SL65 on Track?
#2
Super Member
I tracked an SL63 as part of the AMG Driving Academy. Did 10 laps around Laguna Seca in it. They do not use any V12’s in the Academy. Among the participants it was a close second to the GTR as the car they most enjoyed driving around the track.
#3
I finally got a chance to take the car on track. I ran a couple of sessions at Laguna Seca. Car is awesome on track. I love the sound of the twin turbo V12. Unfortunately, the front brakes (carbon ceramic) failed after only 21 laps. So, I would caution anyone trying to do this with their stock car. The car design does not provide enough air to the front brake calipers and rotors. I believe the car's capabilities were falsely advertised by Mercedes, after all the car has a Race mode setting and ceramic brakes. I also believe the lack of proper brake cooling ducts is a mechanical defect in these cars. As such I have since sold both of my AMG cars and will never buy a Mercedes or AMG product ever again. Enjoy the video!
Last edited by spyder987; 02-04-2019 at 10:42 AM.
#4
Super Member
Fantastic video!! Thanks for posting. My laps are posted on the AMG Driving Academy site but we were only video'd in the GTR. We were limited to 100mph although I was was able to get to 105 by dropping back at the turn exits. No way could we get to the 120 you saw on the front straight. One of the pro race drivers took me for a taxi ride in the GTR. We saw just under 140 peak but his braking points were much farther into the turns and his exit speeds were higher.
All the AMG's had carbon ceramic brakes, none failed. The Race Driver/instructors said they last for the season. Really too bad the brakes on yours failed. What was the failure mode? My SL65 has standard brakes since it was not a custom order.
All the AMG's had carbon ceramic brakes, none failed. The Race Driver/instructors said they last for the season. Really too bad the brakes on yours failed. What was the failure mode? My SL65 has standard brakes since it was not a custom order.
#5
Fantastic video!! Thanks for posting. My laps are posted on the AMG Driving Academy site but we were only video'd in the GTR. We were limited to 100mph although I was was able to get to 105 by dropping back at the turn exits. No way could we get to the 120 you saw on the front straight. One of the pro race drivers took me for a taxi ride in the GTR. We saw just under 140 peak but his braking points were much farther into the turns and his exit speeds were higher.
All the AMG's had carbon ceramic brakes, none failed. The Race Driver/instructors said they last for the season. Really too bad the brakes on yours failed. What was the failure mode? My SL65 has standard brakes since it was not a custom order.
All the AMG's had carbon ceramic brakes, none failed. The Race Driver/instructors said they last for the season. Really too bad the brakes on yours failed. What was the failure mode? My SL65 has standard brakes since it was not a custom order.
Last edited by spyder987; 02-04-2019 at 10:39 AM.
#6
Super Member
If you want to see my laps in the GTR go to amgacademy.com, Final Lap Videos, October 8. I am Tom R. A couple of points. The camera lens makes it look like the car in front is much further away than reality. The front straight was used for car position changes so we could not run flat out. Note how infrequently I was able to use full throttle, I was mostly about 4 car lengths back of the next car. Closer than 3 and they black flag you. Notice the very light braking application, we never were able to use 100% braking on the track. In the infield racing we did.
No question the GT has better brake cooling than the SL, it also carries a lot less weight than the SL65.
No question the GT has better brake cooling than the SL, it also carries a lot less weight than the SL65.