Pros Teach the Joes

MANILA, Philippines - Everyone seems to be using a smartphone nowadays. These multi-tasking can do it all gadgets have pervaded life with their multifarious features that allow you to check e-mails, log in on Facebook or Twitter, and even check your stock market portfolio all while on the go. As powerful as these technological workhorses are, if you don’t know how to navigate through their complicated apps, then they’re no better than your archaic analogue cell phone.

Such were the sentiments of one Peter Hackett, chief instructor of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, whose team was in town from September 30 to October 1. Their mission: to teach Benz drivers how to be safer, sharper, and ultimately have more fun with their German cars. As part of CATS Motors growing service to their beloved clientele, an engaging driver-training program was held in the Subic Bay International Airport, under the tutelage of their professional instructors. As Hackett explains, alluding again to the inept smartphone user, “today we show you drivers how to use the buttons.”

The Professionals

Conducting the training was an experienced group of Aussies headed by the aforementioned Peter Hackett. He is most known for his current stint in the Australian GT Championship, piloting no less than a race prepped Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3. Under Hackett’s resume is the honor of being the only driver in history to win a title in the Australia Formula 4000 and Formula 3 Championships.

Joining him is Josh Hunt from the Gold Coast, currently also a driver in the Australian GT Championship (piloting a Lamborghini). James Brock, who boasts of racing experience in the V8 Supercar circuit, is also a member of Hackett’s team. Rounding out the group is Stephen White, who is most known for his career in the Formula Ford Championship.

Drive All You Can

In a rare automotive treat, on hand were most of the vehicles that CATS Motors offers locally. The newly invigorated C-Class (in various engine configurations) was joined by the newly released, and uber sexy, C-Class coupe. Luxury sedans like the E-Class and S-Class were also there for participants to enjoy, while a long queue was always building up for the all-new, and now decidedly sporty, SLK roadster. SUV fans got their dose via the GLK and ML variants, which now featured powerful yet refined diesel engines. Of course, the crème dela crème of the event was the CLS AMG sport sedan.

Before experiencing the gamut of Benz vehicles available, Hackett stressed the importance of paying extra attention to how the advanced safety systems like the ABS, Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Program all come into play. In normal conditions, these electronic aids intervene so seamlessly that people often fail to appreciate their worth. But in the exercises that Hackett and his team devised, drivers got to see how these devices keep the car safe and controllable under extreme circumstances.

Through the Paces

For my group, the morning session began with a single turn handling test. This was designed to teach drivers proper entry into an apex, and show us first hand what understeer and oversteer would feel like. It was particularly interesting to feel how the different models behaved. For instance, the SLK being the smallest was the most flickable, while the E-Class, though exhibiting more body roll was still agile for its size.

The following drills, namely the emergency stop and emergency lane change exercises, were geared to help drivers react in time to avoid a possible collision. Here, drivers get to appreciate the various components of a Benz work in functional unison. For the emergency braking routine, drivers are taught to make the most out of the car’s stopping power by stepping on the brakes without holding back. Once the ABS is engaged, you feel the pulsation on your foot, the seat belts automatically tighten, and from behind one can see the lights flash repeatedly, serving to alert vehicles behind that sudden deceleration has occurred. As for the emergency lane change maneuver, the driver feels first hand how the vehicle is designed to respond to sudden inputs without much drama.

Ending the morning session was the slalom course, which pretty much was an opportunity to show-off the new found agility of M-B vehicles. Even on a tall vehicle like the GLK, slicing and dicing around the “witch’s hats” (Aussie speak for pylons) was a routine affair.

After a brief lunch, the afternoon session took the pace up a notch with some high-speed exercises. First on the agenda was the high speed braking. Imagine accelerating to highway speeds of 130-140 km/h, then immediately stomping on the brake pedal for an emergency stop. What it lets the driver experience is how stable a Benz feels when slowing down at triple digit speed…no squirming or fishtailing of the car here.

Next, we were asked to carve a proper racing line through a sweeping corner. This exercise was aimed at honing the driver’s smoothness, particularly with the corner entry and in the throttle application. The last challenge devised by the instructors was a blind crest evasive maneuver that simulates going up an inclined road (where you can’t see what’s ahead) then all of a sudden an obstacle blocks your path. This is especially impressive because you see the car unsettled as drivers turn to avoid the target yet it doesn’t spin out of control. Rather, you see the car pitch a little then get back in line, and afterwards come to a halt. Again all without drama.

Epic Lap

The treat for the day was the hot lap with Peter behind the CLS AMG. With the long runway afforded by the Subic Airport, Peter was able to unleash the CLS’ full fury of 525 horses. I never imagined 280 km/h to be so serene! At one point (around 250 km/h), he even let go of the steering wheel just to show how calm a car the CLS is at high speeds.

The Take Away

Not to gloat, but you had to be there to truly appreciate what Peter Hackett and CATS Motors arranged for the Mercedes Benz Driving Experience event. With all the driving involved, you will no doubt come out a safer and better skilled driver, which could ultimately save your life.

Upon completion of the program, a couple of things stick to mind. First, you get a real world appreciation for the safety systems that have come to grace modern cars, especially Benzes. Acronyms like ABS and ESP aren’t just brochure fillers, but rather technologically developed tools that come through for you when it matters most. Second, the driving exercises clearly define what a finely honed automobile CAN and CANNOT do. The experience gives you higher confidence in pushing your car to the limit, but also teaches you to push no further. By knowing and experiencing these limits, it’s now up to you whether to find yourself safely home or on the wrong side of a ditch.