Mercedes-Benz C112
The Mercedes-Benz C112 was an experimental mid-engined sportscar created in 1991 by Mercedes-Benz as a test bed, similar to the later versions of the Mercedes-Benz C111. Despite using the same number, it was not related to the Mercedes-Benz W112 series of limousines and coupes of the 1960s. The C112 also was a road-legal counterpart for the Sauber-built Mercedes-Benz C11 Group C prototype race car for the 1990 World Sports-Prototype Championship.
The C112, which also featured gullwing doors, was equipped with the new 6.0-litre V12 engine, with the standard 300 kW (408 hp) and peak torque of 580 Nm. The major systems tested on this vehicle were:
- 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 could be moved 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.[1]
References
- ↑ "The Research Cars of Mercedes-Benz". eMercedesBenz. Retrieved 2008-05-15.