: : Mercedes-Benz Owners : :

January 2010 News

		Golden award The Mercedes SLS AMG has destroyed the opposition to be crowned the world’s best super sports car. Over 250,000 votes were cast by readers of German motoring magazine Auto Bild and newspaper Bild am Sonntag, with 11 vehicles vying to be awarded the Golden Steering Wheel accolade. However, the SLS AMG collected almost a third of the results to seal victory by a wide margin. Among the stand-out features that impressed readers ranged from the car’s speed to its appearance. The inclusion of an AMG 6.3-litre engine allows the vehicle to accelerate from still to 62 miles per hour in a rapid 3.8 seconds, while a best-in-class fuel consumption of 21.4 miles to the gallon can be obtained on the combined cycle. In terms of appearance, motorists can witness the impressive gullwing doors, which are reminiscent of Mercedes vehicles of the past. Furthermore, the starring attributes of the car have caused it to be available for selection in the upcoming computer game Gran Turismo 5.

		The Brawn story Ross Brawn became the colossus of Grand Prix racing in 2009 when the team that bears his name won the constructors’ title, and enabled Jenson Button to become World Champion. This achievement was unprecedented even by the standards of Formula 1 because, ten months before, the whole team, then owned by Honda, faced almost immediate extinction. Brawn, engineer and master strategist, had never considered owning a team or even wanted to. He tried to find buyers and in the end faced a simple choice: buy it himself or see it close. He bought it. ‘The Brawn story’, the man and the team that turned Formula 1 upside-down is a new book by Christopher Hilton, published by Haynes @ £18.99.

		Rosberg for Mercedes GP Nico Rosberg will drive for the new Mercedes F1 team in 2010. The 24-year-old announced his departure from Williams in October and, as a German native, had been expected to drive for Mercedes next season. The new team has been formed after Mercedes bought a 75% stake in Brawn GP, the team that won the 2009 drivers' and constructors' titles.

		Jacko’s Merc A Mercedes car once owned by Michael Jackson is one of numerous collectables tied to the legendary King of Pop due to be auctioned in New York. Items linked to the musician included his handwritten lyrics to the song ‘Beat it’ and zombie costumes from the music video to ‘Thriller’. The car in question is a 1985 Mercedes 500 SEL that Jackson first owned and then gave to an aunt as a present. According to Darren Julien of Julien’s Auctions, who promoted the sale: "What’s even more significant is that we have photos of Michael driving the car. "When have you seen Michael driving a car? He was always chauffeured or driven." Mr Julien added that the vehicle also has an elaborate sound system and is fitted with a number of quirks that Jackson wanted. The rare 500 SEL features a five-litre fuel-injected V8 engine, a long wheelbase for added comfort and burred walnut interior.

		Paffett pipped at post Gary Paffett has praised his Mercedes teammates after ending the final race of the DTM season in winning style. The Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class driver took the chequered flag at Hockenheim after gaining the lead when Mattias Ekstrom was forced to retire with engine troubles just five laps in. And while he was unable to clinch the drivers’ championship, the Briton explained that he is satisfied with his season and believes that, with the car and the backing he has, he can continue to challenge at the top of the sport. "I am very happy to have achieved my fourth win of the season and I thank my team - again they gave me a perfect car," said Paffett, who has finished among the points in all but one race. "Unfortunately, I missed the championship win by five points, but I want to congratulate Timo Scheider, he was more consistent and deserved to win." Paffett joined the Mercedes DTM team back in 2003 and won the 2007 championship on the back of five wins.

		Tickled pink Staff at Mercedes-Benz of Swindon showed their true colour to support Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s annual fund-raising campaign. Staff from all departments wore items of pink clothing, with the stunt also raising smiles and a few pounds among customers. “It has been a fun way of supporting a great cause and fantastic to see our staff get involved and raid their wardrobes for some bright pink clothing,” said MD Mike Fellows.” They might have been wearing pyjamas but there was certainly no rest for staff in their efforts to support worthy causes as they went on to support BBC’s Children in Need appeal. This time they organised a pyjama party, a ‘dressing gown day’ rather than a ‘dressing down day’, you might say.

		Preparing for the worst Fire services practice rescue operations using the latest Mercedes models. The scene prepared in a hall at the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen is an impressive sight. The scenario: a Mercedes has crashed into a tree at high speed without braking, heavily deforming the vehicle's bodywork. As part of the simulated rescue of the occupants, the rescue services must first of all open and remove the doors using special spreading and cutting tools. The roof pillars then need to be separated using hydraulic cutters, so that the roof can be lifted off. By working in this way, the firemen create the conditions for a ‘proper casualty rescue’ which can then be carried out as carefully as possible. In addition, Mercedes provides guidelines for rescue services which point out the different rescue strategies for specific models. After all, the efficiency of the rescue attempts, which may involve paramedics and fire services working together at the scene of an accident to save the occupants as quickly and as carefully as possible, can depend crucially on the preparation.