Marco Calvo Wins a Real-World SLS AMG in Mercedes’ GT5 Driving Challenge
The GT5 Signature Edition Challenge, first announced last August, has come to a close, with Marco Calvo of Spain taking home the top prize: a brand-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
While the first-part of the competition was based in Gran Turismo 5‘s B-Spec mode, the finals, held at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, tested participant’s virtual and real-world driving skills. As announced last week, two motorsport super-stars were on hand to judge the event: David Coulthard and Bernd Schneider. After a series of GT5 challenges – notably conducted with new Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheels – the finalists drove a fleet of SLS AMGs through a series of drag-racing and driving agility courses (reminiscent to GT‘s own license tests).
At the end of the day, Marco Calvo edged out Irish runner-up Guy Foster, taking home the keys to his very own SLS.
GTPlanet staff member Synwraith worked with the event organizers, and has shared a very detailed write-up about the event in our forums, including dozens pictures and videos with even more to come. Thanks to Synwraith for all his hard work, and congratulations to Marco and all the other finalists!
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Newest comments are displayed first.
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July 20th, 2011 at 2:24 pm - #andrea
luckyyyyyy
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July 16th, 2011 at 5:57 pm - #James bond
There gonna be any seasonals soon? I know it’s kinda off topic
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July 16th, 2011 at 5:38 pm - #powerbroker
good luck paying the taxes on that! hah
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July 16th, 2011 at 3:22 pm - #awa
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July 16th, 2011 at 12:55 pm - #memyselfandi
Congrats man. Wonderful car I had the pleasure to see one in person. Pictures and Videos just translate how awesome this car is.
Oh and with all those “win a car” competitions. You can be sure there are other small companys involved that lets say pay his insurance for one year (like with fifth gear they give away one awesome car per week and it comes with shipping, insurance, tax paid etc)
Im sure Mercedes will give him free service for the car because they know he probably cant afford it. Im sure they give him some checks for gas too. What sort of deal would it be for Mercedes if the car is sold or ends up in his living room, cars need to be driven and seen. So im 100% sure they take care of him and make sure he can drive the car and cover initial expences plus at least one year insurance and services.
Congrats again man.
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July 16th, 2011 at 1:27 pm - #AnPrionsaBeag
It’d be interesting to know if you’re right. One thing’s for sure: I’d sell it straight away. Can’t afford it.
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July 17th, 2011 at 7:27 am - #Guy Foster
In the terms and conditions of the competition it clearly read that the winner was responsible for all of the charges and taxes other than the cost of transporting the car and the dealer charges. So he will have to pay for registration, tax, insurance, fuel, tyres and anything else you can think of! If he keeps it that is.
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July 19th, 2011 at 2:26 pm - #memyselfandi
Hi, thanks. I didnt know that. Thats hard to believe looking at all the expenses they got to run that event and then leave the guy with a car he probably has to sell. Thats a bit weird.
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July 16th, 2011 at 1:48 am - #07_HSV_GTS
Is there anything happening with the game??
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July 16th, 2011 at 11:43 am - #big ron
Nope, they just wasting time with unimportant real life competitions than spending time with developing the game.
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July 15th, 2011 at 3:39 am - #Apollo
I really hope they give him some money for upkeep or something of that matter.
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July 15th, 2011 at 3:02 am - #COOLfiat
Congratulations to everyone who participated, hope you guys enjoyed it.
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July 14th, 2011 at 9:42 pm - #AERO_HDT
Absolutely rapt! Awesome prize to a deserving winner, this is what Gran Turismo is all about!
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July 14th, 2011 at 8:50 pm - #Name(required)
Stop investing money on GT Academy’s and a SLS and give us some damn DLC!
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July 14th, 2011 at 4:40 pm - #Skiddy
Does this mean that we’re going to see that car in GT5 as DLC?
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July 14th, 2011 at 5:52 pm - #A_Higher_Place
best comment yet.
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July 14th, 2011 at 3:51 pm - #roczx
Cool car!
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July 14th, 2011 at 12:17 pm - #pampsu
That Car is amazing piece of art
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July 14th, 2011 at 8:23 am - #sinister_300zx
so does this mean we can get DLC now lol
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July 14th, 2011 at 8:16 pm - #MrSkyline
sorry, no budget left for DLC :p
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July 14th, 2011 at 8:07 am - #Greyum
Meh, crap car anyway.
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July 14th, 2011 at 10:42 am - #BobWho
How’s the hateraid tastin’?
Congrats to all involved and a Special Congrats to the winner.
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July 14th, 2011 at 1:14 pm - #onigod
@Greyum
In other words… “I’m jealous that I wasn’t the one who won that car, so I am going to write a hateful message to get some attention.”
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July 18th, 2011 at 8:25 am - #Greyum
No, in other words I just wanted to see which sad gits would come along with responses like yours! lol
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July 14th, 2011 at 6:09 am - #PoliteViking
Good for him that he’s not from Norway or Denmark.
Tax alone for this car in Norway 199287$
Full price 587000$
Denmark more or less the same policy.
NOT the right countries to live in, when fond of cars. -
July 14th, 2011 at 4:26 am - #Mazdama83
Congratulations to everyone who has a part of this experience !!!!
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July 14th, 2011 at 3:50 am - #Paul Mc
Well done Guy Foster! Nice to see a fellow Irishman representing at the highest level.
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July 14th, 2011 at 3:31 am - #alex
congratulations on winning the car.
now to save for decades to afford the insurance and drive YOUR sls for the first time!
GTPlanet on Google+
Lucky, and I’m stuck with a ’91 Escort. But, I’m not complaining. It’s a good little car.