Mercedes AMG Private Lounge Driving Academy

ED209 · 2012-10-31T19:29:54Z

Explore the Mercedes AMG Private Lounge and Driving Academy experience at Auto Club Speedway. ED209 reviews AMG SL63, C63 Black Series, and other high-performance cars.

ED209

WPS member · Automotive forum

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ED209 provides an exclusive look into a high-speed Saturday at Auto Club Speedway with the Mercedes AMG Private Lounge and Driving Academy. This report offers a glimpse into the exclusive world of AMG ownership, highlighting the community, events, and performance vehicles that define the brand's enthusiast experience. It captures the essence of AMG's appeal to collectors and driving aficionados.

Team PuristSPro spent a high speed Saturday at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA with Mercedes AMG Private Lounge and Driving Academy.

The AMG Private Lounge is an official Mercedes Benz exclusive community for AMG owners. It offers special access to driving events, auto show parties (such as the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show), sneak previews, and specialized apparel and collectibles. In addition these driving events, AMG also offers a 5651 square feet Private Lounge in Affalterbach, Germany where AMG owners and potential customers can visit for a guided factory tour.

We arrived in the early afternoon for registration and while we waited for the presentation session, we checked out the AMG SL63.

Outside the paddock area was a CLK AMG DTM. I like the styling of the aggressive flared fenders.

Besides MB AMG sports cars, there were a few exotics as well like this McLaren MP4-12C

And a rare Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder Performante

The parking lot was full of AMG's. In fact, during the presentation I learned that nearly 80% of all AMG's are sold in Southern California. Now I believe this because of the impressive number of AMG's that showed up for this event.

Besides the regular production AMG series of cars, there were many Black Series, like this C63 AMG Black Series sports car.

And a sleek looking AMG SL63

In lieu of the 3 point MB star, AMG has a special logo for their cars

A neat looking carbon front grill. Upon closer inspection, it was actually carbon fiber wrap.

After hanging around for while, the presentation started for our group

Here's a quick video of the introductions of the AMG team

And a presentation by MB driver Reinhold Renger, Chief Instructor of the AMG Driving Academy

Before getting into the cars, it was time for a group photo:

In the parking lot I spotted this aggressively lowered and negatively cambered AMG car.

And a classic AMG in fantastic condition

AMG race cars returning from the track

Next, we headed over to the autocross track for a test drive a few laps around the course

The AMG driving instructor talks about the course and driving rules. At the end of the track with the checkered flag, you're supposed to come to a complete stop.

And a final video of the AMG SLK65 at the autocross

Hope you all enjoyed the photo and video report. Thanks to the AMG Private Lounge staff for their warm hospitality and an enjoyable afternoon with some phenomenal sports cars.
Regards,
ED-209

This message has been edited by ED209 on 2012-10-31 19:58:55 This message has been edited by ED209 on 2012-10-31 22:17:14 This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2012-11-01 07:29:10

Key Points from the Discussion

Modern AMG models (2007+) have significantly improved handling dynamics and driver feel, now comparable to BMW M and Audi S/RS cars, moving beyond their previous reputation for just straight-line power.
While AMG cars are powerful, their handling and drivability historically lagged behind Porsche and BMW M cars, raising questions about current models' improvements.
The AMG Driving Academy offers a valuable opportunity to experience these cars on track, and the author is interested in hearing about others' experiences.
The author was impressed by the AMG cars and encourages others to schedule a test drive.
The opportunity to see these impressive AMG vehicles up close is highly appreciated by enthusiasts.

The Discussion

sten

Nov 1, 2012

So what's your driving impression on the cars? I've never owned any AMG cars, but have driven some in past years. In my opinion, they are very powerful cars, but not quite up to par in the handling and drivability department comparing to the Porsches and BMW M cars.

ocwatching

Nov 1, 2012

would have loved the opportunity to see these babies up close and personal.. thanks for the coverage ED-209!

ThomasM

Nov 2, 2012

Iwould tend to agree with you on the older cars, but not so much the current 2007+ cars. In fact, BMW seems to begoing towards the older Audi / MB feel (slightly dead) while the current AMG models are building in much more of the "feel" of the older BMW's. The 2010 actually has the handling dynamics and assometer feel of a large sports car rather than a big heavy sedan, though I wish thesteering were a bit more "real" IMHO its' a dead heat in driver feel for BMW M, AMG, and S or RS in the ride a

sten

Nov 2, 2012

Haven't driven a Mercedes in a long time. Not surprised they are getting better.

Slavik

Nov 6, 2012

I've done the AMG Driving Academy at Road Atlanta, really enjoyed it!

ED209

Nov 10, 2012

Hi ocwatching, The AMG cars were impressive. Hope you can schedule a test drive soon. Regards, ED-209

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