Affalterbach armada returns to YAS Island for Mer-cedes-AMG Performance Tour 2011

Daring drivers from around the region will have the opportunity to command the fearsome V8 engines of Mercedes-AMG’s latest powerhouses as the annual AMG Performance Tour returns to the YAS Marina Circuit once again.

An immersive test drive experience not for the faint of heart, the week-long annual event allows Mercedes-AMG partners, customers and media from across the region a chance to command the power of AMG at the helm of the luxury German automotive manufacturer’s latest armada on the world class YAS F1 track. With experts advising through each twist, and turn drivers will experience the tremendous capabilities of Affalterbach’s latest offerings that include the C 63 AMG, C 63 AMG Coupe, CLS 63 AMG, SLS AMG, and SLS AMG GT3 with the added excitement of night-time driving.

Participants will feel the prickle of fear as they command the high performance cars around the track experiencing power and poise at every turn, straight and hairpin; get sideways on a ‘Kick Plate’ area to learn the techniques of handling in extreme conditions; and merge time and space during one-on-one SLS AMG GT3 taxi rides with professional AMG drivers.

Speaking over the AMG roar, Mike Belk, President and CEO, Daimler Middle East & Levant, announced: “AMGs are intended for drivers who want the exhilaration of a sports car every day, not every now and again, so it can be difficult to get a close look at an AMG because they are never stationary for long. The AMG Performance Tour fixes this problem by getting drivers behind the wheel for a taste of what it feels like to own an AMG, delivering a first-hand understanding of the AMG brand claim of Driving Performance and setting pulses racing in symphony with the redline RPMs.”

Participants at the event were also treated to a first sneak-peek of the new SLS AMG Roadster, fresh from its Frankfurt IAA launch in Germany last month.

Choosing to write his comment rather than compete with the wailing V8 opera, Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East & Levant, wrote: “The AMG Performance Tour injects the passion and expertise characterised by the AMG designers and engineers at Affalterbach into the hearts of those for whom these limit-pushing vehicles are intended. You cannot fully understand something unless you touch, feel and experience it for yourself. That is why this year we have included the SLS GT3 Racer which we have big plans for in the region, as well as a tantalising sneak peak of the exciting SLS AMG Roadster.”