Went to Mercedes Benz World Today
Discussion
Afternoon guys,
Just thought I'd quickly share my experience of the 1 hour AMG driving experience I did today with my brother for his 21st birthday.
In short it was absolutely epic. I had a fantastic instructor (GT3 racer Paul Rees) who quickly picked up that I could drive reasonably well and let me really thrash the car and push it to the limit. He also said that I was the best driver he'd seen there for a long time which I was really chuffed about!
We started off on the handling circuit and within 2 laps he had me flying round it at a decent lick. From there he demonstrated the different systems on the car which were all very impressive. It was then on to the skid pan for some drifting- I managed three quarters of the circle on the first attempt and went on to having the car sideways for pretty much as long as I wanted- we successfully did the 'challenge' of a whole circle sideways which was great.
The car was the new CLS 63 AMG with the Biturbo motor and 560 odd horsepower. In short it felt ridiculously almost frighteningly potent. There is a bit on the track which opens out into a long straight. As your getting on the gas the traction control flashes up and limits the power but as you straighten the car it loosens it grip and you get everything thrown at the rear tires. I must admit that the acceleration in 4th was so brutal that I uttered a number of expletives. Absolutely savage.
I was also amazed at the entry speed Paul was having me take into even the tighter corners. My mind was telling me that it wouldn't stick and it was difficult not to dab the brakes when he was saying 'just turn it in, it will stick'. Stick it did. I was massively impressed with the handling and the brakes (carbon ceramics) were brutally effective and did indeed leave your face hurting.
We spent the remaining 5 mins doing some gratuitous drifting before returning to the main building. All in all a brilliant way to spend £130 quid and not once did I feel short changed. My brother also had a great time in an E63AMG.
The star of the show however was Paul. He really was brilliant and I got very lucky having him as my instructor. Even though he goes round there 5-8 times a day he made it feel completely individual to me and shared my excitement about the car. Moreover, he was quick to assess driving ability and allow me to drive accordingly, only offering advice when needed. None of this BRAKE, BRAKE BRAKE! you get with some instructors.
I'm going to go back with him for half a day in an SLS which judging by today should be incredible.
Overall it was a great experience and managed in a highly professional manner by MB world. If you haven't done it, do it.
Just thought I'd quickly share my experience of the 1 hour AMG driving experience I did today with my brother for his 21st birthday.
In short it was absolutely epic. I had a fantastic instructor (GT3 racer Paul Rees) who quickly picked up that I could drive reasonably well and let me really thrash the car and push it to the limit. He also said that I was the best driver he'd seen there for a long time which I was really chuffed about!
We started off on the handling circuit and within 2 laps he had me flying round it at a decent lick. From there he demonstrated the different systems on the car which were all very impressive. It was then on to the skid pan for some drifting- I managed three quarters of the circle on the first attempt and went on to having the car sideways for pretty much as long as I wanted- we successfully did the 'challenge' of a whole circle sideways which was great.
The car was the new CLS 63 AMG with the Biturbo motor and 560 odd horsepower. In short it felt ridiculously almost frighteningly potent. There is a bit on the track which opens out into a long straight. As your getting on the gas the traction control flashes up and limits the power but as you straighten the car it loosens it grip and you get everything thrown at the rear tires. I must admit that the acceleration in 4th was so brutal that I uttered a number of expletives. Absolutely savage.
I was also amazed at the entry speed Paul was having me take into even the tighter corners. My mind was telling me that it wouldn't stick and it was difficult not to dab the brakes when he was saying 'just turn it in, it will stick'. Stick it did. I was massively impressed with the handling and the brakes (carbon ceramics) were brutally effective and did indeed leave your face hurting.
We spent the remaining 5 mins doing some gratuitous drifting before returning to the main building. All in all a brilliant way to spend £130 quid and not once did I feel short changed. My brother also had a great time in an E63AMG.
The star of the show however was Paul. He really was brilliant and I got very lucky having him as my instructor. Even though he goes round there 5-8 times a day he made it feel completely individual to me and shared my excitement about the car. Moreover, he was quick to assess driving ability and allow me to drive accordingly, only offering advice when needed. None of this BRAKE, BRAKE BRAKE! you get with some instructors.
I'm going to go back with him for half a day in an SLS which judging by today should be incredible.
Overall it was a great experience and managed in a highly professional manner by MB world. If you haven't done it, do it.
Excellent write up - thanks for that!
This motivates me to check it out as its only down the road from me.
The reason I had been put off in the past is that I would normally rather take my car on track (rather than drive someone elses) - but with time currently a very limiting factor this sounds like a good way to get some car based gratification (and no wear and tear on my car to boot).
This motivates me to check it out as its only down the road from me.
The reason I had been put off in the past is that I would normally rather take my car on track (rather than drive someone elses) - but with time currently a very limiting factor this sounds like a good way to get some car based gratification (and no wear and tear on my car to boot).
I was there last Saturday driving the CLS 63.
Had a very good time, albeit quite controlled.
The instructors do not want to be passengers in a car with someone getting anywhere near the limit.
Good fun but not as much fun as driving your own vehicle on a track day.
Shame I can't have a CLS 63 for the odd track day!
Had a very good time, albeit quite controlled.
The instructors do not want to be passengers in a car with someone getting anywhere near the limit.
Good fun but not as much fun as driving your own vehicle on a track day.
Shame I can't have a CLS 63 for the odd track day!
zip929 said:
I was there last Saturday driving the CLS 63.
Had a very good time, albeit quite controlled.
The instructors do not want to be passengers in a car with someone getting anywhere near the limit.
Good fun but not as much fun as driving your own vehicle on a track day.
Shame I can't have a CLS 63 for the odd track day!
That's not congruous with the experience i had.Had a very good time, albeit quite controlled.
The instructors do not want to be passengers in a car with someone getting anywhere near the limit.
Good fun but not as much fun as driving your own vehicle on a track day.
Shame I can't have a CLS 63 for the odd track day!
mikearwas said:
zip929 said:
I was there last Saturday driving the CLS 63.
Had a very good time, albeit quite controlled.
The instructors do not want to be passengers in a car with someone getting anywhere near the limit.
Good fun but not as much fun as driving your own vehicle on a track day.
Shame I can't have a CLS 63 for the odd track day!
That's not congruous with the experience i had.Had a very good time, albeit quite controlled.
The instructors do not want to be passengers in a car with someone getting anywhere near the limit.
Good fun but not as much fun as driving your own vehicle on a track day.
Shame I can't have a CLS 63 for the odd track day!
He was asking for the brakes a long way before I wanted to apply them.
Then again if I was sitting where he was with a total stranger at the wheel I would problably do the same!
mikearwas said:
It's mental isn't it! Did it shock you with the performance on offer?
I was absolutely staggered to be honest, I did deliberately chose the CLS because I've already experienced the C63, and wanted to try the bi-turbo lump in what is supposed to be the best balanced car in the AMG range.Then again, for nigh on £100k, it should be bloody good!
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