Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 finish 1-2-3 at Dubai

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 scored a commanding 1-2-3 in the Dubai 24-hour race (January 12th - 14th, 2012). The Abu Dhabi Black Falcon team claimed victory with Thomas Jäger (GER), Sean Edwards (ENG), Jeroen Bleekemolen (NED) and Khaled Al Qubaisi (UAE). After setting a new distance record of 628 race laps, final driver, Al Qubaisi, drove the gullwing with starting number 3 across the finish line. This first place was also the maiden victory for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 in a 24-hour race.

The first of HEICO Motorsport’s Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3’s came home second, two laps down. Driving duties in the car with starting number 6 were shared by Maximilian Buhk (GER), Christiaan Frankenhout (NED), Max Nilsson (SWE), Andreas Zuber (AUT) and Bernd Schneider (GER). Schneider, the five-time DTM champion and AMG brand ambassador, drove in both of HEICO Motorsport’s cars as a part of AMG’s Customer Sports driver support program. In the team’s sister car with starting number 16, he had been entered to partner Kenneth Heyer (GER), Andreas Simonsen (SWE) and Rodolfo Gonzalez (VEN). In a dramatic finish, final driver Simonsen managed to bring a small margin home to round out the clean sweep of the podium by finishing third.

The fourth of the four SLS AMG GT3s that were entered for the race also finished among the front-runners. The Gravity Charouz Racing team with Vincent Radermecker (BEL), Loris de Sordi (BEL), Eric Lux (LUX), Gerard Lopez (ESP) and Tomas Enge (CZE) was classified seventh to complete the good overall performance for the gullwing cars.

All four Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3s put their mark on the Dubai 24-hour race by showing a commanding performance from the very beginning. In the field of the 72 cars, the gullwings were among the fastest entries right away. Having started from 15th place on the grid, the Abu Dhabi Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3 moved up into the lead for the first time after two hours. Consistent fast lap times also allowed the other gullwings to move up quickly into the ranks of the front-runners.

During the night, the teams from the AMG Customer Sports program continued their largely trouble-free run on the 5.39 km long Grand Prix circuit, maintaining their fast lap times and partly alternating in the lead. After one third of the race, the gullwing with starting number 3 finally took over the lead and held on to it until it crossed the finish line.

Thomas Jäger: “This is an optimal result for the Abu Dhabi Black Falcon team. It shows in an impressive way how performant and reliable the SLS AMG GT3 is. The driver changes went perfectly and, admittedly, we also had the necessary bit of luck: we didn’t get involved in any collisions, which isn’t self-evident with so many cars on such a short track. I want to thank the entire team for a great performance.”

Marc Schramm, managing director Black Falcon: “We came to Dubai to win. That is what we have said prior to the race and we lived up to it thanks to a strong team performance. As usual, the focus of our strategy was on consistency and that worked out in a fantastic way. Of course, I am also happy with having covered a new record distance of 628 laps. Thanks to the entire team and, of course, also to Mercedes-AMG and HWA for the support.”

Bernd Schneider: “During the night, we had a minor problem, that’s why we stood in the pits for a couple of minutes. Had it not been for that, it could even have been slightly better. To be honest, I now feel a little bit knocked out after having raced with both cars, but the success more than makes up for this. After all, finishing second and third at the same time doesn’t happen every day. Congratulations also to the Abu Dhabi Black Falcon team for this well-deserved race win.”

Ola Källenius, chairman of the board, Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “This is a great success! Especially considering that the participation in Dubai was only the fifth 24-hour race for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. Today’s clean sweep of the top three is a great reward for our efforts. I sincerely want to thank our customer teams, drivers and everyone involved. I am looking for a great 2012 motor racing season!”

Most successful newcomer in the 2011 motor sport season

This year's Dubai 24-hour race marks the beginning of the second racing season for the SLS AMG GT3. In its debut year of 2011, the gullwing became probably the most successful newcomer in the 2011 motorsport season: from March 2011 on, 40 race cars were delivered to international customer teams that took part in races on four continents and won a total of 25 races. The success story was crowned by the team title of the FIA GT3 European Championship for HEICO Motorsport and its two Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3s – the first title for the gullwing in its first full racing season.

The race car: performance and safety

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 is the racing version of the SLS AMG for the customer sport. It is designed for sprint and endurance races and is developed and produced by Mercedes-AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG. HWA is responsible for the development and deployment of the AMG-Mercedes DTM racing team on behalf of and in constant consultation with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. The near-production SLS AMG GT3 provides not only an athletic performance but an exemplary level of safety that is unmatched by any other current GT3 car.

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Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Awarded Prestigious Mercedes-Benz "Best of the Best Award" for 2010!

February 11, 2011

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte has earned the “Best of the Best” award from Mercedes-Benz USA for 2010.
The President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, Ernst H. Lieb, sent out letters to the selected dealers who’ve performed to the highest quality in sales and customer service.
Only the top 15% of Mercedes-Benz dealers across the country, are presented with this award and it's these standards at Hendrick Motors of Charlotte, that have made customers identify the Mercedes brand with excellence. Winning it is an indication that Hendrick Motors of Charlotte is committed to bringing out the best in customer service and sales and can do so year after year.
Our passion is providing you with a world-class ownership experience. We share the thrill our customers get from owning and driving a Mercedes-Benz. Whether you come in for a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, to have your vehicle serviced or to arrange financing, we are committed to providing a Mercedes-Benz experience that keeps you coming back.
To schedule an appointment to experience the Hendrick difference, call 704-535-6400 or visit our website at http://www.hendrickmotorsofcharlotte.com/ today.

AMG Mercedes driver DiResta is 2010 DTM Champion, AMG drivers 2nd and 3rd

The 2010 DTM season has ended at the Shanghai Circuit in China and AMG Driving Academy sponsored driver Paul DiResta is the Driver's Champion. AMG Mercedes drivers rounded out the top three with Gary Paffett nipping season long points leader Bruno Spengler in this final race. The top placing Audi driver was defending Champion Timo Scheider in 4th. AMG Mercedes had already clinched the DTM Manufacturer's crown at the penultimate round of the series in Adria.

The final race was won by Paffett in his Salzgitter HWA AMG C-Class, the 9th AMG Mercedes win of the 11 race season, with DiResta's second place enough to earn him the crown worn by such legendary AMG drivers before him as Bernd Schneider and Klaus Ludwig. The DTM Driver's title has not been won by an AMG Mercedes driver since Schneider in 2006.

The Holiday dinner table back in Scotland will be plenty festive as DiResta's cousin Dario Franchitti won the 2010 Indy 500 and was crowned the Izod Indy Car Series Champion for the second year in a row.

DiResta is now rumored to be headed to Formula One where he has been reserve driver for the Force India Mercedes team. This would open up the best seat in the DTM in the crack HWA Team for 2011.

The 2011 season will again see the specification of the cars frozen at 2009 designs ahead of an all new DTM formula for 2012 when BMW rejoins the series and DTM prepares for their style of racing to be exported around the world including to the US for 2013.

Here are the final standings for the 2010 DTM Driver's Championship and the Shanghai race- round 11.

1. Gary Paffett Salzgitter HWA AMG C-Class
2. Paul DiResta AMG Driving Academy HWA C-Class
3.Timo Schieder Abt Sportline Audi A4
4.Martin Tomczyk Abt Sportline Audi A4
5. Miguel Molina Abt Rookie Team Audi A4

2011 DTM Driver's Standings

1. Paul Di Resta
2. Gary Paffett
3. Bruno Spengler
4. Timo Scheider
5.Mattias Eckstrom

Big racing weekend for AMG.

AMG C-Class driver Paul DiResta made it 3 in a row in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) with a convincing win over Audi's Timo Scheider at Hockenheim. This win puts DiResta in the lead of the Driver's Championship over HWA team mate Bruno Spengler who failed to finish. The DTM Manufacturer's Championship is virtually assured for AMG Mercedes, as is the Driver's Championship as the Audi drivers and Teams are now mathematically eliminated with only 2 races remaining in the 2010 DTM season. In future DTM news, old rival BMW has confirmed that they will be joining AMG Mercedes and Audi in the new look 2012 DTM. Some old battles will be resumed between the major high performance German brands.

While the AMG C-Class drivers were having things their own way over at Hockenheim across the country at the Nurburgring in the VLN Endurance series, the SLS AMG GT3 scored its maiden victory in only its second outing. The 4 hour race was won by SLS GT3 test driver Tomas Jager and Christopher Haase in a Black Falcon Racing entered SLS AMG GT3. Another SLS AMG GT3 entered by Mamerow Racing with Bernd Schneider and Chris Mamerow qualified on pole but was eliminated in a crash while running second. A new era in AMG customer racing has started. The SLS GT3's will run one more VLN race this year before an all out attack on the major European endurance racing series' in 2011 with a number of customer team entered cars. Three SLS GT3's are expected at the Dubai 24 Hour Race on January 14-15, 2011.

DTM Hockenheim:
1. Paul DiResta- AMG Driving Academy HWA AMG C-Class DTM
2. Timo Scheider- Abt Sportline Audi A4 DTM
3.Mike Rockenfeller- Phoenix Racing Audi A4 DTM
4.Gary Paffett Salzgitter HWA AMG C-Class DTM
5.Martin Tomczyk- Abt Sportline Audi A4 DTM
6.Oliver Jarvis- Abt Sportline Audi A4 DTM
7.Susie Stoddart- TV Spiel Film Persson Motorsport AMG C-Class DTM
8.Jamie Green- Junge Stern Persson Motorsport AMG C-Class DTM

VLN Nurburgring:
1. Tomas Jager/Christopher Hasse Black Falcon Racing SLS GT3

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte website

History Is Made- The SLS AMG GT3 Takes To The Race Track

Another chapter in the motorsports history of AMG opens this weekend when the SLS AMG GT3 makes its racing debut on the famous Nurburgring in Germany as part of the German VLN Series.

AMG drivers Bernd Schneider and Tomas Jager will handle the driving duties.

Gullwing takes to the racetrack for the first time


Racing debut for the SLS AMG GT3 on the legendary Nürburgring "Nordschleife"

Affalterbach – On Saturday, 25th September 2010 the new SLS AMG GT3 will join the starting lineup on the racetrack for the first time. Bernd Schneider and Thomas Jäger will be taking part in the four-hour race for the VLN Nürburgring endurance championship. Training for the 42nd ADAC Barbarossa Cup begins at 8.30 a.m. and the race starts at 12.00 noon.

This first racetrack appearance of the SLS AMG GT3 at the VLN event (VLN = Association of Nürburgring Endurance Cup Organisers, with 10 motorsport clubs) is a fixed part of the development and testing programme which commenced in June 2010. The four-hour race on the legendary "Nordschleife" ("North Loop") of the Nürburgring will test the gullwing model under realistic racing conditions. The focus will not only be on fast lap times, but also on the durability of all components, service-friendliness and smooth procedures during pitstops and driver changes. During this race on the 20.8-kilometre long Nürburgring "Nordschleife" – which is acknowledged to be the world's most demanding racetrack – the chosen suspension setup will be assessed under racing conditions for the first time.

Developed according to the GT3 rules of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 will take to the starting line for the VLN race in prototype class E1-XP.

Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Norbert Haug: "The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 will start a new era in Mercedes-Benz customer motorsports. This car is an exciting and spectacular sporting tool for committed private teams and talented private drivers. Together with our well-proven sports and touring car partner HWA, AMG will establish a customer motorsports department, and ensure the usual high level of Mercedes service for its motorsports customers."

The drivers for this racetrack debut of the SLS AMG GT3 are Bernd Schneider (46) – who has been a Mercedes-Benz works driver for many years and is also an AMG brand ambassador – and Thomas Jäger (33). With five DTM titles, one ITC championship and one FIA GT championship to his name, Bernd Schneider is one of the most successful German racing drivers. Thomas Jäger is the reigning Porsche Carrera Cup (Germany) champion, and drove in the DTM for Mercedes-Benz between 2000 and 2003. This season he is lining up in the ADAC GT-Masters (Germany). Like Bernd Schneider, he is a member of the instructor team at the AMG Driving Academy.

Cooperation between AMG and HWA AG

The racing version of the SLS AMG is being developed and produced by AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG. The HWA team is one of the most successful in international motorsport, as shown by nine driver championships in the DTM and ITC, as well as two championship titles in the FIA GT Championships. No other brand has won as many DTM races and DTM titles as AMG-Mercedes.

Interested racing teams can enter the new SLS AMG GT3 in all race series under the FIA GT3 regulations, for example the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT-Masters and the endurance championship organised by the VLN (Association of Nürburgring Endurance Cup Organisers, with 10 motorsport clubs) as well as the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring or Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium).

Orders for the SLS AMG GT3 placed directly with Mercedes-AMG

Orders can be placed directly with Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The sales price is
€ 334,000 (net)/€ 397,460 (incl. 19% VAT). The vehicle is only available with
left-hand drive. Deliveries commence in February 2011, following homologation by the FIA in accordance with the GT3 regulations.

Interested in the street legal version of the AMG SLS or any other new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle visit us at http://www.hendrickmotorsofcharlotte.com/.

All New Mercedes Benz "Faithful" Commercial

There is nothing that makes someone more faithful to a car brand than a car that is faithful to them.


To find a faithful Mercedes-Benz for yourself, visit us at http://www.hendrickmotorsofcharlotte.com/

Mercedes-Benz.tv: New TV commercial 'Sorry'

Great new commercial about the ground breaking Brake Assist (BAS) on a new E-Class Mercedes-Benz sedan. These state-of-the-art vehicles are now available at Hendrick Motors of Charlotte (website).

AMG Achieves Third Top 3 Sweep

AMG Mercedes Teams in the DTM (German Touring Masters) Championship achieved their 3rd top 3 sweep of the finishing order in the 2010 series as Canadian Bruno Spengler drove his Daimler Bank sponsored C-Class DTM AMG to his second win of the year at the famous Nurburgring. In doing so he extends his lead in the season Drivers points chase over 2nd place AMG driver Jamie Green.

Following Spengler across the line was AMG Driving Academy driver Paul DiResta (just a few hours later first cousin Dario Franchitti would win the Indy Car race at Mid-Ohio), in his C-Class DTM AMG.

In third was Salzgitter driver Gary Paffett in his C-Class DTM AMG. The highest finishing Audi was reigning Champion Timo Scheider in 4th. There were 7 AMG Mercedes drivers in the Top Ten. This win is the 156th for AMG Mercedes since entering the series in 1988.

Race Results:

1. Bruno Spengler Daimler Bank HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
2. Paul DiResta AMG Driving Academy HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
3. Gary Paffett Salzgitter HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
4. Timo Scheider Top Service Abt Sportline Audi A4
5.Jamie Green Junge Stern Persson Motorsports AMG Mercedes C-Class
6. Ralf Schumacher Laureus HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
7. Mattias Ekstrom Red Bull Abt Sportline Audi A4
8. Maro Engel GQ Mucke Motorsport AMG Mercedes C-Class
9. Mike Rockenfeller S-Line Phoenix Racing Audi A4
10. David Coulthard Deutsche Post Mucke Motorsport AMG Mercedes C-Class

Drivers Points Standings:

1. Bruno Spenlger 42
2.Jamie Green 26
3. Gary Paffett 25
4. Paul DiResta 25
5.Mattias Ekstrom 23

The next round is at the historic track on the sand dunes of the North Sea, Zandvoort in Holland on 8/22.

Discussions about the new DTM rules for 2012 continue with the Japan GT Series likely to adopt the DTM rules package for their series allowing DTM spec cars to race there and Japan GT spec cars to race in the DTM, as BMW returns to the series. There are also rumors of Opel evaluating a return to the series. Discussions are also ongoing with Grand American Road Racing in the US about the possibility of DTM spec cars running along side of their Daytona Prototypes in the Grand Am Rolex Sports car series.

For more information on AMG and Charlotte's Exclusive AMG Performance Center visit our website http://www.hendrickmotorsofcharlotte.com/.

Top Auto Brands As Reviewed By Women

2010 Semi-Annual Report Shows Women rank Mercedes, Jeep, Lexus, BMW and Chrysler Highest

PITTSBURGH- Women-Drivers.com has released its semi-annual 2010 report showing the Top Auto Brands as rated by women’s dealership reviews. Each year, the company tracks thousands of consumer reviews with regards to women’s Purchasing, Browsing and Service experience at car dealerships in the United States.
The consumer review website connects women and families to women-friendly car dealerships by showcasing dealers in a respective zip code radius with the highest scores. Getting reviews from female consumers is free for all dealerships.
On the site, individual dealerships’ scores range from 1.0 - 5.0. Dealers with Women Satisfaction Index, or WSI® scores between 3.80 – 5.0 are recognized and marketed as Certified Women-Drivers Friendly™. Dealers use this online reputation management tool to distinguish and leverage their business. Reviews are optimized for search engines.
The WSI® data comes from audited consumer reviews. Women now account for over half of all car purchases; however, they influence and initiate almost 80%. When shopping for a new vehicle, more than half of women buyers visit three or more dealerships; one of the critical reasons the company captures ‘browsing’ experiences. Browsing is a key indicator of whether she will return to this dealership.
“Car manufacturers and dealerships that highly engage and support women during the purchase process are placing themselves in a strong position to convert more browsers to buyers, and, to get more referrals—all translating to increased sales. Credit the top performing brands; clearly these companies and dealerships are doing a great job with customer engagement “, said Anne Fleming, President & Car Buying Advocate of the company.
WSI® scores in the report are placed into the four (4) categories: Overall, Purchasing, Browsing, and Service.

The following are the Top 10 OVERALL* Brands with the average WSI Score being 4.05:

Mercedes: 4.68
Jeep: 4.41
Lexus: 4.37
BMW: 4.36
Chrysler: 4.35
Acura: 4.19
Honda: 4.18
Buick: 4.15
Dodge: 4.13
Nissan: 4.11

The next tier of Top 10 brands is:

Mazda: 4.03
Hyundai: 3.94
Chevrolet: 3.93
Subaru: 3.91
Ford: 3.86
Lincoln: 3.86
Toyota: 3.85
Volkswagen: 3.73
GMC: 3.70
KIA: 3.49

* Some brands are not represented in this report because they are no longer being marketed and sold in 2010 and beyond, or due to lack of statistically significant data.

The Top 10 Brands for PURCHASING experiences at dealerships:

Mercedes and Dodge dealers received the highest WSI® ranking among women buyers with a 4.83 score for Purchasing a vehicle. The average WSI® score for all brands in this category was 4.27. These top brands ranked consistently high with women customers who were very satisfied with the engagement and treatment by the sales person, their overall dealership experience, as well as the financing process.

Mercedes and Dodge: 4.83
Lexus: 4.78
Chrysler: 4.64
KIA: 4.62
Jeep: 4.45
Buick: 4.44
Toyota: 4.32
Mazda: 4.30
Nissan: 4.29
Chevrolet: 4.25
The Top 10 Brands for BROWSING experiences at dealerships:

Mercedes dealers scored the highest, with a WSI® of 4.52 score among women customers who went into the dealership but did not purchase that day. The average WSI score for all brands in this category was 3.72. These top brands ranked consistently high with women customers who were very satisfied with the engagement and treatment by the sales person and their overall dealership experience.

Mercedes: 4.52
Mazda: 4.15
Nissan: 4.09
KIA: 4.07
Jeep: 4.03
Chevrolet: 3.92
Dodge: 3.91
Chrysler: 3.79
Acura and Ford: 3.75
Volkswagen: 3.73

The Top 10 Brands for SERVICE experiences at dealerships: Acura dealers scored the highest from women having their car serviced with a WSI® score of 4.80. The average WSI® score for all brands in this category was 3.91. These top brands ranked consistently high with women customers that had an easy time scheduling a service visit, received an estimate prior to work being completed, had alternative options provided, felt they were treated respectfully and paid an amount consistent with what was quoted.

Acura: 4.80
BMW and Mercedes: 4.57
Honda: 4.54
Chrysler: 4.47
Lexus: 4.29
Buick: 4.25
Subaru: 4.05
Nissan and Volkswagen: 3.88
Toyota: 3.76
Chevrolet and Ford: 3.58

About Women-Drivers.com

Women-Drivers.com connects women & families with certified Women-Drivers Friendly™ dealerships. Consumers rate their Browsing, Purchasing and Service experiences at 16,500 dealerships in the United States. The company markets Women Satisfaction Index™ subscriptions which provides personalized analytics showing what women really experience, allowing dealerships to improve their level of service to this powerful purchasing group.


Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website

Green Makes it 3 in a row at Norisring DTM-Spengler still leads the points

AMG Mercedes continued their roll towards the 2010 DTM Championship, and Jamie Green made it a hat-trick with his 3rd win in a row at the famous Norisring circuit in Nuremburg on Sunday.

Green's Junge Stern AMG C-Class DTM finished 0.591 seconds ahead of Abt Sport Audi driver Mattias Ekstrom after 89 laps on the ultra fast city circuit. Canadian Bruno Spengler finished 3rd in his Daimler Bank AMG C-Class further cementing his lead in the Championship. Salzgitter AMG C-Class driver Gary Paffett ended up 6th. After setting fastest time in qualifying Lauerus AMG C-Class driver Ralf Schumacher suffered a drive thru penalty after jumping the start and finished 11th.

The next round of the DTM is at the Nurburgring on August 8th.
1. Jamie Green Junge Stern Mucke Motorsport AMG C-Class DTM
2. Mattias Ekstrom Abt Sportline Audi A4 DTM
3. Bruno Spengler Daimler Bank HWA AMG C-Class DTM
6. Gary Paffett Salzgitter HWA AMG C-Class DTM
9. Maro Engel GO Persson Motorsport AMG C-Class DTM
10. Paul Di Resta AMG Driving Academy HWA AMG C-Class DTM
11. Ralf Schumacher Laureus HWA AMG C-Class DTM
 
Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website

AMG 6.2 liter V-8 Wins "International Engine of the Year Awards 2010"

AMG M156 6.2 liter V-8 has for the second year in a row, earned the coveted Best High Performance Engine Award

Mercedes-AMG builds the best sports engine


Stuttgart/Affalterbach – The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took away two top accolades as part of the coveted "International Engine of the Year Awards 2010": the high-revving naturally aspirated engine developing up to 386 kW/525 hp comfortably took top spot in the "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 litres" categories. This is the second year running that the eight-cylinder engine from AMG has beaten off the competition.

Bearing the internal designation M 156, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres produces between 336 kW (457 hp) and 386 kW (525 hp), develops up to 630 Nm of torque and features in various AMG models, including the C 63 AMG, the E 63 AMG and the SL 63 AMG. The basis for the agile power delivery is the consistent technology transfer from motorsport, which has been an inseparable part of the company philosophy at Mercedes-AMG for over four decades. The verdict of juror Jason Cammisa from Automobile Magazine (USA): "The absolute epitome of a German hot rod V8 engine!" Carl Cunanan, editor of C! Magazine (USA): For its fantastic engine sound alone it deserved first place!"

The great potential of the award-winning AMG V8 is also reflected in its character-packed, powerful evolution: the engine – dubbed the M 159 – for the SLS AMG super sports car is based on the M 156; in the gullwing the AMG high-revving naturally aspirated engine develops 420 kW (571 hp) and delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm. Another outstanding vehicle is the C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus and maximum output of 358 kW (487 hp). The overhauled features inside the engine are responsible for the increase in output: the forged pistons adopted from the SLS AMG together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft make the engine three kilograms lighter. The reduced inertia enhances the agility of the eight-cylinder unit, which offers even more exhilarating responsiveness.

Mercedes-AMG beats off established rivals

The "International Engine of the Year Awards" rank among the most prestigious honours in the automotive sector and have been organised by specialist UK publisher, UKIP Media & Events, since 1999. An independent jury of 65 renowned motor journalists from 32 countries chooses the best engines of the year. Follow-ing on from the success in 2009, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine also managed to beat off prestigious rivals from Germany, Italy, the UK, USA and Japan this year, enabling Mercedes-AMG to demonstrate once again its consummate expertise in developing and producing exhilarating high-performance engines.

Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine & Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG:

"Our renewed success this year in the two categories is testimony to the out-and-out positive test results for the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in all the media. The top spots also reflect the great enthusiasm of our customers."

To find your AMG vehicle, click HERE

It’s Back! The Annual Hendrick Luxury Tent Event

Looking for an Incredible value on a New, Certified Pre-Owned, or top-quality luxury vehicle? The Hendrick Luxury Tent Event is for you.

Exceptional Pricing during this Spectacular Sales Event!

• New and Pre-Owned vehicles specially marked with Red-Tag prices

• Interest rates as low as 1.99% APR* on some models plus special lease incentives on many new vehicles

• Over 300 vehicles available and all are on SALE

• 90% of Pre-Owned Vehicles - CARFAX one-owner

Look for the HUGE Tent in front of the dealership and under it you’ll find the season’s best deals. If you've been waiting for the Right Time, the Right Luxury Vehicle, and the Right Deal you must take advantage of this special event.


Click Here to view our entire pre-owned inventory.

AMG Mercedes Teams Score First Win of Season in German Touring Car Series

It couldn't have gone any better for the AMG Mercedes Teams at the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) at Hockenheim this weekend. AMG Mercedes Teams scored the first win in the championship opening race since 2006 in style.

HWA-AMG Salzgitter C-Class driver Gary Paffett qualified on the pole and romped to his third victory at the circuit followed by Daimler Bank HWA AMG driver Bruno Spengler in second, Junge Stern Persson Motorsport AMG driver Jamie Green third, and AMG Driving Academy HWA driver Paul Di-Resta fourth. The highest finishing Audi was fifth.

AMG Mercedes Deutsche Bank Mucke Motorsport driver David Coulthard opened his DTM history with a solid 12th place finish.

The rules for the series have been frozen with no new cars being constructed for the 2010 season ahead of a new rules package for 2011.

AMG-HWA and Audi Abt Sportline Teams run 2009 spec cars all other Teams run 2008 spec cars.

The next race is May 2nd in Oscherslaben, Germany

1. Gary Paffett- Salzgitter HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
2. Bruno Spengler - Daimler Bank HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
3. Jamie Green- Junge Stern Persson Motorsport AMG Mercedes C-Class
4.Paul Di Resta -AMG Driving Academy HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
5.Mike Rockenfeller- Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4
6.Mattias Ekstrom- Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline Audi A4
7.Tim Scheider -Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline Audi A4
8. Miguel Molina- Audi Sport Team Abt Rookie Audi A4
9. Ralf Schumacher- Laureus HWA AMG Mercedes C-Class
10, Alexander Premat -Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4

HENDRICK MOTORS OF CHARLOTTE

We Are Pleased To Announce The 2010 AMG Driving Academy

As a true performance driving school, the AMG Driving Academy offers participants custom-designed, hands-on lessons in dynamic, high-performance driving by world-class professional driving and racing instructors. Unlike competitive manufacturers’ programs, the AMG Driving Academy is the only program offered coast-to-coast at two of the nation’s premier race tracks: Road Atlanta in Georgia and Laguna Seca Raceway in California.

The AMG Driving Academy will offer three distinct programs this year, pushing participants to the limits of the performance envelope in select AMG vehicles, including the 2011 SLS AMG, the most-advanced AMG vehicle ever built.

Course descriptions are as follows:

Basic ($1,795): Intense, one-day track program focuses on performance driving dynamics. In the morning, participants learn the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises. Once participants perfect car control and handling, they progress in the afternoon to a set of high-speed exercises that make use of the entire track.

Advanced ($3,295): Two-day program picks up where Basic leaves off, providing advanced training and technical on-track instruction. Onboard diagnostics and data capture enable detailed computer analysis and evaluation. Advanced is offered to drivers who have completed either Basic, AMG Challenge, European Driving Academy program or equivalent courses.

Pro ($3,995): The pinnacle of the AMG Driving Academy curriculum, the Pro program offers increased instruction while challenging and improving capabilities and skills to a much greater degree. During the three-day program, participants will train on the legendary Road Atlanta circuit. As speeds increase and skills improve, open lapping provides the maximum challenge and thrill. With an intense curriculum, AMG experienced instructors prepare participants to confidently welcome the challenges of Road Atlanta.

Should you wish to learn more about the AMG Driving Academy, please visit http://www.amgacademy.com/.

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte Website

The victorious Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of 1952 leaves the Mercedes-Benz Museum for Mexico

Joining the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG along a stretch of the original race route

The original winning car from the 3rd Carrera Panamericana Mexico in November 1952 is to return to the scene of its great triumph. The 300 SL racing sport car (W 194) will temporarily be removed from the “Races and Records” display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, in order to join the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and set off once again along a part of the original route through Central America.


The 3rd Carrera Panamericana was one of the top international races of the 1952 season. The double victory achieved by Mercedes-Benz there ranks as one of the brand’s most spectacular successes. Karl Kling and co-driver Hans Klenk won the race, a long-distance event covering 3111 kilometres, against strong international competition at an average speed of 165.011 km/h. Second to cross the finishing line, also driving a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, were Hermann Lang and co-driver Erwin Grupp.

Kling’s collision with a vulture at 250 km/h, which left his car with a smashed windscreen and Hans Klenk with head injuries, went into the annals of racing history. In addition to replacing the screen, the mechanics also immediately fitted eight thin vertical metal bars to protect vehicle and driver in the event of a similar collision – still the vehicle’s most distinguishing feature.

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SLS AMG GT3 Race Car Debuts

Mercedes-AMG revealed the SLS AMG GT3 at La Carrera Panamericana in Mexico on March 23, 2010. The race car makes its Auto Show competition debut in New York City.

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New E-Class Cabriolet Trailers Released

MBUSA has released a video of raw footage of the new 2011 E-Class Cabriolet. To view it click HERE.
They have also just relased a video trailer about this new vehicle. It can be viewed HERE.

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Start of Formula 1 Season Upon Us

Don't forget this weekend's opening round of the Formula One World Driving Championship from Bahrain, broadcast live on SPEED channel Sunday, March 14th at 7:30 am EDT, (remember the clocks jump forward this Saturday night), and look for the SLS AMG Safety car sitting proudly at the front of the grid. Catch live coverage of practice at 6:00 am Friday and qualifying Saturday at 7:30 am on SPEED.

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