The AMG Experience is an event that brings together AMG owners to one big party. However, instead of a DJ, loud music and confetti, you have loud engines, tyre smoke and speed. This year’s edition was going to be a track attack over two days. Set at India’s newest race track, the CoASTT in Coimbatore, the line-up was nothing short of incredible.
Everything from the pocket rocket A 45 S, to the massive S 63 and even the SL 55 convertibles were available to play with. The participants were split into two groups, where one group would compete in a track session to start off with, while the other would compete in timed laps at a challenging autocross track.
Out on the fast flowing CoASTT, there was a selection of AMGs varying from the A 45 S hot hatch, the E 53 and SL 55 convertibles, the GLE 53 SUV and even giants like the S 63 E Performance and GT 63 S E Performance. There was representation from EVs as well, in the form of the extreme EQS 53. Every participant would get two full laps before switching to the next car so that they get a chance to sample every AMG in the queue.
Lead and follow instructors were there as a reference and to guide, but in no sense did they hold back on the pace, as participants tried to master the technical and fast-flowing layout of CoASTT. From four cylinders to V6s to V8s, they had a taste of everything, and by the end, nobody wanted to get out of their seats.
While the track satisfied the racer within the participants, the Autocross would challenge their competitiveness. A benchmark time set by an AMG instructor was the number to beat, and it would be done in equal machinery – the hot and rapid A 45 S. With a 421hp engine and a small footprint, fun is an understatement with this hot hatch. As participants gauged the course on a sighting lap, the main lap had everyone on the edge of their seats. After a few errors on the first few laps, participants looked for every incremental detail to make time, and even sought help from the instructor for tips and tricks.
As they pushed the limits on the final lap, some got it right, others got penalties, but everyone got out with a rush that would last for weeks. Now, while all of the participants got their racing fix, nothing beats a personal experience with a professional racer. The AMG instructors are also professional racers who can showcase the true potential of what the AMGs can do on a race track. With participants strapped in the passenger seat, the instructors didn’t hold back.
Being driven at a pace much higher than you ever would is like being on a roller coaster. In cars like the S 63 and GT 63 S that have over 1,000Nm of torque, it is a whirlwind of twists and turns that you have no control over. Every corner had the passengers grinning and screaming in excitement.
As participants shared their track experiences and compared timings from the autocross over some delicious lunch, dessert was announced. Donuts in the AMG A 45 S! A taxi ride to experience drift mode meant participants held back on a second helping at lunch. Being a passenger on a drift pad is like nothing else and with the A 45 S sliding and growling at full pitch, participants couldn’t keep a straight face. Every single one of them got out giggling and a bit dizzy, but wanted to jump right back inside.
Needless to say, the 2024 AMG Experience set a benchmark for future events. It had it all – track attacks, autocross and even drifting. It will be a challenge to match up to the level of fun, but it’s one you are always up for. As for the cars, things with an AMG are never dull or boring. No matter what you do with them, there is always a wide grin plastered on your face.
