These aren't AMG vehicles that the general public can order. In fact, only a combined total of four have been built — one each, and two replacement vehicles. They are designed to provide aid "whenever the safety of a race is threatened by accidents, adverse weather conditions or other hazardous situations," the automaker said in a statement.
The two are impressive performers on the racetrack. The 2009 Safety Car is equipped with a 525-horsepower AMG 6.3-liter V8 that rockets it from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds. The engine is mated to a seven-speed sport transmission with column shift "which makes is possible to change gear in just 100 milliseconds," said Mercedes-Benz.
Impressively, the Safety Car is lighter than its production counterpart in spite of additional cooling measures, lighting system and communications equipment. Details that set it apart from the production version are a front apron with larger cooling-air openings, a modified diffuser insert in the rear apron and white LED flashlights in the headlamps and taillamps. The cabin gets two AMG sport bucket seats with four-point seatbelts, carbon fiber trim and an AMG performance steering wheel. The center console gets two monitors to let the crew supervise action on the track.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate Official F1 Medical Car follows the Formula 1 field on the dangerous first lap. The automaker says it is "able to guarantee the fastest possible emergency treatment." It is equipped with a 457-hp AMG 6.3-liter V8 and a seven-speed transmission. Exterior details include F1 logos, a roof bar and strobelike LED lights front and rear.
Inside Line says: Two impressive AMG vehicles that provide a critical service — and will be fun to watch. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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