Posts Tagged ‘AMG’
Mercedes-AMG with new, notarised lap record
The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is the fastest series production SUV on the North Loop of Nürburgring
Affalterbach/Adenau. With an officially measured and notarised lap time of 7.49.369 minutes, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 11.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 270 g/km) is the fastest series production SUV in the world on the North Loop of Nürburgring. In autumnal track conditions, AMG development engineer Markus Hofbauer at the wheel of the series-production eight-cylinder model bettered the previous record time by a competitor at the first attempt.
The technical concept of the mid-size high-performance SUV provides the ideal basis for this outstanding lap time: apart from the powerful, high-torque 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, this includes the air suspension system with adaptively variable damping, the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, the rear axle locking differential and the high-performance ceramic composite braking system. The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is not only the top performer, but also fully day-to-day suitable: it has plenty of space for passengers and luggage, a variable interior, extensive safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort.
As is usual at Mercedes-AMG, the record lap was measured precisely by the independent experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also confirmed the lap time and that the vehicle’s condition was in accordance with regulations.
The AMG sports model with V6 power
The AMG sports models are distinguished by convincing product substance. Even at first glance, the characteristic AMG body styling leaves no doubt that this model is part of the Mercedes-AMG model family. Another indication for the new model strategy is found in the form of a special AMG badge on the front wings. From an engineering standpoint the AMG sports models perfectly deliver on the visual promise of a sporty character with a powerful engine, the standard-fit all-wheel drive system with rear-biased torque split, and sophisticated suspension solutions.
Authentic driving dynamics thanks to hallmark AMG DNA
The AMG C 43 4MATIC is based on the most powerful production model of the C-Class, the C 400 4MATIC. The engineers have revised many technical features of the AMG sports model. Their objective: a high level of authentic driving dynamics geared towards the Mercedes-AMG C 63. To this end, a host of suspension components were adopted from the top-of-the-line V8 model. The driver also feels the DNA of the C 63 in the application of the engine and transmission management. Agility and sportiness dominate the intense driving experience in the AMG C 43 4MATIC on every kilometre.
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is part of the BlueDIRECT engine family from Mercedes-Benz. Technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowed the AMG engineers to increase the engine’s power output and torque. With 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Newton metres the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment – which is evident in the convincing performance: a sprint time from zero to 100 km/h of 4.9 seconds underscores the sporty temperament of the AMG C 43 4MATIC.
Supreme or dynamic: the choice is yours
Thanks to a hefty torque curve the AMG sports model is agile, direct and dynamic. With the help of various AMG-specific drive programmes the driver is able to tailor the character of the AMG C 43 4MATIC to his or her personal preferences: the modes “Eco”, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” as well as “Individual” are available to choose from for this purpose. The drive programmes adjust the suspension, steering and powertrain as desired, and are selected conveniently with the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch to the left of the touchpad.
Especially the “Sport Plus” programme delivers impressive hallmark AMG dynamics and enhances the emotional appeal: partial cylinder suppression during gear changes by means of a momentary and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection under full throttle speeds up the gear changes, and can also be acoustically experienced by the driver. The emotional double-declutching functions during downshifts and the “exhaust rumbling” in overrun mode provide the fitting accompaniment. The throaty engine sound – a hallmark AMG experience – also plays a crucial role in the most powerful V6 model: to this end, the engineers have developed a new sports exhaust system with lower back-pressure and reduced weight.
The driving sensation is also characterised by the set-up of the accelerator pedal: the more the driver changes the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT settings from “Eco” towards “Sport Plus”, the more spontaneous and dynamic is the throttle response of the twin-turbo V6 engine. The driver also experiences authentic and emotional dynamics during engine start if desired: when the twin-turbo V6 engine is started in the “Sport Plus” drive programme, the engine speed quickly jumps to 2000 rpm for a moment before immediately settling back down to idle speed. Whether the driver wants to experience the engine start accompanied by a sporty or a more subdued sound depends on the most recently activated drive programme – it remains stored for four hours.
The “Eco” programme integrates an ECO start/stop function and a sailing function to reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch of the transmission is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.
Optimal traction thanks to Performance all-wheel drive
The all-wheel-drive system familiar from a number of AMG high-performance cars is also being used in the AMG C 43 4MATIC. The perfect grip during acceleration effectively prevents losses caused by slip. For thrilling driving dynamics 33 percent of the engine power is sent to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear axle. The rear-biased torque split results in higher agility around the vehicle’s vertical axis. Another major factor in this is the sportier set-up of the ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist. The tangible effects for sporty drivers are lateral dynamics and cornering performance increased to an above-average level.
Interior with exclusive, sporty flair
The AMG C 43 4MATIC fascinates with exclusivity and sportiness in the interior as well. The pleasant touch and feel of the materials and the quality of workmanship ensure a convincing value appeal and an emotional passenger experience.
The ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery and the instrument panel trimmed with black ARTICO man-made leather convey the sporty ambience in superior fashion. ARTICO is also used on the upper edges of the body, the armrests, the door centre panels and the centre console. Red contrasting topstitching, designo red safety belts and black floor mats with red edging add attractive highlights.
Sports seats with AMG-specific seat upholstery layout and pronounced lateral support offer long-distance comfort and brace the passengers during dynamic cornering. A fitting complement to the sporty handling is the 3-spoke nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with flat bottom. The convincing looks and touch and feel comes in part also courtesy of loving details such as red contrasting topstitching, the moulded grip area, steering-wheel paddle shifters and the silver chrome steering wheel trim.
The instrument cluster also sports the typical AMG style: this source of information comprises dials in the sporty “chequered flag” design, a 280-km/h speedometer scale, red speedometer needles and a specific typography.
Interview with Mark Raine
Mark Raine, Mercedes-Benz Cars vice-president of sales and marketing (Malaysia), has been active in the car scene lately, leading record sales for Mercedes last year with almost 12,000 units sold in 2016. There are many interesting factors that contributed to the growth of Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and also in South East Asia.
What has made the premium brand a success as of late? What are their recipes to success and sustainability? I have the privilege to interview Mark Raine during my short visit to Kota Kinabalu last week. Mark is a very easy going lad and very approachable. Thank you for hosting the media and customers last week and arranging a great three day event in showcasing how Mercedes-Benz is not just a product but a lifestyle.
Interviewing Mark Raine at Shangrila’s Rasa Ria
Rano Iskandar: Can you share the growth of Mercedes-Benz and its growing presence in South East Asia?
Mark Raine: I believe we have a holistic approach in our brand, Mercedes-Benz and this has been a huge factor in our growth and being a brand leader in the premium category. We don’t only have the best car but also focusing on customer centric in a way of doing our business, to give a more positive customer experience before and after sales. Even the process of buying a Mercedes is taken into account such as having a competent website, digital approach and also the consultation process. All these are essential in the buying process so in the end, the customers are happy with their choices. This is already half the victory in catering to what the customers want.
The real deal starts after the sales and we at Mercedes emphasizes deeply in this area as this will determine our loyalty of our customers. It has proven a success and it is no doubt that the growth of Mercedes in the premium sector has increased despite the downturn in the economy in SEA.
The extension of the models from Mercedes-Benz has helped to elevate the growth of the brand in the premium sector. These are such as the SUV models – the GLEs, GLCs and GLAs being introduced in the market.
Rano Iskandar: Speaking of the trend, is this segment a huge trend in the region for Mercedes and how it came about?
Mark Raine: Yes, this is more of a global trend that SUVs have impacting the trend. However, there was little choices in the premium segment. We have a gut feeling and took a gamble in this segment and we believed that SUV is the thing of the future. This was also the key element of positioning of the Mercedes brand (in the SUV segment), focusing on lifestyle and affluent customers. This has helped to rejuvenate the brand while improving on innovation and technology.
Rano Iskandar: Why Kota Kinabalu as the prime destination for the #hungryforadventure ?
Mark Raine: The destination speaks for itself and we want to associate the mindset of our customers that our brand offers endurance, great positioning for different walks of life such as taking your children to school or on the weekend, bring your bike for a spin or going for a round of golf and lastly Kota Kinabalu gives a sense of adrenalin which resonates with our brand. We were fortunate that we have different weather conditions during our hill drive this morning at Sabah National Park and it showed what our SUVs are capable of.
We at Mercedes tend to organize events like this twice a year. We will invite our stakeholders along such as the media, the customers to showcase what SUVs are about and also being a premium brand, we want to be approachable to our customers by having a touch and feel on what Mercedes have to offer.
Rano Iskandar: Which model in Malaysia has been a top seller?
Mark Raine: It will be the C class and it targets all walks of life. However, it’s not the only model that has been popular but the compact cars and other models such as the E Class that was launched last year in Malaysia. Pretty soon we will be launching the new E 350E the latest hybrid brand. In terms of growth, it will be the SUVs and the GLC is the best selling in Malaysia and we sold over 3,000 units since its launch.
Mark Raine, Mercedes-Benz Cars vice-president of sales and marketing (Malaysia), posing with the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 at Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu recently
Rano Iskandar: Why introducing the GLC 200 if you already have the GLC 250?
Mark Raine: We have the GLC 250 which is a brilliant product. It’s an SUV 4WD and offers great speed and comfort, positioning it as a very sporty, luxury model.
However to a certain extent, we are only capturing a lot of market but there are customers who want different qualities and traits and their mindsets are different from other customers. Hence the GLC 200 repositions itself in more exclusive luxury segment. It comes standard in on-road package or off-road package. The interior package also makes the value perception of this vehicle very, very high. The GLC 200 is just a notch below the GLC 250, hence makes it more affordable for most customers in the market. The unique selling point of the GLC 200 will be the exclusive luxurious appeal with high value perception and many features at a very competitive price.
Rano Iskandar: The GLC 200 is locally assembled in Malaysia. Is there any difference from the ones being imported?
Mark Raine: No difference at all. Same car, same quality, same quality checks. In essence, the same car. In South East Asia, we have a local production because we have tax exemptions and it makes the pricing more attractive.
Rano Iskandar: The GLE 43 Coupe OrangeArt Limited Edition. Share me more about it.
Mark Raine: It’s already available through order. It’s very limited and exclusive order. It’s very eccentric and flashy feel. It has a 21 inch AMG wheels with the OrangeArt Edition exterior package. We even have the Night Package. The eccentric and unique edition features extravagant design highlights including striking expressive decals in the orange on the front apron and the AMG wheels painted in high-gloss black and rim flange painted in orange.
The GLE 43 Coupe Orange Art Edition making it a high end personalised edition giving that special, individualized character and it’s definitely a striking appeal.
I had the privilege to test drive the GLC 200 and it will available in Brunei market hopefully by November 2017
Loving the feel and the drive. Of course, I love the AMG GLC 250 but this model is still good enough to keep me satisfied
A nice touch when I opened the door of the GLC 200
Mercedes-Benz Endurance Trip Day 2
Day 2 – Group shot with the representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Loas, the Philippines and Brunei. This was taken at entrance at the Ocean Wing, Shangrila’s Rasa Ria resort at Tuaran, Sabah.
This was our car for the day – the Mercedes-Benz GLC AMG 250. So much to love about this model and it’s one of the most popular model in South East Asia.
Some of the media representatives
The jungle trekking at Sabah National Park which lasted roughly 2 kilometre
The dry bag sponsored by Mercedes-Benz do come in handy
One of the media had the opportunity to hug a tree. I should have done that. This was the 2nd round of trekking which was tougher than the first one. I survived but my sneakers were all dirty from the soft ground.
We finally worked out the navigation for easier reference while driving. Hence we realised less on waze unless we want traffic update.
Taken at the Kinabalu Pine Resort where we had our lunch pitstop before heading back to the hotel
Group photo with representatives from Brunei Darussalam. We all had a good time.
A shot with the mountain view. I love the background scenery.
A situation where there is overcrowding of Mercedes-Benz SUVs at one spot
This is a pretty sight with all the convoys of the SUVs
On our way back from the mountain and the fog started to set in pretty early
A true test when it rained and of course, the Mercedes-Benz SUVs had little trouble during the rain with some puddles along the way
After trying out the GLC AMG 43 and the GLC AMG 250, I test drove the tamer version which will be launched in Brunei in November – The GLC 200. Again, a luxurious model of its own.
I tested with the Sport+ and Eco mode and you can tell the difference. I even did the launch control on the long stretch at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria. Love that adrenalin feeling.
Apart from the test drive, I love the fact that our host accommodate the invitees to stay over at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resot and I truly loved the experience. I made use of the humungous bath tub outside my room.
The finale BBQ dinner to cap off the #ReadyForAdventure trip. Thanks once again!
Representatives of Jati Transport and their customers from Brunei also joined the fun 🙂
I wanted to pamper myself and indulged for a massage session at the hotel. I shall give this 4 stars for the overall experience. I even fell asleep at one stage. So good.
Only 2 nights here and I made myself so comfortable at my room at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria. This is one of the best hotels I have stayed in 2017. Maybe the best 😀