Mercedes-Benz has exponentially upped their production targets

Mercedes-Benz’ mother company, Daimler, is very optimistic about the company’s performance. And it is pretty obvious because the company plans to increase production this year, assuming to boost their sales up to three million vehicles annually.

We can’t blame them though, because last year, the company sold approximately 2.4 million units. So if they could produce more vehicles yearly, then they will be able to deliver more too.

According to German weekly Automobilwoche, Markus Schaefer, the Daimler board member in charge of manufacturing and procurement at Mercedes-Benz said that the sites in their global production network are running high on usage rates. And this is mainly their reason for expanding their capabilities, also when basing it on market demand, that is already moving towards 3 million units.

To help out with their goal of selling 3 million units annually, Mercedes has to increase its model range up to 40 different options. Of course, part of this addition includes one of their most recent models that they revealed, that is the four-door coupe version of the AMG GT.

To be able to produce this much units, they will also open new production sites in different parts of the world like North America, Europe, and Asia. To be more specific, these plants will be set up in Aguascalientes, Mexico by the second half of this year, followed by another factory in Kecskemet, Hungary which should be ready by next year. And last would be the one located in Beijing, after the Hungarian plant is built.

All in all, Daimler invested as much as $3.7 billion. If things go as planned for them, meaning that if they sell 3 million vehicles yearly, then revenue is expected to offset the cost of new cars and new technologies. Earnings before interest and tax will likely be similar to those from last year, despite all the money the company has been shelling out.

Geely, a Chinese firm who recently bought shares (9.7 percent stake) from Daimler, probably helped with the funding of Daimler’s grand plan. Geely is keep to tap into Mercedes’ electric car knowledge to further own their EV ambitions. The Chinese firm’s investment here makes it the company’s largest shareholder, even when comparing it to Kuwait Investment Authority, which has 6.8 percent stake.

Right now, we wish Daimler and Mercedes-Benz all the luck when it comes to their ambitions. Hopefully, they could easily earn their investment back. Now that we have heard about Daimler’s plan, all we have to do is sit back and wait for more news about this topic, whether or not they will actually push through with building three plants, and if they could reach their goal of 3 million units sold annually.

2018 Opel Corsa GSi now has a sport chassis from OPC variant

After Opel’s launch of the Insignia GSi last year in a liftback and a wagon body styles, Opel is ready to add the “GSi” badge on the Corsa. This will probably be the last variant for the current generation of the supermini, and the hot hatch version will have a three door body style to make it stand out from the lesser models of the range. Standard features that it will get include larger air vents, a honeycomb front grille, red brake calipers, a chrome exhaust tip, and a new set of 18 inch wheels.

The Opel Corsa GSi’s main highlight will be the Sport chassis that it borrowed from the hardcore OPC version that makes the hatchback feel more nimble around the corners. It had also been equipped with a beefier roof mounted spoiler that will boast the model’s visual appearance, while also generating extra downforce to keep the car close to the road when it is going fast.

At this moment, the automaker has not shared photos of the car’s interior cabin, but we do know that customers will be given the possibility to upgrade to Recaro seats if they are willing to spend a little more. There is also a leather wrapped sports steering wheel, as well as the leather wrapped sporty gearshift knob. An aluminum sport pedal set finishes off the upgrades in the Corsa OPC’s cabin.

With all this information, there is one thing that we feel Opel is not ready to share. And that is related to the Opel Corsa’s performance figures. We have a strong feeling that it will feature the strongest engine available for a non-OPC model, similar to the case of the Insignia GSi.

What we are trying to say is that do not be shocked if the Corsa GSi will use a turbocharged 1.4 liter gasoline unit with 148 horsepower and 162 pound feet (220 Newton metres) of torque. With that engine, it will be able to do the zero to 62 miles per hour sprint (100 kilometers per hour) in 8.9 seconds, before continuing to a top speed of 129 miles per hour (207 kilometers per hour).

Now, the new Opel Corsa GSi not only continues the GSi tradition, being similar to the Insignia GSi. But it also focuses on pure precision, and still has an uncompromising appearance (with the signature Opel design with crisp and precise lines). To complete the whole package, it also has a touring car feeling with the sportier Recaro seats, sportier steering wheel, and carbon elements on the exterior.

The Opel Corsa GSi is scheduled to make its way to dealerships later this year, before it is joined by its Vauxhall badged sibling for the United Kingdom market.

PRESS RELEASE

Small Sports Star, Big Name: The New Opel Corsa GSi

Pure precision for pure driving pleasure: What the Opel Insignia GSi is already impressively showing in the midsize class, will be brought to the small car segment by the new Opel Corsa GSi. A precise sports machine that becomes a cornering virtuoso thanks to its sports chassis fine-tuned on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The exterior design of the Corsa GSi leaves no doubts: Here comes a true athlete that is equally impressive in everyday driving.

“We are continuing our long GSi tradition with the new Corsa GSi. There was already an especially sporty variant of the very first Corsa, which is a sought after classic-to-be. Our latest athlete will set new standards in the segment with its OPC sports chassis,” said Peter Küspert, Opel Managing Director Sales and Marketing.

True to the motto “hot, hotter, Corsa GSi” the three-door small car impresses with precise lines: It has a characteristic design with large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills .From the front, the cheeky Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of road-clinging athlete. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

The pure feeling of sportiness is also conveyed by the interior. The Corsa GSi driver sits on the optional Recaro performance seat and puts his hands on the sports steering wheel. Select the gear via the leather gearshift knob, put your foot on the aluminium sport pedal and pure driving pleasure commences. The Corsa GSi also emits pure precision: The sport chassis known from the OPC version and the brakes with red callipers ensure precise athleticism, outstanding handling and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels.

Corsa GSi occupants can also enjoy outstanding connectivity with the optional IntelliLink infotainment system and bring the world of Apple iOS and Android smartphones into the car.

Porsche gives out fat checks for annual bonuses after a successful 2017

Working in the automotive industry can be such a great thing especially if you’re under the right company. We have heard of bonuses that brands like Audi, Daimler, and General Motors give, and they are pretty massive. This time, Porsche is giving away their fare share to their employees after a successful financial year in 2017. The automaker is giving away bonuses to around 23,000 workers.

The Porsche Executive Board and Group works council made an agreement to give a bonus of €8,600 plus the €700 that will be directed to company’s own pension scheme, or to individual ones. Aside from that, after 70 years of being in the industry, with their very first model, the 356 that dates back to 1948, the automaker will give employees an additional €356 to celebrate this model. Similar to last year, the automaker then gave their employees a yearly bonus of €9,111 to celebrate the 911.

To be fair to everyone, the company is not giving the same amount of bonus to every person in the company. The amount each person will be getting is based on their working hours as well as the amount of time they had been working in Porsche.

Porsche decided to give an amount of up to €9,656 (or $11,940) based on the company’s performance last year. And the automaker’s sales actually went up by four percent to 246,000 cars. Revenue had gone up by 5% to €23.5 billion ($29B), and the workforce went up by 8%, now to a total of 29,777 employees. Furthermore, the operating result increased by seven percent to 4.1 billion euro, and the return on sales went up to 17.6 percent. A few of the models that really helped increase the automaker’s sales last year would be the 911 GT3, GT2 RS, Panamera Sport Turismo, and the Porsche Cayenne.

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, said that it was a result of team effort that 2017 turned out to be such a great year for them. And this is why 23,000 employees will benefit from the bonus.

Looking forward, it seems like this year will also be quite significant for the company especially because the will be introducing the first versions of the next generation 911 (992). Aside from that, we might also see the 718 Cayman GT4 as well as the 718 Boxter Spyder.

After reading this, don’t you just wish that you were working in one of those luxury car brands too? But as mentioned earlier, not everyone in the company will get the same amount of bonus, so you will still have to work up the ladder if you would like to get that big of a bonus after every financial year.

PRESS RELEASE

9,656 euro bonus and jubilee payment for Porsche employees

Porsche shares the success of the company with its employees: After the most successful year in the company’s history, employees at Porsche AG will receive a special bonus of up to 9,300 euro gross.

This is the agreement reached by the Porsche Executive Board and Group works council. Porsche employees are rewarded for their extraordinary commitment with this special payment. There are two components to the bonus: 8,600 euro will be paid out for the exceptional performance of staff during the 2017 financial year. 700 euro will be paid as a special contribution to the Porsche VarioRente pension scheme or to individual pension schemes.

In addition to the special bonus for 2017, Porsche employees will receive a one-off 2018 anniversary bonus of 356 euro gross. This bonus honours the 70-year anniversary of the Porsche sports car, with which the sports car manufacturer recalls the first Porsche 356 production model in 1948.

During the 2017 financial year, the sports car manufacturer increased its deliveries by four per cent to 246,000 vehicles, achieving a revenue of 23.5 billion euro (an increase of five per cent). At the same time, the operating result rose by seven per cent to 4.1 billion euro, and the return on sales increased to 17.6 per cent. By the end of 2017, the Porsche workforce had grown by eight per cent to 29,777 employees. Highlights among the many new products for 2017 are the 911 GT3, GT2 RS, Panamera Sport Turismo and Cayenne.

The bonus will be paid to around 23,000 employees
The bonus for 2017 will be paid to around 23,000 employees at Porsche AG, adjusted to their individual working hours and length of service at the company. “The successful Porsche year 2017 was a team effort”, says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “We are proud of the great commitment and passion of all our colleagues. At Porsche, the focus is on people."

Uwe Hück, Chair of the Group Works Council, emphasises the strong team performance behind this year’s bonus: “Porsche employees deserve every cent of the bonus that they are getting this year. After all, these outstanding results were not handed to us on a plate – they were achieved with a lot of hard work. This is why I am really proud of our Porsche team and their outstanding performance. Our motto is: Less talk more action.”

2019 VW Touareg adds technology and luxury, while cutting down weight

After several months of spy shots and teaser photos, the 2019 VW Touareg finally has been revealed and it seems like a very technologically fitted car in the United States. The third generation model will be available in Europe as a flagship model, setting the bar higher for near premium SUVs.

The Touareg’s dimensions not only has grown in size to have some more cabin space. In particular, it now measures at 4,878 millimeters long (192 inches), 1,984 mm (78 inches) wide, and 1,702 mm (67 inches) lower. The capacity of the trunk has expanded too, now with 810 liter when the rear seats are in place.

The 2019 model year now sits on new underpinnings, which enabled it to cut down 106 kilograms (234 pounds), thanks to a combination of materials like the aluminum (48 percent) and VW’S high tech steels (52 percent).

Moving on to the exterior design, the front fascia has been redesigned to kind of look like the Arteon where the headlights are connected to the grille. The new look gives the SUV a more imposing presence that makes it stand out from the rest of the high riding VWs. According to Volkswagen, the headlights used on the Touareg are the most advance in the business, which are the matrix type. There are also less than 128 LEDs per headlight that are said to be powerful enough to make night time bright as day.

On the rear side of the vehicle, you will not see as much changes as the front fascia, as it just looks an upgraded Touareg. Like the Arteon, the model’s name is featured at the center of the trunk lid, just by the LED taillights. As you move onto the car’s sides, one of the things you’ll notice would be the upper character line running above the door handles from front to back. The base model will be getting 18 inch wheels, which is larger than the previous generation, while models higher up in the range will ride on massive 21 inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin will be equipped with a fully digital 12-inch instrument cluster, together with a 15-inch touchscreen, making its debut at Wolfsburg. Volkswagen has moved the air vents lower on the center console for a more gigantic display. Those who enjoy technology will definitely love the new Touareg. Everything from the steering to the night vision system are all high tech.

The European spec 2019 Touareg will be launched in Europe with a pair of turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 diesels rated at 231 horsepower (170 kilowatts) and 286 horsepower (210 kilowatts). On the other hand the gasoline powered V6 will join the lineup with 340 horsepower (250 kilowatts) on tap. Lastly, the most powerful version will be given a 421 horsepower 4.0 liter V8 diesel.

PRESS RELEASE

LEADING THE WAY – VOLKSWAGEN PRESENTS THE NEW TOUAREG

Volkswagen is making a statement by staging a world premiere of a new model for the first time in China – its largest market. The new Touareg marks a milestone in the brand’s largest model and technology campaign, and it shows what engineers and designers at Volkswagen can do. The new flagship takes a top position in the premium class SUV segment with its expressive design, its innovative operating, convenience and safety systems, as well as in the high quality of its materials and craftsmanship.

Equipped with the connectivity of a new era and a pioneering fusion of assistance, comfort, lighting and infotainment systems, the Touareg points the way to the future. At the same time, the exclusive SUV charges up its market segment with pure dynamism. The largest markets for what is now the third generation of the Touareg are China, Europe and Russia. Worldwide sales of the previous two generations amount to nearly one million units. The Touareg – as comfortable as it is dynamic – has, as the most technically advanced Volkswagen of its era, the potential to enthuse technology and design savvy drivers of premium class models of all sorts, reaching new target groups as well..

Premiere of the Innovision Cockpit. Volkswagen is presenting the fully digitalised Innovision Cockpit for the first time in the new Touareg. Here the digital instruments (Digital Cockpit with 12-inch display) and the top Discover Premium infotainment system (with 15-inch display) merge to form a digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit that hardly needs any conventional buttons or switches. Always-on, offering intuitive control and maximum personalisation – with the Innovision Cockpit, the Touareg provides the blueprint for tomorrow's digital interior today.

A focus on people. Drivers use the Innovision Cockpit to adapt the assistance, handling and comfort systems specifically to their personal tastes; the car becomes 'their' Touareg. This opens up a world in which the driver and on-board guests no longer have to adapt to the car; rather the car adapts to them. Like a new smartphone, the Volkswagen is set up and tuned to personal needs. This is made possible by a new high level of connected systems and programmes – controlled via digital interfaces and the multifunction steering wheel.

Fusion of new assistance, handling and comfort systems. The Touareg is launching with the largest range of assistance, handling and comfort systems ever to be integrated into a Volkswagen. They include technologies such as the Night Vision assistance system (detects people and animals in darkness via a thermal imaging camera), Roadwork Lane Assist (semi-automated steering and lane keeping, accelerating and braking up to 60 km/h), Front Cross Traffic Assist (reacts to cross traffic in front of the Touareg), active all-wheel steering (makes the Touareg handle like a compact car), new roll stabilisation with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars, 'IQ.Light – LED matrix headlights' (interactive, camera-based dipped and main beam headlight control) and a 'Windshield Head-up Display' projected directly onto the windscreen.

The driver experiences these systems as a single unit in the new Touareg. They are simply there – interconnected via a new central control unit – working imperceptibly in the background and making travel safer, more convenient and more intuitive than ever.

New dimensions and reduced weight. Compared to its predecessor, the third generation Touareg is moderately wider and longer. The new dimensions have positive effects on both the vehicle's proportions and its amount of interior space. The added exterior length leads, for example, to a significant increase in luggage capacity, from 697 to 810 litres (with rear bench seat up). Cargo there is hidden from onlookers by an optional electrically extending and retracting luggage compartment cover. Despite its increased length and width, the car body is 106 kg lighter because of its mixed material construction of aluminium (48 per cent) and high-tech steels (52 per cent).

Launch with V6 engines. In Europe, Volkswagen will initially offer two V6 diesel engines for the new 2018 Touareg with outputs of 170 kW / 231 PS and 210 kW / 286 PS. In a number of markets, this will also be followed by a V6 petrol engine (250 kW / 340 PS) and a V8 turbodiesel (310 kW / 421 PS). A new plug-in hybrid drive (270 kW / 367 PS of system power) is being prepared for China; its exact launch date in Europe is still open.

Volkswagen SUV campaign. The 2018 Touareg is an important milestone in the largest product and technology campaign in the history of the Volkswagen brand. The brand's range of SUVs is also being expanded comprehensively. It currently consists of the new T-Roc, the Tiguan, the new Tiguan Allspace (Europe) and Tiguan L (China), the new Atlas (USA) and the Teramont (China), plus the now completely redesigned Touareg as Volkswagen's top SUV model. Volkswagen will also be further extending the lower end of its SUV range with the compact T-Cross. The first all-electric SUV from Volkswagen is also a sure thing: the I.D. CROZZ. It will arrive on the market in 2020.

About the Volkswagen brand: “We make the future real”

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets throughout the world and produces vehicles at over 50 locations in 14 countries. In 2017, Volkswagen produced 6.23 million vehicles including bestselling models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta or Passat. Currently, 198,000 people work for Volkswagen across the globe. The brand also has 7,700 dealerships with 74,000 employees.

Volkswagen is forging ahead consistently with the further development of automobile production.

E-mobility, Smart mobility and the digital transformation of the brand are the key strategic topics for the future.

Range Rover SV Coupe will remain as a limited model

If you do get a chance to get your hands on the Range Rover SV Coupe, we would suggest for you to get one because this will remain limited and is likely not going make it into full production.

Earlier this month during the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the SV Coupe was revealed as a limited edition model, and also the most expensive Range Rover with a price tag of $295,995. But recently, we learned that Land Rover has no plans to make production go beyond the 999 units that had been set.

Wayne Darley, senior product marketing manager, stated that to keep the model exclusive, then the best thing they could do is to limit production of the model. By doing so, you are protecting the exclusivity of the model and therefore, these investments are secured. This began with the Project 7 that was inspired by the 250 run Jaguar F-Type which got its roots from the 1950s D Type. That car was once sold for £130,000 (or $183,800), and is now available for over £200,000 (approximately $282,700).

Before Darley got into Jaguar Land Rover, he developed the UK business cases for both the original Porsche Cayenne and the Carrera GT. This means to say that this guy knows what the market wants. There is clearly enough flex in the Range Rover brand to justify a car that costs $88,000 more than the SVAutobiography Dynamic it is based upon. There are several reasons for that price hike though and these have been justified.

It was the Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) that conceived the Range Rover SV Coupe, just around the same time as the Project 7. And the fact that it arrives three years later makes us think how much thought and development came with it. To ensure that the Range Rover’s go-anywhere remit is kept, new tools were used to create the fabrication of a pair of 1.4 meter (55 inch) long doors that almost fit the wheelbase.

To make it extra bespoke, SVO applied a “Nautica wood” trim level that was made with sycamore and walnut, giving you a feeling that you’re on a yacht but with wheels. Darley further explained that the SV Coupe really pushes the boundaries in body and materials. Yes, the standard Range Rover will be built in Land Rover’s Solihull, but the 999 units that will be specially made will be assembled at the SVO’s headquarters in Coventry.

Today, SVO continues to grow both in sphere and influence. Global sales in 2017 reached 4,800 units, which encompassed everything from the Jaguar SV Project 8 to a GT4 race prepped F-Type under the special commission banner of its flagship. SVO is confident in thinking that their output could be doubled to 10,500 units after the arrival of the SV Coupe, Defender Works V8, and some other projects they have done.

New Audi RS6 can deliver up to 650 horsepower

It has been less than a month since we saw the new 2019 Audi A6 at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. And already, people have been starting rumours about the upcoming S6 and RS6 versions. Today, the reports have focused more on the latter. A new report suggests that this model could have a sedan variant, and it could be offered with an engine that will enable it to produce 650 horsepower (484 kilowatts) on tap - that is, when it debuts in 2019.

We first heard about this news from Autobild, as they suggest that markets like United States and China could be the main candidates for a four door version of Audi’s most potent A6.

Competitors of this model including the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 are currently being offered in a four door trim, while the E63 is also available as a wagon. Therefore, Audi could actually be following a similar strategy.

What’s more interesting is that the new RS6 could come with as much as 650 horsepower, when given the additional performance pack. In comparison, the standard model produces around 605 horsepower (451 kilowatts), which still produces 45 horsepower (33 kilowatts) more than the current base RS6.

The current RS6 produces 560 horsepower (417 kilowatts) in its standard trim, but with the optional performance, it has gone up to 605 horsepower and 553 pound feet of torque.

Under its hood, there will likely be a 4.0 liter biturbo V8 similar to models like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Lamborghini Urus. The hardcore RS 7 could then get a more powerful hybrid option. Also, we do not expect the same technology to be carried over to the RS6.

Of course, since these are just rumours, we should not expect that all these information are valid. We also know that the new Audi RS6 will feature an all-new, lightweight design, and powerful V8 engine. Meanwhile, the lower trim S6 will only be given a V6 engine options (gas and diesel) exclusively, and in fact has already been spotted testing in Germany.

Earlier rumours suggested that the RS6 could be given a familiar 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 with a hybrid drivetrain to produce around 700 horsepower. The source also said that its power will be much closer to BMW and Mercedes.

But later on, rumours said that the next RS6 will come in a wagon variant, but there is a small chance a sedan version will be sold in the United States market. As mentioned earlier, it was expected to get 700 horsepower, but to be more realistic, it will probably have just around 600 horsepower. This is a little disappointing as Audi could have crushed the competition’s power, and yet, it did not.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R is currently the most powerful safety car

Another year means another Formula 1 season. And soon, the 2018 season will kick off this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. This year marks the 23rd consecutive year and Mercedes Benz, again will provide the Safety Car for the most important motorsport event. Since 1996, Mercedes-Benz had been the supplier of the event’s safety car, from way back when it was the C36 AMG, to the Mercedes-AMG GT R today - this might be the most powerful F1 Safety Car of all time.

Under its hood is a biturbo 4.0 liter V8 engine that enables the car to carry out 577 horsepower. During the 2015 to 2017 seasons, the GT R just follows the lesser GT S version. Also, it will be Bernd Maylander who will be behind the wheel of F1’s official Safety Car.

In Maylander’s interview, he said that the highlight of this car would be its driving dynamics. And that he is glad that it is a level higher than the AMG GT S of recent years. He added that the safety car should be deployed as rarely as possible, but when they have to bunch up the Formula 1 field and drive it around the track, then it will be equipped with the AMG GT R.

The Safety Car version is different from the standard GT R because it is equipped with an optional Track Package, that includes ceramic brakes and a roll over protection system. Of course, it gets a specific F1 livery and a carbon fiber roof mounted light bar, which had been tested aerodynamically.

In the cabin, the special GT-R gets a pair of iPads, where the one displays the live TV broadcast and the other will show an animated display of the track, position of the cars and the lap times.

Apart from the Safety Car, Mercedes-AMG is also in charge of supplying the Medical Car in the form of a C63 S Estate, carrying 3 medics. This, on the other hand, will be driven by Alan van der Merwe, who will be joined by Dr. Ian Roberts on the passenger seat.

As mentioned, there will be two other medics on the back seats, seated on bucket seats with six point seatbelts. The truck has as much as 490 liters in the back, that fits a defibrillator, a respirator, and other emergency equipment. Mercedes AMG’s Safety Car and Medical Car are indeed the ideal vehicles for major events like these. This is the reason why the automaker has been the trusted marque for these in the last 23 years.

The 2018 F1 season will soon feature 20 race weekends that will stretch up to the end of November, with the Abu Dhabi finale at Yas Marina.

PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-AMG GT R new pace car in the 2018 Formula 1 season: The most powerful Official FIA F1 Safety Car of all time

Mercedes-AMG will use the most powerful Official FIA F1 Safety Car of all time in the 2018 Formula 1® season: the 430 kW (585 hp) AMG GT R will have its debut as the Official FIA F1 Safety Car of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship at the Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia from 25 to 27 March 2018. The top-of-the-line model of the AMG GT series will ensure maximum safety for the Formula 1 field on all 20 race weekends. The performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach has supplied the pace car in the premier racing series of international motorsports since 1996.

With an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and a top speed of 318 km/h, the AMG GT R is the most powerful and fastest Official FIA F1 Safety Car of all time: In this, the 23rd consecutive year, Mercedes-AMG will safely lead the Formula 1 field around the track when bad weather or accidents require its deployment. The AMG GT R is the ideal Official FIA F1 Safety Car, with the driving dynamics of the AMG GT3 racing car, and having spent a large part of its development time in the "Green Hell" of the Nürburgring.

"I am very much looking forward to my new company car. It is an absolute highlight in terms of driving dynamics and is one level higher up still than the AMG GT S of recent years. Of course, ideally the safety car should be deployed as rarely as possible – but when we have to safely bunch up the Formula 1 field and lead it around the track, we will be superbly equipped with the AMG GT R", says Bernd Mayländer, who will again be the driver of the Official FIA F1 Safety Car in the new season.

Never before has Mercedes-AMG packed so much motorsport technology into a production vehicle as into the AMG GT R. The front-mid-engine concept with transaxle, the powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the elaborately designed chassis, the sophisticated active aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction lay the foundations for an especially dynamic driving experience.

Wide front and rear wings allow an increased track width for optimum grip and even higher cornering speeds. The front apron with AIRPANEL active air control system and the active aerodynamics profile in the underbody, the large rear aerofoil and the rear apron with double diffuser increase the aerodynamic efficiency and help ensure optimum grip. The lightweight forged wheels are likewise designed for maximum driving dynamics. The same applies to the active rear-wheel steering, the nine-way adjustable traction control system and the adjustable coil-over suspension with additional electronic control.

As a result, the AMG GT R offers the optimal prerequisites for the tough job in the premier class of motorsports. The requirements profile of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) for the Official FIA F1 Safety Car is demanding. It must be able to maintain a minimum speed level to prevent the tyres and brakes of the Formula 1 vehicles from excessive cooling and the engines from overheating. With a top speed of 318 km/h and 3.6 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h, the AMG GT R poses no risk for this to happen.

Official FIA F1 Safety Car largely in standard specification

The Mercedes-AMG GT R clearly has racetrack performance in its genes, as only a small number of modifications were required to transform it into the Official FIA F1 Safety Car of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The AMG Track Package with roll-over protection system and the ceramic high-performance compound braking system are on board as optional extras. The advantages of the ceramic brakes are a lower weight, a longer service life and even better fade resistance.

In terms of appearance, the Mercedes-AMG GT R Official FIA F1 Safety Car differs from the series production vehicle above all by virtue of the FIA and F1 car film and the light bar on the roof. The latter is positioned on a carbon-fibre air scoop that is designed to offer the least possible air resistance while at the same time providing for an aerodynamically optimised flow of air towards the rear aerofoil. The positioning and design of the carbon-fibre air scoop and the light bar are the result of extensive wind tunnel tests.

While Official FIA F1 Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer focuses on the track and at the same time keeps an eye on the field in the rear-view mirror, co-driver Richard Darker maintains radio contact with race control. Richard Darker monitors the Formula 1 vehicles by means of two iPads. The display of the left one shows the international TV broadcast. The right one can feature either an animated display of the current position of the vehicles or show current lap times. Data management for the visual communication solutions is handled by an InCar Hotspot with WLAN wireless network.

Charlie Whiting, FIA F1 Director, says: “When a Safety Car intervention is required during a Grand Prix it’s vitally important that we have full confidence in the car’s ability to lead the Formula 1 cars around the track safely. That means we need a car which is not only capable of dealing with the extreme demands a Grand Prix circuit puts on a vehicle travelling at high speed, but also one which is capable of setting a pace that allows the F1 drivers to keep tyres and brakes working at the right kind of temperature so that they do not struggle while waiting for racing to resume. With the latest versions of the FIA F1 Medical and Safety Cars, that confidence is once again assured.”

Fast emergency care with the Mercedes-AMG Official FIA F1 Medical Car

Alongside the safety car, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate is on hand to provide emergency care as the Official FIA F1 Medical Car of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. It is crewed by up to three medics. At the wheel is racing driver Alan van der Merwe, whilst his co-driver is FIA F1 deputy medical delegate Dr Ian Roberts. The rear seats accommodate one or two assistant medics from a selected specialist hospital near the particular racetrack.

For perfect occupant support and safety, the speedy estate is fitted with four sports bucket seats including six-point seat belts. Radio equipment enables communication with race control. To enable monitoring of racing activities, two iPads including InCar Hotspot and WLAN wireless network are also installed in the cockpit. The 490-litre luggage compartment safely accommodates the full complement of emergency equipment, including defibrillator and respirator.

The Official FIA F1 Medical Car follows the Formula 1 field on the starting lap, as the racing cars are grouped particularly closely together in this critical phase of the race. In the event of an incident, the medics are thus able to reach the scene of the accident as quickly as possible and administer first aid immediately. During the race, the Official FIA F1 Medical Car is lined up alongside the Official FIA F1 Safety Car in the pits lane.

As on the Official FIA F1 Safety Car, the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an output of 375 kW (510 hp), the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, the dynamic engine mounts and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential are on the same high level as the street-going version.

Official FIA F1 Safety Cars from Mercedes-AMG

C 36 AMG (1996/97)

CLK 55 AMG (1997/98)

CL 55 AMG (1999/2000)

SL 55 AMG (2001/02)

CLK 55 AMG (2003)

SLK 55 AMG (2004/05)

CLK 63 AMG (2006/07)

SL 63 AMG (2008/09)

SLS AMG (2010 to 2014)

AMG GT S (2015-2017)

AMG GT R (from 2018)