As we enter another year of F1 we can say hello to a brand new official safety car in the form of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63, which replaces last year’s CLK63 Black Series car. Another AMG model, the C63 Estate, was also picked to be this year’s official Medical Car. The two specially prepared AMG models will used for all 18 races this year and will debut at next week’s Australian GP in Melbourne.

The SL63 features the same 525hp 6.3L V8 engine as the production model and accelerates from 0-62mph in the same 4.6 seconds. A newly developed AMG sport exhaust system with larger pipe diameter and new rear silencers allows the high-revving AMG naturally aspirated engine to breathe even more freely.

Other modifications to the car include an uprated cooling system and new heavy-duty composite brakes. The vehicles feature larger coolers for the engine oil, transmission oil, cooling water and power steering. The SL63 safety car is also 220kg lighter than the production model thanks to a number of weight saving measures. These include carbon-fiber panels used for the bonnet, front and rear aprons, front wings and luggage compartment lid. The car’s roof is also fixed, meaning engineers could remove the complex convertible mechanism. The result is a weight reduction of 220 kg, with the Safety Car weighing in at just 1750 kg (with a full tank and without occupants).

I realize its for medical response, but so are ambulances.