DAIMLER AG - With the combined power of more than 1400 hp, Mercedes-Benz is taking to the starting grid of Gran Turismo 6 with three of its latest models. All set to provide pure excitement and fascination in the new version of the gaming classic for the PlayStation 3 are three high-performance vehicles from AMG: the SLS AMG GT3 producing over 367 kW (more than 500 hp), the E63 AMG producing 410 kW (557 hp) and the A45 AMG producing 265 kW (360 hp). In addition to the three new vehicles, no fewer than 21 further vehicles from Mercedes-Benz which featured in Gran Turismo 5 will also be taking to the track to set the pulses of gaming fans racing. Gran Turismo 6 will be celebrating its market launch this holiday season. Details of the game were announced last Wednesday by Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer and Game Director of Polyphony Digital Inc., on the occasion of the celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of the popular Gran Turismo series at Silverstone in England.
"Together with Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Polyphony Digital, we are delighted with the unique success which Gran Turismo has enjoyed over the last 15 years", said Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "We are particularly proud that three of the latest models from our high-performance AMG brand are all celebrating their digital premiere in the latest version of the legendary game series. Mercedes-Benz and Gran Turismo have a number of things in common. Above all, they share the same vision: to provide their customers – whether in real life or in the virtual world – with the ultimate in driving pleasure."
Globally the PlayStation 3 racing game has so far sold more than 70 million copies, with version 5 alone being enjoyed by more than ten million gaming fans since November 2010. Mercedes-Benz can look back over a long and successful history as part of this race series. Models from the star brand have been represented in the game since the market launch of Gran Turismo 2 back in 1999/2000. According to Anders Sundt Jensen: "Both Carl Benz in 1886 and Kazunori Yamauchi, the inventor of Gran Turismo in 1998 recognised that a car can do more than just take us from A to B. Both lived the automotive dream. Driving a Mercedes or playing Gran Turismo each therefore reflects a unique experience: unprecedented driving pleasure."
Anniversary wishes from Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz prepared a very special surprise for the guests at the anniversary celebrations in Silverstone. They were able to experience the breathtaking driving performance of the SLS AMG GT3 both live on the race track, courtesy of professional racing driver and AMG Driving Academy instructor Jan Seyffarth, as well as in the virtual world of the games console. The two other AMG models from the game were also on hand for onlookers to admire. The anniversary celebrations were rounded off with an exclusive shuttle service for guests.