I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched

swiftdiesel · 18th January 2012, 10:11

Wow that looks awesome! I'm sure you guys had a blast. This may be off topic but in one of the pics showing the cockpit of the C63, I see the temperature gauge slightly higher than normal; is the engine warmer than normal due to hard driving?

Fullrevs · 18th January 2012, 11:51

What a delightful day it must have been?! Sounds purely fantastic. Maylander in the house!! He is a true hero. I would've loved to have the oppurtunity. How does one keep track of all these events? Where do they publish it? Im envious Rehaan.

ankurvirmani19 · 18th January 2012, 13:34

WOw!!! You are one lucky chap!!
However, thanks for providing the update, I was not aware that Mercedes has started such concept in India. This is an opportunity to experience something stupendous from Merc stable.

Swanand Inamdar · 18th January 2012, 14:39

Rehaan, are you lucky or are you lucky! WOW. An experiance to cherish for a lifetime, this one must've been.

The pics are droolworthy for sure, but more than that, driving an AMG, that too on the Buddh, would have been great!

So, who had the fastest lap on Buddh that day?

.

Mercedes - Good on ya for starting this initiative. Sure would make a lot of owners grab this opportunity.

neil.jericho · 18th January 2012, 16:45

That seemed to have been quite an experience though I was a bit surprised by the high cost associated with such events.

Is the Buddh track not opened for rental use like the tracks in Madras and Coimbatore?

asr245 · 18th January 2012, 17:04

WOW! I am totally burning up with jealousy right now.

But thanks for the wonderful feedback. I had been thinking if it was worth the experience. Seems like it is. Now just need someone to donate me 75K or convince wifey that it will be money well spent! That's going to easy, ain't it!

SRK · 18th January 2012, 18:18

Really Lucky!!
An Awesome experience.

Can anyone holding a valid License take part in the training? or you need to have minimum requirements?

By the way, the pics and the Video are great.
Reminds me of the GT5 on PS3(hope they get this track on the next update)

jaguar.runs · 18th January 2012, 21:36

I am sure it was a wonderful experience Rehaan!

Sorry for hijacking the thread, I was supposed to put up a separate thread for this, lazy me

Being a part of the Auto giant, few from our office also had the chance to enjoy the AMG beasts at Yas Marina. Yes, that includes me

.

The AMG Performance Tour in Yas Marina was meant for existing customers, potential customers, media and some lucky staff. Event was during night and we had a chance to drive C63, C63 Coupe, CLS 63 and the SLS.

We also had two hot laps with Mr. Maylander in the SLS AMG GT3!

Some pics:

The GT3 Resting before the night out.

I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched-gt3.jpg

Myself with Mr. Maylander.

I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched-b_maylander.jpg

Ready for the ride in the GT3

I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched-racing-suit.jpg

dot · 18th January 2012, 22:13

Loved the video. How fast was the car going? It was difficult to believe that the circuit was in India.

supertinu · 18th January 2012, 23:27

Thanks for sharing Rehaan and very good write up. Experience is very well narrated. The circuit looks amazing.

Rehaan · 19th January 2012, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by cityvic

I know a few already who have applied for the AMG Driving Academy.Lets see when their turns come.

Would be awesome if you could report back once it happens, and let us all know what they thought of the actual course. (All i got was just a short taste).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil.Bhujbal

Now i know why the C-63 AMG alloys went to delhi.

Ha! Nice of them to have a spare set. I've been to other auto events where a tyre / wheel damage put an early end to the show!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Also noticed that there was a SL in the garage.

The car was parked there throughout. It was not part of the event as such.

Quote:

Originally Posted by condor

Wasnt GTO first

GTO had put up his Michelin experience at Sepang earlier : link

Quote:

Originally Posted by _raVan_

Whats your lap record?

No timings! And don't forget that i had to follow the instructor... no overtaking!

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiftdiesel

I see the temperature gauge slightly higher than normal

I'm not sure what the needle is usually at on these cars during day to day driving. The picture was taken after a few laps on the track, though typically high speed lapping will keep the temperature down (due to the high airflow).

cya
R

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fullrevs

How does one keep track of all these events? Where do they publish it?

Well, this is the announcement of this "event" / academy - so you're clearly looking in the right place!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanand Inamdar

So, who had the fastest lap on Buddh that day?

Maylander

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

...Is the Buddh track not opened for rental use like the tracks in Madras and Coimbatore?

I'm still unclear on this.

On one hand, manufacturers are having private events and magazines are doing shoots -- but on the other hand, motorsports like the Polo R Cup didn't happen at the track as previously scheduled! Not sure if its politics or what... but i'm sure things will get better soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRK

Can anyone holding a valid License take part in the training? or you need to have minimum requirements?

No prior experience required!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaguar.runs

we had a chance to drive C63, C63 Coupe, CLS 63 and the SLS....with Mr. Maylander in the SLS AMG GT3!

WOW - you got me beaten by a mile man!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dot

Loved the video. How fast was the car going?

Topping out at about 220-240 km/h on the long straight. (As far as i know they are electronically limited to 155 mph / 248 km/h)

cya
R

mempheS.D · 19th January 2012, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rehaan

Topping out at about 220-240 km/h on the long straight. (As far as i know they are electronically limited to 155 mph / 248 km/h)

cya
R

Rehaan, if someone from my house calls you and yells at you blaming you for influencing me to throw a good chunk of my bonus this year at something so 'crazy', don't be surprised !

I remember being one of the few lucky ones who were chosen off a raffle draw about 10 years ago for a hot lap in a Rally car beside Ahamed Bin Sulayem in his winning Ford Focus. Ever since, performance driving in a closed circuit has always enthralled me. And now, yours being on one of the BEST tracks of the sport, I can almost feel what you did and what I'm missing. But, it sure won't be long for me!

Mind sharing with us what the trick was with respect to keeping racing line, along those tight corners, as per Bert ?

Darn ! I'd have loved a job of this sort, and wouldn't have mind even if they didn't pay me for it.

AlphaKilo · 19th January 2012, 15:40

Rehaan! lucky you man! Driving along side Bernd unbelievable. He commands a great respect among the pro's here in germany too! Especially schumacher and vettel! Btw, I need to ask you one thing, at the end of the day, did you or someone ask him about his opinions on urs and others drivings? You didnt say anything about the debriefing. can you debrief once more for us? Like where he gave positive comments and where he cautioned you/others to be more careful and so on. Thanks man!

ghostrider · 19th January 2012, 15:54

Rehaan,

Having recently hooned a 2011 E63 in a location that prevents me from posting about the experience on this forum*, I can relate.... but to a much lesser extent, obviously.

The interesting thing about the E63 (drove the burgundy one in Bombay... do they even have any other colors on offer?) was despite the brute power and the raw speed, the drive felt a little un-involving. We even switched the TC off (although it never completely goes away unless you know the tricks to completely disable it) but somehow you always felt that you weren't the only one driving the car.
I'm sure your on-track experience would've been completely different though.

I remember driving my friend's E46 M3 on Highway-1 in California and that experience felt so much more involving that it leads me to believe the M5 would be a much more rewarding drive than an E63.

* - I wrote a post about the entire experience but it was deleted by mods for violating forum rules. Apologies.

jaguar.runs · 19th January 2012, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rehaan

WOW - you got me beaten by a mile man!!

I consider this as one of the best experience in my life.

We had 5 modules in the Event

Lead/Follow on track with C63/C63 Coupe/CLS63
Autocross/ Kick plate with C63/C63 Coupe (Skid/Wet Pad Handling)
AMG Performance Parcours with C63 Coupe/CLS63 (Drag Race and Braking Skills)
Lead/Follow on track with SLS
Race Taxi in SLS AMG GT3 (Two laps with Mr. Maylander)

I am including a small video of the GT3 Fly By.

SLS AMG Fly By @ Yas Marina - YouTube

18th January 2012, 10:11	#16
swiftdiesel Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: na Posts: 1,017 Thanked: 1,369 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched Wow that looks awesome! I'm sure you guys had a blast. This may be off topic but in one of the pics showing the cockpit of the C63, I see the temperature gauge slightly higher than normal; is the engine warmer than normal due to hard driving?
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 11:51	#17
Fullrevs Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,564 Thanked: 1,252 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched What a delightful day it must have been?! Sounds purely fantastic. Maylander in the house!! He is a true hero. I would've loved to have the oppurtunity. How does one keep track of all these events? Where do they publish it? Im envious Rehaan.
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 13:34	#18
ankurvirmani19 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Faridabad Posts: 250 Thanked: 76 Times View My Garage	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched WOw!!! You are one lucky chap!! However, thanks for providing the update, I was not aware that Mercedes has started such concept in India. This is an opportunity to experience something stupendous from Merc stable.
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 14:39	#19
Swanand Inamdar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,644 Thanked: 587 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched Rehaan, are you lucky or are you lucky! WOW. An experiance to cherish for a lifetime, this one must've been. The pics are droolworthy for sure, but more than that, driving an AMG, that too on the Buddh, would have been great! So, who had the fastest lap on Buddh that day? . Mercedes - Good on ya for starting this initiative. Sure would make a lot of owners grab this opportunity.
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 16:45	#20
neil.jericho Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cochin Posts: 3,904 Thanked: 21,058 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched That seemed to have been quite an experience though I was a bit surprised by the high cost associated with such events. Is the Buddh track not opened for rental use like the tracks in Madras and Coimbatore?
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 17:04	#21
asr245 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 1,162 Thanked: 391 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched WOW! I am totally burning up with jealousy right now. But thanks for the wonderful feedback. I had been thinking if it was worth the experience. Seems like it is. Now just need someone to donate me 75K or convince wifey that it will be money well spent! That's going to easy, ain't it!
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 18:18	#22
SRK Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,206 Thanked: 536 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched Really Lucky!! An Awesome experience. Can anyone holding a valid License take part in the training? or you need to have minimum requirements? By the way, the pics and the Video are great. Reminds me of the GT5 on PS3(hope they get this track on the next update)
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 21:36	#23
jaguar.runs BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dubai Posts: 277 Thanked: 105 Times View My Garage	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched I am sure it was a wonderful experience Rehaan! Sorry for hijacking the thread, I was supposed to put up a separate thread for this, lazy me Being a part of the Auto giant, few from our office also had the chance to enjoy the AMG beasts at Yas Marina. Yes, that includes me . The AMG Performance Tour in Yas Marina was meant for existing customers, potential customers, media and some lucky staff. Event was during night and we had a chance to drive C63, C63 Coupe, CLS 63 and the SLS. We also had two hot laps with Mr. Maylander in the SLS AMG GT3! Some pics: The GT3 Resting before the night out. Myself with Mr. Maylander. Ready for the ride in the GT3
	(7) Thanks

18th January 2012, 22:13	#24
dot Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ban Chang Posts: 1,680 Thanked: 734 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched Loved the video. How fast was the car going? It was difficult to believe that the circuit was in India.
	() Thanks

18th January 2012, 23:27	#25
supertinu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,281 Thanked: 1,368 Times	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched Thanks for sharing Rehaan and very good write up. Experience is very well narrated. The circuit looks amazing.
	() Thanks

19th January 2012, 15:40	#28
AlphaKilo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: VOMM-EDDW-EDDM Posts: 1,163 Thanked: 1,192 Times View My Garage	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched Rehaan! lucky you man! Driving along side Bernd unbelievable. He commands a great respect among the pro's here in germany too! Especially schumacher and vettel! Btw, I need to ask you one thing, at the end of the day, did you or someone ask him about his opinions on urs and others drivings? You didnt say anything about the debriefing. can you debrief once more for us? Like where he gave positive comments and where he cautioned you/others to be more careful and so on. Thanks man!
	() Thanks

19th January 2012, 15:54	#29
ghostrider BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bombay Posts: 745 Thanked: 506 Times View My Garage	Re: I drove a C63 AMG at Buddh!! Mercedes AMG Driving Academy Launched Rehaan, Having recently hooned a 2011 E63 in a location that prevents me from posting about the experience on this forum, I can relate.... but to a much lesser extent, obviously. The interesting thing about the E63 (drove the burgundy one in Bombay... do they even have any other colors on offer?) was despite the brute power and the raw speed, the drive felt a little un-involving. We even switched the TC off (although it never completely goes away unless you know the tricks to completely* disable it) but somehow you always felt that you weren't the only one driving the car. I'm sure your on-track experience would've been completely different though. I remember driving my friend's E46 M3 on Highway-1 in California and that experience felt so much more involving that it leads me to believe the M5 would be a much more rewarding drive than an E63. * - I wrote a post about the entire experience but it was deleted by mods for violating forum rules. Apologies.
	() Thanks