The AMG Driving Academy just got a little more interesting with the announcement that in 2011, fans will be able to get behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 race car. The V8-powered competition coupe will be available in the most advanced skill level programme, the Masters, which consists of four stages: Experience, Warm-up, Training and Competition.
The first leg takes three hours and includes a driving session with the road version of the SLS AMG, followed by an introduction and a seated “rehearsal”. After that, participants get to drive the SLS AMG GT3 on the track behind a lead vehicle. In the end, a professional racing driver gives them a ride in the same car.
The Experience stage is open to everyone, but in order to be allowed in the following stages, entrants must complete race track training sessions. The Warm-up and Training are more complex and intended to gradually familiarize participants with the controls of the race car and to teach them how to drive on slick racing tyres.
The Competition part is where AMG fans will get all the action. Expected to start at the end of 2012, this stage will consist of individual and team races, in which contestants will drive either the SLS AMG GT3 (booking prices per event start at €1,500/$2070), or their own cars.
First deliveries of the customer racing oriented SLS AMG GT3 are due in March 2011, with the net starting price being €334,000 ($461,500), or €397,460 ($550,500) with German added value tax included.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
