Mercedes launched its spectacular 300 SL “gullwing” in 1954, after a few years of success in competition racing version. In the late ’80s, Mercedes returned to compete officially – after almost 40 years of voluntary withdrawal from the competition – with C11 developed with Sauber, with which harvested the World Sportscar Championship in 1990. On the IAA 1991, Mercedes introduced C112 [1.99901 million], the spiritual successor to the Mercedes 300 SL, a technological showcase that is not produced in series.
He was the first gullwing after the original 300 SL of 1954.
Mercedes C112 was just a prototype which then released some revolutionary technologies [1.99901 million], it would take years to reach production. Designed as a street version of the Mercedes-Sauber C11 started from the same base: a monocoque of carbon fiber and kevlar. Its design was not particularly captivating: he had a serious front with large optical and a defense in which together with a diffuser and a discreet spoiler optics that could well have come from a Mercedes S Class of the time are
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A showcase of high technology
The feat of Mercedes C112 was invisible. It was a first class technology showcase. Its main novelty was system ABC (Active Body Control) [1.99901 million], essentially an active suspension system. Connected to body and chassis sensors, the combination of hydraulic and electromechanical adjusted in real time the hardness of the suspension C112 depending on driving style and road characteristics. Only from just five years ago have popularized this type of system in sports.
Many of the technologies are still extras in premium vehicles.
Another novelty was the series endowment ABS – in the 90 itself was a novelty – and traction control ASR . These developments had already been invented by Mercedes made a few years, but never applied to a high-flying sports. Besides ABS and traction control , the car also had electronic brake distribution (EBD). Innovation does not stop there: also premiered a system for measuring tire pressure TPMS and adaptive cruise control
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These developments would not be incorporated into production cars until just five or ten years ago. In terms of aerodynamics, Mercedes C112 had an excellent drag coefficient, but could vary the angle of the rear spoiler [1.99901 million]. Improved cornering at high speed and served as airbrake in heavy braking. The Mercedes McLaren SLR would be the first Mercedes production to equip such a system, 12 years after the presentation of the Mercedes C112 .
The type pushrod suspension was identical to that of the Sauber C11 competition.
The C112 also had a flat bottom and a functional rear diffuser. The car was powered by a new engine then 6.0 V12 atmosphere that developed 408 horsepower [1.99901 million] and a maximum torque of 580 Nm. This atmospheric silky – which ended up being used by S 600 and CL 600 – spent all its power to the rear wheels through a manual gearbox six relations. Weighing 1,570 kg, was capable of reaching 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of some tremendous 310 km / h.
Mercedes 700 deposits accepted this supercar, but did not mass produce their C112 , which would have been prohibitively expensive. He preferred to gradually apply the technologies in road vehicles.
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Source: Petrolicious | eMercedesBenz
In motor: Mercedes C111 laboratory tests and records of the 70
