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Old 29th September 2011, 12:39   #1
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Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

Mercedes Mumbai dealer Shaman organized an event on 25th September 2011 to showcase the offroading capabilities of the ML and GL series of vehicles.

The event was to get all the Mercedes-Benz owners to come and have an educating and fun experience. The guests were first taken by expert off-road instructors around the 2.8 km slushy track with different articulations and elements like Steep Inclines and Declines, Axel Breakers, Side undulations , etc. Then most of them didn’t mind using their own cars and had a go at the challenging experience.

The venue: Automission Track at Khopoli (near mumbai).
Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-310229_10150841501285430_323442360429_21278184_1089326492_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-316111_10150841501335430_323442360429_21278186_1289922828_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-165385_10150368574150430_323442360429_17154397_6070582_n.jpg

The track was prepared after extensive deliberation keeping in mind the electronics and tyres of these vehicles in mind.

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-photo.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-316846_10150841517020430_323442360429_21278501_1840460994_n.jpg

The Cars before the event:

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-296358_10150841501425430_323442360429_21278187_1520792967_n.jpg

The Cars after the event:

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-299302_10150841518205430_323442360429_21278526_97856468_n.jpg

(continued...)
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Old 29th September 2011, 12:51   #2
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

It all started with a call:

"Dude, shaman owner's a friend and he's looking for expert drivers to help them conduct an event for the MLs and GLs"

Ofcourse, anyone with a sane mind would say yes, and a few text messages later, the expert team was ready.

We have a meeting with the dealer and explain to them the nuances of the event. After all are in agreement, we are set to go.

The expert drivers:
Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-experts.jpg

We take a full day to set up the track. We instructed merc to have vehicles without the low profile tyres but alas they gave us low profile ones and this is what happened:
Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-gl-500-tyre-busted..jpg

Ofcourse, this was not done by one of our guys, but one of the merc drivers who thought there is no difference between tarmac and the trail.

Having said, that, we were expecting this and had instructed the dealer to carry extra mounted spares.

By the end of the main event, we had a total of 7 busted tyres. Only a couple of these tore. The rest all came off the rim and were easily refixed.
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Old 29th September 2011, 13:01   #3
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

The Cars:

2 ML Class vehicles
Pic for representational purpose only:
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Specifications:
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2 GL Class vehicles
Pic for representational purpose only:

Specifications:
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We had two cars to play with the 350CDI and the GL500 petrol monster!
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Old 29th September 2011, 13:41   #4
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

The owners were driven around the track by the experts and they could drive their own vehicles after that.

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-294738_10150841518420430_323442360429_21278528_1142099890_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-294872_10150841508095430_323442360429_21278304_68847032_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-295774_10150841514140430_323442360429_21278436_1880903945_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-295889_10150841508300430_323442360429_21278308_469361435_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-296618_10150841509770430_323442360429_21278339_857768635_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-296755_10150841510350430_323442360429_21278353_775630148_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-297292_10150841508820430_323442360429_21278319_181767435_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-298073_10150841510450430_323442360429_21278355_777033373_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-298097_10150841512970430_323442360429_21278407_1958211036_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-298306_10150841650445430_323442360429_21279169_713934500_n.jpg

Last edited by GTO : 6th October 2011 at 13:52. Reason: Inserting pictures vertically for easier readability
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Old 29th September 2011, 13:45   #5
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

More action pics: (Pic courtesy: Automission)

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-299441_10150841515385430_323442360429_21278464_1855885446_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-299512_10150841506835430_323442360429_21278277_1096843572_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-300254_10150841518785430_323442360429_21278535_1751405647_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-300820_10150841505000430_323442360429_21278240_1614971174_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-301192_10150841518845430_323442360429_21278537_922510906_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-301245_10150841512880430_323442360429_21278405_809910889_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-302623_10150841513250430_323442360429_21278414_1697759579_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-303204_10150841505905430_323442360429_21278264_1388653570_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-304117_10150841518305430_323442360429_21278527_1183571209_n.jpg

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-307366_10150841504890430_323442360429_21278238_1050247054_n.jpg

Last edited by GTO : 6th October 2011 at 13:52. Reason: Inserting pictures vertically for easier readability
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Old 29th September 2011, 13:53   #6
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

I hope there's more to come from you, as I would be interested to know how many participated, and what was taught to them regarding off (or soft) roading in their Mercs.

How was the overall experience? Any special moments?
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Old 29th September 2011, 14:04   #7
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

Thanks Tejas for the super wonderful pics. Looks like the Drivers had a good time at the off roading. How many did participate with own car? It pained to see such beautiful cars get dirty.

When the tyres slipped from the rim, did it damage the rims or were they OK?
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Old 29th September 2011, 17:36   #8
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee View Post
I hope there's more to come from you, as I would be interested to know how many participated, and what was taught to them regarding off (or soft) roading in their Mercs.

How was the overall experience? Any special moments?
A lot more pics to come in.

We basically gave a demo of what is offroading, driving techniques, crawling, thumbs out while driving, etc. Also told them how to use the merc's height adjustable settings, dif locks, etc.

Will write more details soon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghodlur View Post
Thanks Tejas for the super wonderful pics. Looks like the Drivers had a good time at the off roading. How many did participate with own car? It pained to see such beautiful cars get dirty.

When the tyres slipped from the rim, did it damage the rims or were they OK?
Nope, the rims weren't damaged. One of them was bent though and few were scratched due to gravel flying.
Attached Thumbnails
Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-308498_10150841518700430_323442360429_21278533_419924271_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-309224_10150841508480430_323442360429_21278312_1687834635_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-310226_10150841517860430_323442360429_21278519_275208222_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-310438_10150841518475430_323442360429_21278530_316450053_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-311744_10150841507600430_323442360429_21278294_2026472544_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-312681_10150841507030430_323442360429_21278280_1712396556_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-313890_10150841508380430_323442360429_21278309_806490767_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-314035_10150841504730430_323442360429_21278236_866247262_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-314406_10150841506305430_323442360429_21278269_1096294015_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-314965_10150841518640430_323442360429_21278532_645949081_n.jpg  

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Old 30th September 2011, 11:10   #9
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

gud to see you guys in action, I really wonder how merc guys get hold of the real expert offroaders! So what is the verdict on offroading capabilities of these softroaders.

cheers!
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Old 30th September 2011, 11:22   #10
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

This thread is an off-road enthusiast's wet-dream!

The GL and ML seem to be at home in the slush and mud. Great pictures Tejas!

It's good to see Mercedes not skimping on vital off-road tech for both these cars. While the ML is more of a city-based soft-roader with great potential for off-road runs, the GL is the more composed and serious off-road SUV here. I would have loved to see a G-Wagen, or better still, a G-55 AMG being thrashed in the mud!

Mercedes had showcased their SUVs earlier, at different venues, and performing other stunts. I wonder why the G was not included in this particular showcase.

Also, it's good to see Mercedes going all out in such events. They are clearly interested in market-share. It was King once upon a time, but the competition has caught up.
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Old 30th September 2011, 12:15   #11
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

Quote:
Originally Posted by Crazy4Power View Post
gud to see you guys in action, I really wonder how merc guys get hold of the real expert offroaders! So what is the verdict on offroading capabilities of these softroaders.

cheers!
Where have you been buddy? Longtime no see!

Quote:
Originally Posted by suhaas307 View Post
This thread is an off-road enthusiast's wet-dream!

The GL and ML seem to be at home in the slush and mud. Great pictures Tejas!

It's good to see Mercedes not skimping on vital off-road tech for both these cars. While the ML is more of a city-based soft-roader with great potential for off-road runs, the GL is the more composed and serious off-road SUV here. I would have loved to see a G-Wagen, or better still, a G-55 AMG being thrashed in the mud!

Mercedes had showcased their SUVs earlier, at different venues, and performing other stunts. I wonder why the G was not included in this particular showcase.

Also, it's good to see Mercedes going all out in such events. They are clearly interested in market-share. It was King once upon a time, but the competition has caught up.
Thanks. The G55 AMG didn't have the right tyres for the trail unfortunately.

More pics:
Attached Thumbnails
Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-315598_10150841519040430_323442360429_21278540_1144537808_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-315848_10150841501605430_323442360429_21278191_284750280_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-316139_10150841513085430_323442360429_21278409_665081816_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-316369_10150841650540430_323442360429_21279170_1277001305_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-317237_10150841507460430_323442360429_21278290_1132588722_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-317252_10150841507695430_323442360429_21278296_596900078_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-319141_10150841515550430_323442360429_21278469_1502432953_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-320044_10150841504805430_323442360429_21278237_858793789_n.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-axle-twister.jpg  

Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class-311336_2398077441491_1537672643_32616908_917764659_n.jpg  

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Old 30th September 2011, 12:27   #12
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

Slightly OT, but did Shaman also provide a body wash for the cars after the event? ;-)
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Old 30th September 2011, 12:58   #13
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee View Post
Slightly OT, but did Shaman also provide a body wash for the cars after the event? ;-)
Yes, there was a facility to hose down the cars including soap and manpower.
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Old 30th September 2011, 13:21   #14
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

Some of these cars are on red number plates.

Hope these would not be sold off to customers after this event.
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Old 30th September 2011, 14:08   #15
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Re: Shaman Mercedes Performance Drive Event 2011 for GL & ML Class

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Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay View Post
Some of these cars are on red number plates.

Hope these would not be sold off to customers after this event.
As far as i remember the red plate cars were directly from the company factory from pune. The dealer cars had regular number plates.

Hopefully, the company doesn't sell them off.
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