Having the means to buy a performance automobile does not automatically come with the ability to drive it well. Few are as keenly aware of this correlation (or lack thereof) than
Mercedes-Benz and its performance arm,
AMG.
In addition to building some of the most capable performance cars on the market, AMG also operates the AMG Driving Academy at locations around the world to show its customers how to get the most out of their cars.
Courses ranges in price from $1,595 for a one-day 'Basic Training' class to $3,695 for a three-day comprehensive 'Pro Training' course. To give us a taste (and then some) of what's on offer, AMG has released a ten-part video series on YouTube covering the basic elements of what a driver needs to know, everything from proper seat adjustment to how to drift.
The series is hosted by experienced racer, television presenter and instructor Tommy Kendall, and it's worth taking the time to watch. Each segment is only three or four minutes long and can be found
after the jump. Watch them, and you're sure to learn a thing or two. AMG is also
giving away a free day at the academy for you and three friends on its Facebook page.
Participating in the prestigious Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy has never been easier with the release of the new "AMG Performance Series Videos" and the opportunity to win a trip to participate in the one-day intensive Basic Course at the Academy. Ten instructional videos, hosted by professional racecar driver and AMG Driving Academy instructor Tommy Kendall, are available on the Mercedes-Benz USA Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/dWQthT) and YouTube. Through September 15, 2011 on the Mercedes-Benz USA Facebook page, people can enter for a chance to win a trip for four to Laguna Seca.
Produced at the legendary Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, the ten-part video series covers many of the same racing techniques taught at the AMG Driving Academy. Four-time Trans-Am Series champion Tommy Kendall narrates the video series and with the help of other expert drivers, demonstrates a wide range of performance driving techniques. Starting with basic seating position, drivers at home will have the opportunity to experience a series of 'classroom sessions' aimed at honing driver skills. At the conclusion of the video series, viewers will have a basic understanding of the 'race craft' techniques used by professional drivers.
The AMG Driving Academy, offered at Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca and Lime Rock Park, comes in three varieties:
- 'Basic Training,' a one-day intensive program that costs $1,595. Remaining programs in 2011 are available at Laguna Seca in September (27), October (6, 7, 9, 20, 21, 22), November (8, 9) and December (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
- 'Advanced Training,' a two day program that costs $2,995.
- 'Pro Training,' a comprehensive three day program that costs $3,695. One program remains in 2011; Laguna Seca on October 10-12.
Each participant is given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a large selection of AMG vehicles, including the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz product lineup, the 563 hp SLS AMG.
A description of the Academy program including levels and preliminary schedules can be found at The AMG Driving Academy web site www.amgacademy.com.
About Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG is the high-performance subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz Car Group and is headquartered in Affalterbach, Germany. AMG engineers lend the benefit of more than 40 years racing experience to the development of new Mercedes-AMG vehicles. Transmissions, brakes, aerodynamics, exhaust systems and, most importantly, the hand-crafted engine built and signed by one of only fifty AMG Master Mechanics reflect AMG's holistic approach to performance. By blending AMG genes with Mercedes DNA, AMG has delivered thrilling performance and exclusive refinement to discerning customers since the brand's introduction to the U.S. in 1995. Since then, U.S. sales of AMG vehicles have grown to account for as much as 40% of worldwide Mercedes-AMG sales. While all Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers offer AMG products, 26 dealerships across the U.S. have attained 'AMG Performance Center' status where more personalized expert service for these high-performance vehicles is offered. www.mercedes-amg.com
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.
MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes- Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com
![[VIDEO] Mercedes-Benz celebrates 2m YouTube views with C63 AMG drift](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t1qBQqEHwbrL-U9JrW0D996xSZIKQbR0oFGXBKSJyLTT0lDgGvFaNafYedTiTHAOzAm8qVuUb_eDrqcrIzvybtqM41YAkL1L4uLHvbRYzxyEmwbeKxzLe5-GAQJodsZ1gXqyMK1PnwZFZvN7cT1xYNkm5ymNlWOeUPPYQtWKx7ORaVjAZaeDlxATMNmyGFYcWzS3TRaEbyiiHqfd0RQgA3izql7pcHVmxnzGbLK-KyJKeSsQXxtVhY-e6gc3uTW_BixqGCTTQrcnm93jfkg0gu=s0-d "[VIDEO] Mercedes-Benz celebrates 2m YouTube views with C63 AMG drift")
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