply into direct current with a maximum charge output of 3.6 kW. Using the supplied Porsche Universal Charger (AC), the traction battery can be charged with a conventional wall plug in seven hours from a ten ampere rated, fused power socket a US 110 Volt household electrical supply, for example. Furthermore, the Porsche Universal Charger (AC) can be installed at home in the garage using the Charging Dock. It enables rapid and convenient charging within approximately two hours, irrespective of regional conditions. The Porsche Speed Charging Station (DC) is available as an optional extra. It can fully charge the high-voltage battery of the 918 Spyder in just 25 minutes.

Pioneering control concept: clear organization of the cockpit

The driver is the focus of all technology in the future Porsche super sports car. A cockpit was created for the driver that is typical of the brand and pioneering in its clarity. It is partitioned into two basic areas. First, there are the controls that are important for driving, which are grouped around the multifunction steering wheel, combined with driver information displayed on three large round instruments. Second, there is the infotainment block that is housed in the lifted center console, which was introduced in the Carrera GT. Control functions, e.g. for the automatic climate control system, wing adjustment, lighting and Porsche Communication Management (PCM), including a Burmester high-end sound system, can be intuitively operated by multitouch with a new type of black panel technology.

For even higher performance: the Weissach package

For very performance-oriented customers of the 918 Spyder, Porsche offers the “Weissach" package. These modified super sports cars can be recognized at first glance by special colors and designs that are based on legendary Porsche race cars. The roof, rear wings, rear-view mirrors and frames of the windscreen are made of visible carbon. Parts of the interior are upholstered with Alcantara instead of leather, and visible carbon replaces much of the aluminum. Sound insulation has been reduced. The emphasis on performance is not just visual: very lightweight magnesium wheels reduce unsprung masses; gross weight was reduced by about 77 lbs. The benefits are experienced in further improved dynamic performance. Other references from motorsport are six-point seatbelts for driver and front passenger, optional film-coating instead of body paint, as well as additional aerodynamic body parts in visible carbon.

Porsche redefined: a new super sports car for a new decade

The 918 Spyder continues a long tradition of super sports cars at Porsche; as technology platforms, as the driving force behind both car emotion and car evolution and as the ultimate sports cars of their decades: the Carrera GTS, the first Porsche Turbo, the 959, the 911 GT1, the Carrera GT. More than any of its predecessors, the 918 Spyder is providing key impetus for developing technologies for future vehicle concepts. It offers a complete package of components that reflect Porsche DNA – more concentrated than ever before.

Technical Specifications – Porsche 918 Spyder

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 190 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

For Porsche apps: http://www.porsche.com/usa/entertainment/apps/

Note: Photos and video footage are available to accredited journalists on the Porsche Press Database at http://press.porsche.com/

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Hamburg. This evening, the new flagship for luxurious motoring landed in Hamburg on board an Airbus A300-600 DHL cargo plane. Mercedes-Benz had the new S-Class flown in exclusively from its birthplace in Stuttgart for its world premiere at Airbus in Finkenwerder. At the delivery centre for the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft and a benchmark in travel comfort, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new luxury saloon in front of around 750 international guests from the worlds of politics, industry and media. Flanked by the 20 current Mercedes-Benz models and musically accompanied by the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, the new top-of-the-line model from Stuttgart rolled across the tarmac as part of a spectacular show. In a dazzling display, it took up its position at the head of the Mercedes-Benz family and drove onto the stage with its first passenger, the global superstar Alicia Keys.

Just as the Airbus A380 has set new standards in air travel, the new S-Class is the technological spearhead of automotive development. "Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," said Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The new S-Class: redefinition of luxurious motoring

The new S-Class is the true embodiment of a modern luxury saloon: it is an exclusive first-class mobile office akin to a business jet and also an exquisite centre of well-being at the same time. While achieving fuel-consumption and emissions values that appeared utopian just a few years ago even for a mid-size car, it raises the standard for automotive safety equipment to a new level.

In addition to featuring high-grade materials, the interior boasts numerous world firsts, opening up a completely new dimension in luxury and comfort. These include the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot stone principle, active seat ventilation with innovative reversing fans, active and individually adjustable fragrancing as well as the executive rear seat with a revolutionary fully reclined position. Equally unique is the musical experience. The new S-Class is the first saloon to feature Mercedes-Benz's front bass system and the new Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system – for a superlative listening experience. For the first time, each passenger can individually access the entertainment system from their seat – another world first.

The new S-Class also makes its mark in terms of lighting technology. The first car in the world to completely dispense with conventional electric bulbs, it makes exclusive use of energy-saving LED technology both inside and outside. Equally efficient are the engines, which set new standards in the luxury segment. For example, the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID consumes just 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. And this will soon be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID, the first S-Class to boast a fuel consumption with a three in front of the decimal point.

A new benchmark in safety is assured by a host of innovative and intelligently interlinked safety and assistance systems. Thanks to their 360-degree all-round vision, these systems provide early detection of potential dangers, warn the driver and sometimes intervene to correct the situation. Mercedes-Benz calls this "Intelligent Drive".

Launch party with global superstars and unique "Ten Star Restaurant"

The new S-Class's uniqueness and leadership aspiration were conveyed to the guests at the world premiere not just through the vehicle itself, but also by a varied range of sensory experiences. For the dinner, Mercedes-Benz had opened a unique "Ten Star Restaurant". Five German star-rated chefs specialising in different culinary styles each cooked their own dish, which they also served themselves as a flying menu: Juan Amador from Mannheim (3 stars), Douce Steiner from Sulzburg (2 stars), Tim Raue from Berlin (2 stars), Matthias Schmidt from Frankfurt am Main (2 stars) and Wahabi Nouri from Hamburg (1 star).

The musical accompaniment was equally excellent and diverse. Global superstar Alicia Keys had come specially to Hamburg just a few days ahead of the start of her European tour. With 19 musicians under conductor Prof. Johannes Schild, the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra played various pieces that had been specially composed for the world premiere of the S-Class by the internationally successful film composer Marius Ruhland. There were also appearances by two internationally acclaimed German musicians: the Berlin-based jazz singer Lisa Bassenge, who won last year's German Jazz Award in Gold, and Alice Francis from Cologne, who received critical acclaim in 2012 for her debut album. In an original and elegant way, she combines elements of swing, Charleston and jazz from the 1920s with modern hip-hip and an electro-sound.

The post Spectacular world premiere of the new S-Class at Airbus in Hamburg: Grand unveiling of the new flagship model from Mercedes-Benz appeared first on Debold Motorsports.

Spectacular world premiere of the new S-Class at Airbus in Hamburg

Grand unveiling of the new flagship model from Mercedes-Benz

Hamburg. This evening, the new flagship for luxurious motoring landed in Hamburg on board an Airbus A300-600 DHL cargo plane. Mercedes-Benz had the new S-Class flown in exclusively from its birthplace in Stuttgart for its world premiere at Airbus in Finkenwerder. At the delivery centre for the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft and a benchmark in travel comfort, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new luxury saloon in front of around 750 international guests from the worlds of politics, industry and media. Flanked by the 20 current Mercedes-Benz models and musically accompanied by the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, the new top-of-the-line model from Stuttgart rolled across the tarmac as part of a spectacular show. In a dazzling display, it took up its position at the head of the Mercedes-Benz family and drove onto the stage with its first passenger, the global superstar Alicia Keys.

Just as the Airbus A380 has set new standards in air travel, the new S-Class is the technological spearhead of automotive development. "Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," said Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The new S-Class: redefinition of luxurious motoring

The new S-Class is the true embodiment of a modern luxury saloon: it is an exclusive first-class mobile office akin to a business jet and also an exquisite centre of well-being at the same time. While achieving fuel-consumption and emissions values that appeared utopian just a few years ago even for a mid-size car, it raises the standard for automotive safety equipment to a new level.

In addition to featuring high-grade materials, the interior boasts numerous world firsts, opening up a completely new dimension in luxury and comfort. These include the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot stone principle, active seat ventilation with innovative reversing fans, active and individually adjustable fragrancing as well as the executive rear seat with a revolutionary fully reclined position. Equally unique is the musical experience. The new S-Class is the first saloon to feature Mercedes-Benz's front bass system and the new Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system – for a superlative listening experience. For the first time, each passenger can individually access the entertainment system from their seat – another world first.

The new S-Class also makes its mark in terms of lighting technology. The first car in the world to completely dispense with conventional electric bulbs, it makes exclusive use of energy-saving LED technology both inside and outside. Equally efficient are the engines, which set new standards in the luxury segment. For example, the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID consumes just 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. And this will soon be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID, the first S-Class to boast a fuel consumption with a three in front of the decimal point.

A new benchmark in safety is assured by a host of innovative and intelligently interlinked safety and assistance systems. Thanks to their 360-degree all-round vision, these systems provide early detection of potential dangers, warn the driver and sometimes intervene to correct the situation. Mercedes-Benz calls this "Intelligent Drive".

Launch party with global superstars and unique "Ten Star Restaurant"

The new S-Class's uniqueness and leadership aspiration were conveyed to the guests at the world premiere not just through the vehicle itself, but also by a varied range of sensory experiences. For the dinner, Mercedes-Benz had opened a unique "Ten Star Restaurant". Five German star-rated chefs specialising in different culinary styles each cooked their own dish, which they also served themselves as a flying menu: Juan Amador from Mannheim (3 stars), Douce Steiner from Sulzburg (2 stars), Tim Raue from Berlin (2 stars), Matthias Schmidt from Frankfurt am Main (2 stars) and Wahabi Nouri from Hamburg (1 star).

The musical accompaniment was equally excellent and diverse. Global superstar Alicia Keys had come specially to Hamburg just a few days ahead of the start of her European tour. With 19 musicians under conductor Prof. Johannes Schild, the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra played various pieces that had been specially composed for the world premiere of the S-Class by the internationally successful film composer Marius Ruhland. There were also appearances by two internationally acclaimed German musicians: the Berlin-based jazz singer Lisa Bassenge, who won last year's German Jazz Award in Gold, and Alice Francis from Cologne, who received critical acclaim in 2012 for her debut album. In an original and elegant way, she combines elements of swing, Charleston and jazz from the 1920s with modern hip-hip and an electro-sound.

The post Spectacular world premiere of the new S-Class at Airbus in Hamburg: Grand unveiling of the new flagship model from Mercedes-Benz appeared first on Debold Motorsports.

Success story based on innovative power and teamwork

Atlanta. The Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany, is producing the 100,000th Panamera today. Back in 2009, the decision to produce this new Porsche model series and manufacture the first customer vehicle started a success story.

“In over 120 countries, Panamera customers drive a Porsche that is ‘Made in Leipzig’ and sport this quality seal around the globe. The team and I are very proud of this,” said Siegfried Bülow, Chairman of the Board of Porsche Leipzig GmbH. Developed in the Swabian city of Weissach and manufactured in the Saxon metropolis of Leipzig, the Panamera also illustrates successful cooperation between business sites within the Porsche company. The value that is placed in this team accomplishment is being expressed today as the 100,000th Panamera festively drives off the assembly line and through a paper wall that was signed by employees beforehand.

The milestone vehicle is a new Panamera S E-Hybrid in “rhodium-silver metallic”. This vehicle – the world’s first plug-in hybrid of the luxury class - made its debut before a world audience at the Shanghai Auto Show at the end of April 2013. The Panamera S E-Hybrid combines efficiency, sportiness and comfort with a very personal note: the number of possible combinations of factory installed exterior and interior color combinations and decors is over 1,500. With 416 hp (306 kW) of system power, the car’s NEDC fuel consumption is just 3.1 liters of fuel per 100 km, which equates to 71 g/km CO2 emissions. The car is also a Porsche Gran Turismo through and through: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 270 km/h.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 190 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

For Porsche apps: http://www.porsche.com/usa/entertainment/apps/

Note: Photos and video footage are available to accredited journalists on the Porsche Press Database at http://press.porsche.com/

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• ADAC GT Masters: Positions two and four in Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)

• International GT Open: Positions three and six in Portimão (POR)

• Polish GT Championship: Lead for Premium Motorsport Poland

• Seven SLS AMG GT3 entered into 24 Hours Nürburgring

• High performance demonstration by Mercedes-AMG

• 66 gullwing cars sold since beginning of 2013

Affalterbach – A week prior to the start of the legendary 24 Hours Nürburgring, the race gullwing cars of the different AMG Customer Teams continue to be on the course of success. The second race weekend of the ADAC GT Masters took place in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. In the first race on Saturday, 11st May, 2013, Maximilian Götz and Maximilian Buhk (both GER) of Polarweiss Racing crossed the finish line second. Their team colleagues Andreas Simonsen (SWE) and Sergey Afanasiev (RUS) ended the race fourth. In the second race on Sunday, 12th May, 2013, both SLS AMG GT3 of Polarweiss Racing won the same positions as already on Saturday – once again, a pleasing second position. The driver duo Götz/Buhk started from the second position and took over the lead already in the first turn, claiming the first position for a long time. A few minutes prior to the end of the race on a drying track, the SLS AMG GT3 was pushed away from its competitors to the second place. In the championship, Götz/Bukh managed to win the sixth position, while their team colleagues Simonsen/Afanasiev won the fourth position. In the team ranking, Polarweiss Racing won the first position.

Podium position in International GT Open in Portimão/Portugal

The second round of the International GT Open was held in Portimão/Portugal. Jan Seyffarth (GER) and Miguel Toril (ESP) from Seyffarth Motorsport ended the race on Saturday, 11st May, 2013 on the sixth overall position and on position three in the GTS category. In the second race on Sunday, 12th May, 2013, Seyffarth/Toril won the 14th overall position after a tyre failure and position nine in the GTS category.

Lead in the Polish GT Championship

Piotr Krawczyk and his SLS AMG GT3 continue to be the leaders of the Polish GT Championship. In the FIA CEZ race on the Austrian Red Bull Ring, the driver of the AMG Customer Team Premium Motorsport Poland came home second on Saturday. A remarkable success for the leading contender in the Polish GT Championship, who had his first race on the track near Spielberg – in addition, on a wet track. In the race on Sunday, Piotr Krawczyk crossed the finish line fourth.

Seven SLS AMG GT3 in 24 Hours Nürburgring

One of the highlights of the season for the AMG Customer Sports Programme takes place on Whit weekend. Seven SLS AMG GT3 will be entered into the 41st ADAC Zurich 24 Hours Nürburgring: Black Falcon enters three cars while ROWE RACING even enters four. All of the race gullwing cars start in the SP 9 class. Due to their good results in the first VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring) races, start numbers 22 and 23 from ROWE RACING are already admitted for the top-40 qualifying. As already in 2012, Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger will support the customer teams as part of the AMG Support Program and will also actively take part in the race. Lance David Arnold will have his first race as AMG driver this year.

An overview of AMG Customer Teams in the 24-hour race:

• Start number 9, Black Falcon: Bernd Schneider (GER), Jeroen Bleekemolen (NED), Sean Edwards (GBR), Nicki Thiim (DEN)

• Start number 10, Black Falcon: Andrii Lebed (UKR), Andreas Simonsen (SWE), Dennis Rostek (GER), Hari Proczyk (AUT)

• Start number 63, Black Falcon: Vimal Mehta (IND), Kaled al Qubaisi (UAE), Daniel Keilwitz, Christian Bracke (both GER)

• Start number 21, ROWE RACING: Marko Hartung, Kenneth Heyer, Roland Rehfeld, Christan Hohenadel (all GER)

• Start number 22, ROWE RACING: Klaus Graf, Thomas Jäger, Jan Seyffarth, Nico Bastian (all GER)

• Start number 23, ROWE RACING: Lance David Arnold, Alexander Roloff, Jan Seyffarth, Thomas Jäger (all GER)

• Start number 125, ROWE RACING: Michael Zehe, Reinhold Renger, Marko Hartung (all GER), Mark Bullit (USA)

Ola Källenius, chairman of the board, Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “All employees of Mercedes-AMG are very proud of the fact that the AMG Customer Teams Black Falcon and ROWE RACING enter seven SLS AMG GT3 altogether into the 24 Hours Nürburgring. This meaningful and historical race is also an important event for the brand AMG, which has intensively been performing motor sports since its establishment in 1967.That is why we hope that our customer teams will have success in this race. Good luck to all drivers and persons involved!”

Uli Fritz, head of AMG Customer Sports: “This year’s 24 Hours Nürburgring will be challenging for the AMG Customer Teams, as they will have to compete with numerous factory-backed teams. However, Black Falcon and ROWE RACING have been preparing very well for the endurance classic. Both teams have put together a good package with excellent drivers. Several SLS AMG GT3 will start in the front. But one must never forget that there is always a possibility of surprises coming up in the 24 Hours Nürburgring.”

Bernd Schneider, Team Black Falcon and AMG brand ambassador: „The favourites in this year’s 24-hour races have had successes at Nürburgring, however, my first aim is to cross the finish line. Unfortunately, by now I have not been able to finish a 24-hour race on the Nordschleife (“north loop”). Last year, we were on the second place half an hour prior to the end of the race, however, we experienced a tyre failure in the last hour of the race and consequently had to end the race a quarter of an hour prior to the end. This was an extremely bitter experience for us – even though the team was consoled by the sister car’s winning the third position. I hope we are going to be successful this year, because again, we have excellent drivers in the team. Our package has the potential of winning a top-three position. I am sure that a lack of preparation will not be the case, because this year, I succeeded in winning the Dubai 24 Hours and the Bathurst 12 Hour Race.”

Thomas Jäger, Team ROWE RACING and AMG Customer Sports coordinator:“Last year we were on the course of success in the 24 Hours Nürburgring, until we had to give up because of technical problems. In 2013, we hope to have a race without any incidents and if our plan works out, the SLS AMG GT3 vehicles will be candidates for a top-three position. The 24 Hours Nürburgring is the most difficult 24-hour race in the world. We are looking forward to this challenge.”

Lance David Arnold, Team ROWE RACING: “In this year’s 24 Hours Nürburgring I will start in a new team. Together with my strong driver colleagues of ROWE RACING we will have a good chance of repeating our success – at least! As new AMG driver, I am part of ROWE RACING for the first time in 2013. I am looking forward to this new challenge.”

180 cars announced for the endurance classic

650 pilots and 180 race cars were announced for the endurance classic in the Eifel. The race will start on Sunday, 19th May, 2013 on five o’clock in the afternoon.
The finish of the race will take part exactly 24 hours later on Whit Monday. The top-40 qualifying for the start order of the first 20 start rows is held on Saturday, 18th May, 2013 from 5:50 to 6:45 in the afternoon. Motorsports enthusiasts can watch the qualifying and race on www.24h-rennen.de and www.facebook.com/24hNurburgring live. The German TV station Sport 1 will show detailed reports on the endurance race during the whole race weekend. The Top-40-Qualifying will be broadcast live, as well as the start and the finish of the race.

High-performance demonstration of Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-Benz has a very special event highlight for all Motorsports enthusiasts as framework program of the 24-hour race on Sunday, 19th May, 2013. As part of a high-performance demonstration, four Mercedes-AMG vehicles will go up against Michael Schumacher in a Formula 1 Silver Arrow. The vehicles will start at different times from the Mercedes-Benz grandstand but will cross the finish line simultaneously. The Mercedes-AMGs will be driven by Formula 1 star Nico Rosberg, DTM record-breaking champion Bernd Schneider, ex-Formula 1 and DTM driver Karl Wendlinger and by the official driver of the Formula 1 Safety Car Bernd Mayländer.

An A 45 AMG, driven by Bernd Mayländer, will start first, followed by an E 63 AMG S-Model piloted by Karl Wendlinger, followed by Nico Rosberg in a SLS AMG Coupé Black Series and a then, a SLS AMG GT3 with Bernd Schneider. Finally, Michael Schumacher will set off in a Formula 1 Silver Arrow on the 20.832 kilometres lap around the Nordschleife (excluding grand prix circuit). On this special occasion, the Formula 1 record world champion will be the first driver to cover the Nordschleife in an state-of-the-art Silver Arrow since Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954.

66 SLS AMG GT3 sold worldwide

The SLS AMG GT3 is amongst the best-selling GT3 race vehicles in the world. The Mercedes-AMG GmbH managed to sell 66 cars to customer teams since the sales launch in the beginning of 2011. Uli Fritz, head of AMG Customer Sports: “As newcomers in the GT3 segment, we initially did not expect to sell 66 SLS AMG GT3 in the course of two years. However, because of its considerable base speed, high reliability, its exemplary ease when it comes to reparations and attractive prices of spare parts and ware parts, our race gullwing car has convinced customer teams around the globe. Meanwhile, the SLS AMG GT3 starts in more than 22 race series on five continents and has firmly established itself in the race scene. Alone in Asia, we have eight cars starting in the meanwhile. We hold on to our philosophy of merely practicing Customer Sports with the SLS AMG GT3, no factory entries. Our focus lies on providing the AMG Customer Teams the best support possible.

The post Preview: AMG Customer Sports in the 24 Hours Nürburgring. SLS AMG GT3: Race gullwing on course of success appeared first on Debold Motorsports.

“Mercedes-Benz dream cars” is a combined concept for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s sales and marketing activities around its coupé, cabrio and roadster model series. The campaign is currently being rolled out in its core markets. The dream cars include the new E-Class coupe and cabrio models, the SLK and SL sports cars, the CL as well as the CLS and the CLS Shooting Brake. Selected young classics such as the SL Pagoda round off the portfolio.

“We have always made automotive dreams come true. ‘Mercedes-Benz dream cars’ is intended to underline this as a new umbrella term,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales and Marketing. “Those models in particular are what make the Mercedes-Benz brand so exciting.”

Approximately 133,000 of these dream cars were sold worldwide in 2012. The aim is to increase model sales further during 2013. The E-Class cabrio and coupe are set to play an important role when they take to Europe's roads from 1 June 2013 onwards.

Adaptable communication activities around the globe

Advertising and marketing tools featuring a standard design, and which can be used in various different ways worldwide, are to be stepped up. Markets will have access to a “dream car toolbox” containing print visuals and moving image material. There are also dealer communication modules and event guidelines to assist dealers in implementing point-of-sale events. This gives all markets the flexibility to respond to their specific target audience. In Germany, the print ads will run from mid-May 2013. A concurrent radio campaign starring the E-Class cabrio and coupe will invite listeners to “dream car weeks”. Special formats like the 2014 Mercedes-Benz calendar will also be entirely dedicated to the dream car theme. Long-term, this extensive package of activities will not only ensure that the dream cars fully live up to driver expectations, but also contribute to the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy.

Rising demand for dream cars

In Germany, the E-Class coupe and cabrio have proved to be the most popular vehicles in their segments for the third time in succession. Demand in the UK and the United States – the biggest sales market – is even greater than in the home German market. Worldwide, some 75,000 customers have opted for an E-Class cabrio since the market launch of the current model series in 2010. Meanwhile, more than 132,000 units of the coupe version have been sold since it was unveiled in 2009. The majority of both cabrio and coupe customers select a paint finish in obsidian black. Diamond white metallic is the second most popular colour. When it comes to optional extras, customers value entertainment and comfort above all: around two-thirds of customers choose the COMAND multimedia system and more than four-fifths order AIRSCARF neck-level heating for their E-Class cabrio.

In the roadster segment the Mercedes-Benz SLK was the global segment leader last year, with 31,800 new cars sold. Most SLKs in 2012 went to owners in Germany, followed by the UK and the United States. Besides the PARKTRONIC system ordered by 90 percent of customers, the most popular extra equipment include AIRSCARF neck-level heating and a navigation and entertainment system. Furthermore, over four-fifths of SLK buyers opted for leather equipment in black. The top paint colour choices for the SLK are tenorite grey, palladium silver and iridium silver.

Now in its sixth generation, the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL sports car continues to be as popular as ever. From the current model series 10,700 units were sold in 2012, three times as many as in the previous year. The SL’s history dates back 60 years to the 300 SL racing sports car of 1952. Today, one in every two SL models goes to an owner in the United States. Germany and Japan are other major sales markets. Proving that no other vehicle in its class unites sportiness and comfort like the SL, the vehicle has won a 2012 “Automotive Brand Award” for its outstanding design. The highest of accolades for vehicle body construction was also received in 2012 in the shape of the “EuroCarBody Award”.

The unique concept behind the CLS Shooting Brake last year saw Mercedes-Benz establishing an entirely new segment. In terms of design idiom and equipment, this model fulfils every customer requirement. An American cherry wood load compartment floor, for example, helps to create an exclusive yachting ambience. In February, the CLS Shooting Brake was awarded the 2013 Design Trophy in the Estate Class category for its exciting design. The jury also voted it the most beautiful car of all and therefore the overall champion. Just under 37,000 units of the CLS and CLS Shooting Brake were delivered to customers in 2012, making it number one in its competitive class. Since the CLS debuted in 2003, over 240,000 of the vehicle have been sold.

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