Unleashing performance: the ultimate Mercedes-Benz AMG Experience where rubber meets the road

Continental Tyre South Africa has teamed up with Mercedes-Benz South Africa as the official tyre partner for the AMG Experience, the brand’s high-performance driver training programme based at Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria.

The partnership sees Continental’s flagship SportContact 7 ultra high-performance tyres fitted across the AMG fleet, which includes the A45, C43, C63 S E Performance and the AMG GT 63 S E Performance – the fastest accelerating car tested by several local motoring titles.

It’s a fitting collaboration between two German brands synonymous with precision, innovation and pure driving performance.

“We’re delighted to partner with Mercedes-Benz South Africa for the AMG Experience,” said Dustine Gascoyne, market manager at Continental Tyre SA.

“Our SportContact 7 is the pinnacle of our high-performance range, already fitted as standard equipment on the C63 S E Performance and recognised globally for its exceptional grip and control.”

The tie-up also gives Continental a platform to showcase how advanced tyre technology contributes directly to performance and safety, something often overlooked in the pursuit of power. “Tyres are the only contact point between car and road,” added Gascoyne.

“The better the connection, the more confidence the driver has – whether it’s on a racetrack or a rainy highway.”

Precision and control

The AMG Experience isn’t just about speed – it’s a hands-on opportunity for enthusiasts to master their driving skills under expert instruction.

From mastering braking and cornering techniques to exploring the limits of grip on both track and skidpan, the programme focuses on building confidence, awareness and smooth car control.

“Both Mercedes-AMG and Continental share a passion for engineering excellence and innovation. This collaboration ensures that every participant experiences the superior grip, handling and safety that define the SportContact 7,” said Alexandra Boavida, vice president of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Clint Weston, head instructor at the AMG Experience, agrees: “It’s about the harmony between advanced automotive engineering and cutting-edge tyre design. When those two worlds come together, the result is confidence, control and pure driving enjoyment.”

The science

Continental’s SportContact 7 combines a series of innovations to improve grip, stability and driver feedback.

Its Macro Block tread pattern enhances cornering precision, while the Adaptive Pattern design maintains consistent control in both wet and dry conditions. The tyre’s Harmonised BlackChili compound balances the tread design and rubber compound for optimal road contact and long-lasting performance.

Developed in tailored sizes for different vehicle classes, the SportContact 7 also features Force Clustering technology, which adjusts sidewall stiffness and grip according to load and handling demands.

The result is a tyre that delivers confidence on track and comfort on the road – perfectly matching AMG’s blend of performance and poise.

As drivers push the limits at Zwartkops, the technology ensures that every lap is a masterclass of precision, safety and control - the true essence of the AMG Experience.