As befits a new car launch, Mercedes is putting on a show. The car going to be launched soon is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and the show of put in store is more of a history lesson.
The latest S class AMG will be running around in the livery used by the 300SEL 6.8 AMG endurance racer that had participated in the 24 Hours of Spa.
The old timer, the 300SEL 6.8 AMG competed in 1971 at the track of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium in that year’s 24 Hours of Spa. The 300SEL 6.8 AMG raced against Ford Capri RS, BMW 2800 CS, Chevrolet Camaro, Opel Commodore, and Alfa Romeo GTA.
The Mercedes 300SEL 6.8 AMG managed to come in second after completing 308 laps, behind a Capri and ahead of a Camaro and while the vehicle needed to refuel frequently but it proved to be a model of reliability having few mechanical problems.
AMG’s new twin-turbocharged V8, which is more powerful and more fuel efficient than the outgoing 6.2 liter V8, debuts in the S-Class. After modifying the exterior appearance of the two speedy sedans, they were driven around Spa for a classic photo shoot. Hans Heyer who was a co-driver in 1971 was present with his trademark Tyrolean hat.
