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Melbourne – Mercedes-AMG power is set to echo throughout Adelaide from next
Wednesday when the 2007 Aeromil Pacific Classic Adelaide rally gets underway.
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Widely regarded as one of the world's great rallies, the five-day event
includes special stage sections along some of Australia's most spectacular and
challenging roads. Leaving their mark on them will be a number of unique models
from Mercedes-Benz.
A highlight amongst the modern classics in the event’s thoroughbred touring
category this year will be two special Mercedes-Benz-AMG sports cars. The German
sports and racing car brand, famed for producing ultra-high-performance
Mercedes-Benz cars, will have both of its race-derived V8 engines represented in
the form of two special cars: a 378 kW Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG 4-door coupe and
a 265 kW SLK 55 AMG roadster.
All of the available power made by the stunning CLS will definitely be put to
good use in the Adelaide hills next week. Behind the wheel will be none other
than five-time grand prix motorcycle world champion, Mick Doohan. The motorcycle
ace is sure to find the car’s 630 Nm of torque both useful and enjoyable during
the 1000 km event, something he demonstrated to fans last year with his
spectacular style.
Teaming up in the fast and agile SLK 55 AMG roadster will be SAFM radio host
Amber Petty. The popular radio and television personality makes her rally debut
in this year’s event and is sure to be a crowd favourite. Roof up or roof down,
the powerful and stylish silver SLK roadster will cut a fine image in the
Adelaide hills next week.
But it’s won’t just be the sound of AMG V8-power that will surround
spectators in Adelaide next week.
Also competing will be the recently released Mercedes-Benz C 320 CDI, the
turbo-diesel V6 that now leads the all-new C-Class range.
The 165 kW C 320 CDI will certainly be at home amongst the million dollar
field of exotic sports and racing cars. Equipped with an AMG sports package,
this agile and sporty sedan packs an impressive 510 Nm of torque at only 1,600
RPM. Given this is the same amount of ‘twist’ as a C 55 AMG sedan, this car’s
progress along Adelaide’s finest roads is expected to be quick, and economical.
Also Mercedes-Benz-mounted this year will be Australian Formula One legend
Sir Jack Brabham, who will complete the rally in a specially-ordered
designo –equipped Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 roadster.
SA-based former Le Mans, Indianapolis and Formula One star, Vern Schuppan,
will be driving one of Mercedes-AMG’s most impressive creations: a stunning 380
kW SL 55 AMG roadster. With a 0-100 km/h time of only 4.5 seconds and 720 NM or
torque, Vern is sure to complete the rally in pretty quick time.
Spectators will also be afforded a rare chance to get up close to one of the
special cars that helped forge the Mercedes-Benz name and legend. A rare 300 SLS
sports racing car from the 1950s has been specially shipped to Australia from
the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre in Stuttgart to participate in this year’s
rally. Its elegant body and powerful six-cylinder engine engage the senses in a
way only few cars can.
The 2007 Aeromil Pacific Class Adelaide rally commences Wednesday 21 November
and concludes on Sunday 25 November.
For the best vantage points to catch the action, spectators are encouraged to
visit www.classicadelaide.com.au
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