Mercedes-AMG to feature in “Gran Turismo®Sport”: Exclusive "Driving Performance" for PlayStation®4

Affalterbach. The new video game Gran TurismoSport for PlayStation4 from Sony Interactive Entertainment and Polyphony Digital Inc. makes its European debut. The continuation of the successful Gran Turismo series is hotly awaited by the gaming community. The new game features nine Mercedes-AMG models.

The AMG model range extends from road-going vehicles, such as the Mercedes‑AMG A 45 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 6.9 l/100 km; combined CO emissions: 162 g/km) the Mercedes-AMG GT S (combined fuel consumption: 9.4 l/100 km; combined CO emissions: 219 g/km) to sports cars, like the Mercedes-AMG GT3, throughout the previous Gran Turismo versions from the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

'We are delighted to be so prominently represented in Gran TurismoSport, resulting from our long-lasting and successful collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment and Polyphony Digital', says Dr. Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. 'In the year of the 50th anniversary of our performance and sports car brands, games fans around the world can also experience the driving performance of the AMG vehicles virtually,' adds Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG.

The inventor and producer of the Gran Turismo series, Kazunori Yamauchi, said: 'I personally own an AMG, but the performance of AMG cars is not just about speed, they provide extremely good stability and drivability. I'm happy that more people will be able to experience the thrill of racing in these fantastic cars through Gran Turismo Sport.'

The close ties and long-standing cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and Gran Turismo are also apparent in the global marketing and communications activities. For example, the Mercedes-AMG GT S is the star of the international campaign to mark the launch of the game. The Mercedes-AMG GT S (combined fuel consumption: 9.4 l/100 km; combined CO emissions: 219 g/km) graces the cover of the game and can be seen with the AMG GT3 in the TV spot on YouTube: www.goo.gl/nzfqwj and in the print and online advertisements. Iconic Mercedes-Benz cars from the very first days of racing make their appearance in the emotional Gran Turismo Sport opening movie. Starting out from the question of how speed can actually be converted into a physical form by design requirements, the opening film shows some of the most beautiful examples of the Mercedes-Benz design language and its development.

Scenes from the TV spot, making-of photos from the film production of the opening movie and impressions from the Gran Turismo Sport launch event in Modena, Italy, can be seen on the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG social media channels. A special 'gift' for fans is contained in the Collector's Edition of the game: an exclusive pressure die-cast model of the Mercedes-AMG GT S.

Gran TurismoSport - furious driving fun on the race tracks of the world

Over 150 racing cars in six categories and 40 courses at 17 various locations will be available in Gran TurismoSport at launch. All the vehicle models have been newly designed and, according to head developer Kazunori Yamauchi, are the most detailed 3D models yet. Players can choose between various playing modes, which enable them to learn and experience how to drive on the race track at different levels, including the premier of the eSports competitions 'Gran Turismo Nations Cup' and 'Gran Turismo Manufacturer Cup' certified by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

'Brand Central' - new portal for brand experience

The new brand portal 'Brand Central' is where players can not only purchase vehicles of certain models, but also learn about the history of the manufacturers and watch informative films about the brands. Another new feature is 'Scapes', which allows users to take photos of themselves and their favourite vehicle against any real-world backdrop. And, of course, experiences in and around the game can be shared with friends. Players can access the social media features via the website and the accompanying app for smartphones.

Overview of Mercedes-AMG models in Gran TurismoSport

• Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC
• Mercedes-AMG GT S
• Mercedes-AMG GT S '14 F1 Safety Car
• Mercedes-AMG GT3 (AMG team HTP-Motorsport)
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gr.4*
  *Specifical digital model only available in Gran Turismo Sport
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3
• Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
• Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series

Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles were already prominently represented in previous versions of the Gran Turismo series. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which made its world debut at the German International Motor Show (IAA) in 2009, was the highlight and cover car of Gran Turismo5. For the sixth edition of the racing game in 2013, Mercedes‑Benz designers specially developed the visionary concept of a super sports car - the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo.

20 years of Gran Turismo

The first game in the Gran Turismo series was published in Japan for the PlayStation in December 1997. In the following 20 years, the Gran Turismo series - which is exclusive to PlayStation - grew into one of the most well-known racing game series in the world. For many gamers, Gran Turismo is the embodiment of video game racing. 76.9 million Gran Turismo games have been sold worldwide as of March 2017.

50 years of Mercedes-AMG

AMG - these three letters stand worldwide for supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, efficiency and high driving dynamics. In 2017, the company founded in 1967 by Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In the course of this half century, Mercedes‑AMG has further consolidated its position as an extremely successful sports car and performance brand with numerous successes in motorsport and the development of unique road-going vehicles. Today, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, the Affalterbach-based company represents the sporting spearhead of the Group.

For each of the now around 1600 employees, the focus is on the brand promise of 'Driving Performance', which unites the core strengths of AMG: cutting-edge technology and a passion for dynamic, emotively appealing products. The basis for this is the phenomenal engine technology of Mercedes-AMG. And with the two independently designed sports cars SLS AMG and AMG GT (combined fuel consumption: 9.3 l/100 km; combined CO emissions: 216 g/km), the company from Affalterbach has impressively underpinned its high development expertise.

Further information about Gran TurismoSport is available at: www.gran-turismo.com/de/products/gtsport