When it comes to Formula 1 Safety Car competency, reliability and swift performance are key.
If the vehicle is too slow, the Formula 1 cars being lead would lose tyre warmth - essential to achieving optimum grip levels. Overheating and subsequent engine damage might result too, as cooling is aided by the air directed towards the vehicle and into its ducts at high speeds
No wonder then, why Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles have been chosen for such an application. Mercedes-Benz' AMG division has had an affiliation with the high-octane sport of Formula 1 since the mid-eighties,when an AMG-fettled E-Class Coupé with V8 engine was used occasionally as a Medical Vehicle.
Throughout the nineties and noughties, Mercedes have relegated some its most finest AMG models to the intensive task of maintaining order amongst those immensely fast, clinically-designed Formula 1 cars, during unfavourable conditions.
The 2010 Formuala 1 season will once again see the employment of the versatile C63 Estate as the Medical Vehicle and the Gullwing-throwback SLS AMG as the all-new Saftey Car..
The latter might probably cause a few accidents rather the intended purpose of preventing them, as it is indeed a beautiful car - even from the rear.
A 6.3-litre V8 engine with power a colossal power output of 420kW and torque figure of 650 Nm propels the SLS from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. On straights like the one found in the renowned Nurburgring Nordschleife track, it would certainly reach speeds well over the 100 mark. Of course, straight-line power isn't everything. A rigid yet light weight space frame keeping the SLS's mass to 1620kg and a low centre of gravity attributed to the V8 powerplant being installed lower-down within the engine bay ensures that the Mercedes is able to tackle sinuous track layouts like that of the Monaco street circuit, with ease.
Striking Safety Car livery and an aerodynamically-designed LED roof light bar means that the SLS AMG will always be seen, even in poor lighting conditions.
Apart from the fitment of a new rear silencer the Saftey Car retains all the same engine, transmission, suspension and brake system components as the standard production vechicle - testament to the extreme performance capabilities and superb build quality of the SLS AMG. The silencer allows for better exhalation of air by the engine, resulting in improved performance and according to the Press Release, "offers Formula-1 fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience". They certainly won't have time to savour the SLS's aural emissions, scrambling for their umbrellas and raincoats to shelter themselves from the adverse weather conditions in which the vehicle is to be deployed mostly.
The SLS is to be comandeered by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer and his co-driver, Pete Tibbetts. The C63 AMG Medical Vehicle will be piloted by our very own Alan van de Merwe, who is a former race-car driver.
Fourteen years of F1 safety provided by vehicles bearing the Three-pointed star emblem and legendary AMG moniker:
Safety Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: CLK 55 AMG (C 208)
2000: CL 55 AMG (C 215)
2001: SL 55 AMG (R 230)
2003: CLK 55 AMG (C 209)
2004: SLK 55 AMG (R 171)
2006: CLK 63 AMG (C 209)
2008: SL 63 AMG (R 230)
Currently: SLS AMG (C 197)
Medical Cars:
1996: C 36 AMG (W 202)
1997: C 36 AMG (W 202); E 60 AMG (W 210)
1998: C 55 AMG Estate (S 202)
2001: C 32 AMG Estate (S 203)
2004: C 55 AMG Estate (S 203)
2008-currently: C 63 AMG Estate (S 204)
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