Friend of mine works for COTA and hooked me up with a significantly discounted rate for the AMG Driving Academy. Did the day-long basic course, and had a blast. Having done the 4 day Bondurant race school, would say that some of the drills are similar but the AMG day is more about getting the opportunity to rip around in a variety of AMGs. Personally I think money is better spent elsewhere if paying full price.
Anyhow, a quick summary of the day:
DRAG STRIP AND SLALOM
E63S vs CLS63S
Damn these cars are fast. Of the 2, I felt that the E63S was a bit faster and handled a little better (even tho I was told the CLS weighs a little less and is based on the same engine chassis). Came away really impressed with the E63S package.
AUTOX
CLA45
The car is quick but after seat time with the other V8s, a significantly over boosted 4 banger just kinda sucks. Would never recommend this car to anyone for the price.
"SKIDPAD"
C63S
Ok, supposedly this was to teach car control but I thought the drill was retarded. Basically you get up to 20-25mph, stand briefly on the throttle to kick the rear end loose, then quickly catch it. Wtf? Either let me hoon it or let's move on. I actually stopped participating on this one.
LEAD/FOLLOW on COTA (full course!)
AMG GT S
This was of course the entire reason I wanted to do the day. The GT S is awesome. Definitely feels different than the SLS, smaller and more nimble. Handles great and so well balanced. The car I drove stickers at $176k (which includes $10k for a special yellow/orange paint job). Hmmm, at that price give me a 911 GT3 and change left over for mods. Or would take a used SLS and also have change left over. But soooo fun going around COTA.
SL63
Believe it or not, this was also part of lead/follow. No, you weren't allowed to out the top down and smoke a cigar in it while on the track. Obviously compared to the GT S shifts are slower and slower handling response, but pretty unreal it is even out there.
So the day was 25% driving school, 50% fun w someone else's AMGs, and 25% marketing (they had window stickers in every car lol). Case in point: my buddy who went with me has an S6 on order and just this weekend cancelled it and bot a E63S LOL.
Enjoy some pics...
http://amgacademy.com/gallery/photo-events/circuit-of-the-americas-jun-16
Anyhow, a quick summary of the day:
DRAG STRIP AND SLALOM
E63S vs CLS63S
Damn these cars are fast. Of the 2, I felt that the E63S was a bit faster and handled a little better (even tho I was told the CLS weighs a little less and is based on the same engine chassis). Came away really impressed with the E63S package.
AUTOX
CLA45
The car is quick but after seat time with the other V8s, a significantly over boosted 4 banger just kinda sucks. Would never recommend this car to anyone for the price.
"SKIDPAD"
C63S
Ok, supposedly this was to teach car control but I thought the drill was retarded. Basically you get up to 20-25mph, stand briefly on the throttle to kick the rear end loose, then quickly catch it. Wtf? Either let me hoon it or let's move on. I actually stopped participating on this one.
LEAD/FOLLOW on COTA (full course!)
AMG GT S
This was of course the entire reason I wanted to do the day. The GT S is awesome. Definitely feels different than the SLS, smaller and more nimble. Handles great and so well balanced. The car I drove stickers at $176k (which includes $10k for a special yellow/orange paint job). Hmmm, at that price give me a 911 GT3 and change left over for mods. Or would take a used SLS and also have change left over. But soooo fun going around COTA.
SL63
Believe it or not, this was also part of lead/follow. No, you weren't allowed to out the top down and smoke a cigar in it while on the track. Obviously compared to the GT S shifts are slower and slower handling response, but pretty unreal it is even out there.
So the day was 25% driving school, 50% fun w someone else's AMGs, and 25% marketing (they had window stickers in every car lol). Case in point: my buddy who went with me has an S6 on order and just this weekend cancelled it and bot a E63S LOL.
Enjoy some pics...
http://amgacademy.com/gallery/photo-events/circuit-of-the-americas-jun-16
