The Mercedes SL 63 AMG

When you watch the Start of a Formula 1 race, you may not note that, behind the grid of single-seater F1 cars, there is another car. It looks more like a road car, except for its flashing lights on the roof. This is the “pace car”.

For a manufacturer to have their car chosen as the pace car for F1 is a huge honor. It is a reflection of the reliability of the product, its maneuverability and, importantly, its speed.

In past years, cars chosen to be pace car for F1 have been Mercedes-AMG models. For 2008 it is the SL 63 AMG.

If there is a mishap in an F1 race, usually the race is not stopped. Instead, the pace car goes – at extremely high speed – onto the circuit, and the F1 cars are required not to overtake it, but follow it in their respective positions.

The pace car leads the pack while the track is cleared, and that means keeping up a serious speed, probably around 160 kmh, because the F1 cars must keep their tires warm.

I am guessing the top speed of the SL 63 AMG is around 300 kmh, although for Hong Kong roads it may be “governed” to a mere 250 kmh. 

Naturally, it follows that the person driving the pace car must also be carefully selected, as this also is a high honor.

Obviously, I assumed no ordinary citizen such as myself was likely to be invited to drive this magnificent machine. Until last week.

Suddenly I found myself at the wheel of the SL 63 AMG, heading out of the Mercedes-Benz Performance Studio at Repulse Bay.

Just switching on the engine of the AMG caused a roar that set my heart hammering. I understood the 6.3-liter V-8 powerplant promised me 525 horsepower and a peak torque of 630Nm.

I had a choice of four modes to use the AMG SPEED-SHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, ranging from the smooth automatic, to the adrenaline-producing shift paddles on the steering column.

I also had the option of the Race Start function for optimal acceleration just like an F1 car. I wisely decided not to use it to get into traffic on Repulse Bay Road.

If I had used it and found myself going too fast I could have gone for the electrohydraulic brakes with Brake Assist (BAS).

Actually, driving such a car on Stanley Gap Road, at times in bumper-to-bumper traffic, was more of an insult to the car than a road test.

Still, I did manage the occasional short burst. In one case, on the new road from Stanley to Chung Hom Kok, there was a serious uphill stretch with no traffic. I put the pedal just halfway to the carpet - and I was at the top of the hill. Even with all that power there is not a hint of tire squeal. The car just lunges forward, in a stunning burst…but with a lovely, heart-stirring blast of sound from the quad pipes, so be sure to keep your windows open or have the top down.

You will no doubt be ordering optional extras with your SL 63 AMG. One example, handy in the chilly winter months, is the optional Airscarf, an ingenious arrangement that turns your headrests into heaters. At the touch of a button, fans at the rear of the head restraint suck in air, which is then heated and expelled through an outlet at the front of the seat. Three Airscarf settings allow you to adjust the system for optimum comfort to suit the outside temperature, and your driving style. This is for when you are on Stanley Gap Road at 2:00 am in January and really, really don’t want to put up the top!