Let Mercedes-Benz World make your summer special
An exhilarating line up of summer activities at Mercedes-Benz Word gives families the ultimate family day-out this summer.
A trip to Europe’s leading automotive brand experience centre near Weybridge, Surrey, will set pulses racing and could even win some lucky youngsters the chance to compete against 2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton!
Mercedes-Benz World is mounting its most extensive summer holiday programme to date and it promises to deliver a unique and memorable day-out experience for visitors of all ages. With children as young as 12* able to get behind the wheel and learn to drive in a dual-control Mercedes on our own private roads or on challenging off-road terrain, high performance passenger ‘Hot Lap’ rides, mesmerising displays of synchronised precision driving from the Silver Arrows display team, and the UK’s only playable demo of Grand Turismo 5 – not launched in shops until November - it’s action all the way for all the family. But with these summer experiences already on sale, organisers are recommending visitors to book their adrenalin-filled days early to avoid disappointment.
Mercedes-Benz World’s ‘Kids 4x4 Driving Experience’ is already proving a smash hit with youngsters. They can opt for a truly memorable 30 minute or 60 minute drive around the 10-acre off-road terrain with a professional driver alongside in the dual-controlled Mercedes M-Class and for the school holidays, up to two parents or friends can share the unique experience for free as passengers.
For a chance to meet and compete against Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, youngsters can take part in a special Summer Driving Challenge being organised by the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. Launched and backed by Lewis, the Academy uses revolutionary new coaching techniques to help youngsters to become responsible and safe drivers in the future.
The Summer Challenge offers a series of fun driving challenges with the top 100 scorers competing in teams at the Grand Finale on September 4th when they can pit their skills against Lewis Hamilton himself. And it is not just the highest scoring entrants who can be there – anyone who takes part in the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy Summer Challenge up to 31st August 2010 and their family automatically receive an invitation to attend the event where Lewis will be appearing.
But the fun is not just for the youngsters – visitors can climb aboard one of the world’s most advanced high performance cars – A Mercedes AMG with a driving expert at the wheel for a scintillating hot lap of the handling circuit and some sideways action around the sensational 360 degree skid pan. Or they could take in the breathtaking daily performance by the Silver Arrows Display Team as four drivers demonstrate awe-inspiring car control and precision driving behind the wheel of 6.3-litre V8-powered AMG models. Each day four lucky people win the right to join the team for an in-car view of their captivating performance.
For all gaming fans, there is even more reason to visit Mercedes-Benz World. Everyone can experience an exclusive taster of the forthcoming Gran Turismo®5 game due for release in November this year. You can race on the Nürburgring’s challenging 14-mile Nordschleife circuit at the wheel of a stunning, virtually-rendered SLS AMG, on a specially-installed PS3. If you’ve ever wondered how it would feel to get behind the wheel of this gull-winged supercar, this is your chance to see the real thing in store, sit in an actual SLS AMG seat, and experience first-hand what it could be like to put the pedal to the metal in this awesome car.
If that wasn’t enough, Mercedes-Benz World is a visitor centre like no other, with every current Mercedes-Benz model on display, along with classic and racing cars, a 3D simulator ride taking you right to the heart of the company’s production line and an 88-seat cinema covering 124 years of automotive innovation. With a café, restaurant and shop on site you won’t go hungry or have to leave without a memento of your day.
Driving experiences can be booked in advance by visiting mercedes-benzworld.co.uk for more information.
* Youngsters taking part in the Summer Driving Challenge and Kids Off-Road Driving Experience must be 12 years old or older and be a minimum of 1.5-metres tall
Ticket costs:
Kids Off-Road Driving Experience – 30 minutes £45, 60 minutes £80 (Driver and two passengers)
Summer Driving Challenge – £40 (includes free family ticket to Grand Finale featuring Lewis Hamilton)
Hot Laps – £15 (Available between 2–3pm most days, check website for details)