Mercedes-Benz C112
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Mercedes-Benz C112 | ||
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Curb weight 1,569 kg (3,459 lb)[1] | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz C111 (spiritual) Mercedes-Benz CW311 | |
Successor | Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Straßen Version Mercedes-Benz C1000 |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Mercedes-Benz_C112_1991_backleft_2010-04-08_A.jpg/220px-Mercedes-Benz_C112_1991_backleft_2010-04-08_A.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Mondial_de_l%27Automobile_2010%2C_Paris_-_France_%285058264667%29.jpg/220px-Mondial_de_l%27Automobile_2010%2C_Paris_-_France_%285058264667%29.jpg)
The Mercedes-Benz C112 was an experimental mid-engine
Features and specifications
The C112 was equipped with the new 6.0-litre (5,987cc) M120 V12 engine, with peak power of 300 kW (408 PS; 402 hp) and peak torque of 580 N⋅m (428 lb⋅ft). The body was built by the Italian coach builder Carrozzeria Coggiola on the chassis supplied by Mercedes-Benz. The use of pop-up headlamps, a common feature on sports cars at that time, was avoided as it increased drag and created aerodynamic turbulence. Instead, two fixed units with clear lenses and transparent fairings were used while the fog lamps and indicator lamps were integrated into the front bumper, made from Kevlar. An electronically controlled front spoiler was integrated into the funnel-shaped underwing inlet located under the front bumper's air-intake. A notable feature of the car were the
- Active Body Control
Active Body Control was designed to control the vehicle's stability through a combination of active springs and hydraulics at each wheel, plus sensors that monitor the vehicle's movements. The vehicle's computer assesses the information from the sensors and adjusts the suspension accordingly.
- Other systems
The most recent updates in anti-locking braking (ABS) and anti-skid control system (ASR) which split the braking pressure between the front and rear wheels
- Active Aerodynamics
This was provided through the car's front spoiler and rear wing, which were electronically controlled to ensure the optimal combination of low drag and high downforce. The rear wing was also used to improve the car's braking in emergency situations although this was not seen in production until the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
Even though Mercedes-Benz received 700 orders for the car, it never went into production as it was determined by Mercedes-Benz executives that a flagship car wasn't needed to increase the attention drawn to the brand as it was already being done by motorsport successes.[3]
Performance
The C112 could theoretically accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and could attain a maximum speed of 309 km/h (192 mph). At its maximum speed, the C112 was claimed to generate a downforce of 998 kg (2,200 lb). These performance figures were never tested as the car was never driven.[2]
References
- ^ a b c Orlove, Raphael (31 August 2016). "When Mercedes Almost Built the World's Greatest Gullwing Supercar But Decided Not to Bother". Jalopnik. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ a b c Ludvigsen, Karl (August 2006). "Mercedes-Benz C112". Hemmings. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ "The Research Cars of Mercedes-Benz". eMercedesBenz. Archived from the original on 2012-02-12. Retrieved 2008-05-15.