New Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse !

Looks like Mercedes-Benz wants to make a revolution in the small class of premium MPV's.This new model is actually bigger with a few inches but it lost a few inches in height.

   This change in design made the car much more aerodynamic now having a Cx coefficient of 0,26.Mercedes-Benz promised also a version called ECO Technology which will reach an incredible aerodynamic coefficient of 0,24.If the new B-Klasse will reach this coefficient will be even more efficient that the Prius now having 0,25.For those interested in a more sporty driving style Mercedes claims that the driving positing has been lowered with 86 mm.This way the driver won't feel like he's driving an MPV but a normal car.

    There is an optional Sport package that will further lower the car with 20 mm and will have a steering system called Direct-Steer with some extra sporty modification made on.Regarding the engines, there will only be available four cylinder engines supercharged.A 1.6 liter making 122 HP and 200 NM plus a more powerful 156 HP and 250 NM.

    These to engines will known under the names B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI.For the diesel amateurs there will be available engines with 109 HP and 250 NM and 136 HP and NM power plants.In the future there will also be available a 2 liter engine.Every version will be fitted with a start&stop system and a dual clutch transmission named 7G-DCT.

     The new transmission system weights only 160 lbs and will be used on some other future models of Mercedes-Benz.The gearbox has three modes Economic,Sporty and Manual.

   This car is expected to be really successful Mercedes already receiving numerous preorders.

Mercedes-Benz CLS550

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an executive-size sedan originally launched in 2004 and based on the W211 E-Class platform and was internally designated as the C219. The second generation CLS-Class was introduced in September 2010 and production started in the beginning of 2011Mercedes-Benz unveiled the second generation CLS-Class in late August 2010 sharing the same concept as the 2004 version, but with the design direction changing with a more aggressive front. The CLS is available in 4 and 6-cylinder diesel variants and 6 and 8-cylinder petrol variants. The CLS 63 AMG version was launched at the start of 2011 and featured a new 5.5 L biturbo engine.

Specifications

Model	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (62 mph)	Top Speed
CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency [8]	204 bhp (152 kW; 207 PS)		7.5 seconds	242 km/h (150 mph)
CLS 350 CDI BlueEfficiency	265 bhp (198 kW; 269 PS)		6.2 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CLS 350 BlueEfficiency	306 bhp (228 kW; 310 PS)		6.1 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CLS 500 BlueEfficiency [9]	402 bhp (300 kW; 408 PS)		5.5 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CLS 63 AMG [10]	518 bhp (386 kW; 525 PS)	516 lb·ft (700 N·m)	4.4 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CLS 63 AMG Performance Package [11]	549 bhp (409 kW; 557 PS)	590 lb·ft (800 N·m)	4.3 seconds	300 km/h (186 mph)

Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz presented their new idea of how future second generation CLS-Class should look at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show CLS Shooting Brake concept which is an estate wagon based on CLS platform and will probably become an addition to CLS-class model line.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a luxury mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV), first offered in 1997 as a 1998 model, and built by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Gradually, the M-Class became a sales success in the United States and Mexico. In terms of size, it is slotted in between the smaller GLK-Class (based on the C-Class) and the larger GL-Class, with which it shares platforms. For a short time, between the years 1999 to 2002, the M class was also built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, for the European market, until it moved to part of the U.S. market.

W166 (2011–present)

W166

Production	July 2011–present
Model years	2012–present
Assembly	Mexico: Santiago Tianguistenco United States: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Engine	3.5 L V6 5.0 L V8 4.6 L V8 5.5 L V8 6.2 L V8 3.0 L V6 diesel 4.0 L V8 diesel
Transmission	7-speed automatic CVT automatic (hybrid)
Wheelbase	114.8 in (2,916 mm)
Length	4,803 mm (189.1 in) AMG: 4,820 mm (189.8 in) Hybrid: 4,780 mm (188.2 in)
Width	2,141 mm (84.3 in) AMG: 1,950 mm (76.8 in) Hybrid: 1,980 mm (77.8 in)
Height	1,796 mm (70.7 in) AMG: 1,860 mm (73.3 in)
Curb weight	2,150 kg (4,700 lb)

The newly redesigned M-class (chassis name W166) was introduced in pre-production form 10 June 2011 as a 2012 model. The first customer-designated W166 rolled off the Tuscaloosa production line on 20 July.^[7] It is moderately refined, taking styling cues from the new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. An increase in rear seat legroom has been implemented, alongside adjustable rear back-rests. It is due to launch in September of 2011.

New features in the 2012 M-Class include an updated 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission to provide improved fuel economy, optional Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic Plus), Active Lane Departure Warning System, and an adjustable-height air suspension (AirMatic).

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a luxury grand tourer automobile developed by Mercedes-AMG to replace the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.^[1] The car is the first Mercedes automobile designed in-house by AMG and is described by Mercedes-Benz as a spiritual successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.^[2]
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 IAA. Sales began in mid-2010 in Europe with MSRP of €177,310 (including taxes)^[3] and will begin in the United States in mid-2011 for less than $200,000.^[4] The SLS AMG is featured as the cover car for the PlayStation 3 racing game Gran Turismo 5, and is the safety car for the 2010 and 2011 Formula One seasons.

The SLS AMG is designed to be a modern 300SL Gullwing revival by Gorden Wagener. The car has a long bonnet, the passenger compartment is close to the rear axle and the rear of the car is short. The SLS AMG will also adapt the feature of wing doors that will swing open upwards on gas struts, not in a mix of upwards and forward like the SLR. The doors must be closed manually as AMG engineers decided against auto-closing systems because the systems would have added 90 pounds (41 kg) to the car.^[4] In case of a roll-over, the doors can be fully detached to allow the occupants to leave the vehicle.

Transmission

Standard transmission is AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission through a lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft in a transaxle arrangement.^[2] Selectable driving modes include "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual).^[14] A true manual transmission is not available.

Brakes

Standard brakes are 390 mm (15.35 in) (front) and 360 mm (14.17 in) (rear) cast iron disc brakes with 6-piston aluminium (front) and 4-piston (rear) calipers. Optional on the SLS AMG are carbon-ceramic disc brakes. 402 mm (15.83 in) discs with 6-piston aluminium calipers (front) and 360 mm (14.17 in) discs with 4-piston calipers (rear). These brakes provide increased stopping power with a 40% weight reduction compared to the standard brake system.^[2]

Environment

The fuel consumption of the SLS AMG is around 13 L/100 km (22 mpg_-imp; 18 mpg_-US) combined driving according to (NEDC, provisional figure).^[2]

Performance

The SLS AMG is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h) (figures are provisional).^[15] In a Car and Driver test, the SLS recorded a quarter mile time of 11.7 seconds @ 125 mph (201 km/h).^[16]

Safety

In the July 2010 issue of Car and Driver magazine, safety specifications were revealed pertaining to the safety of the SLS AMG's gullwing doors. Ten to fifteen milliseconds after a detected rollover, explosive bolts situated at the top of the door frame fire and bell cranks separate the doors from the car for easy exit during a serious accident. An anti-locking system and a 3-stage ESP® are standard.

Exterior

The exterior aluminum body is supplied by Magna Steyr.^[17] This and the CL65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition are the only roadgoing Mercedes-Benz with the AMG Alubeam Silver paint available, at an extra cost of €11,900 in Germany. Other colors include both metallic as matte colors, such as Designo Magno Kashmir, the matte paint known from the SL63 AMG IWC edition.
The SLS AMG has a rearwing which will pop up at high speeds for stability and handling, and when braking.

 Versions

The SLS AMG will be made in at least four different versions. The first to launch is the coupe with gullwing doors. In 2009 a Desert Gold version debuted at the Dubai International Auto Show, in mid-2010 a FIA-GT3 racing version. For 2011-2013 Mercedes will also be releasing a roadster (with conventional doors and a soft top), an electric powered E-Cell version (most likely to be a coupe), and there will be a Black Series version, which will see its weight being reduced by as much as 300 kg (661 lb).

SLS AMG GT3

A GT3-spec racing version of the SLS AMG was unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It is set to compete in national GT3 championships before being allowed race in the FIA GT3 Championship in 2011.^[6] At VLN Nürburgring, the SLS AMG GT3 was admitted into the SP9 class with "Balance of Performance" set to 1350 kg and 556 PS,^[7] and won its first race in October.^[8]

SLS AMG "Blackbird"

The SLS AMG "Blackbird" was a unique, special edition SLS AMG created by Mercedes-Benz's Australian subsidiary specifically for the 2010 Australian International Motor Show. The one-off vehicle was eventually sold to a private customer from Singapore.^[9]

SLS AMG E-Cell

The SLS AMG E-Cell is planned for model year 2013 and will use all-electric powertrain components. It will include four electric motors (one on each wheel) with combined ratings of 392 kW (525 bhp) and 880 N·m (650 lb·ft), liquid-cooled 400V lithium-ion battery rated 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The battery will be supplied by Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG.^[10][11] Mercedes-Benz anticipates selling the vehicle beginning in late 2012.^[12]

SLS AMG Roadster

The SLS AMG Roadster was unveiled by Mercedes-Benz via press release on May 5, 2011. It retains the same specifications, dimensions and drivetrain as the Coupe but is a more traditional convertible with a power folding fabric top and conventional doors.^[13]

Specifications

Data

• Wheelbase: 105.5 in (2680 mm)
• Length 182.6 in (4638 mm)
• Width 76.3 in (1939 mm)
• Height 49.7 in (1262 mm)
• Rims: 9.50 × 19 in (front), 11 × 20 in (rear), forged aluminium
• Tyres: 265/35 R 19 (front), 295/30 R 20 (rear)
• Kerb Weight: 3562.48 lb (1620 kg)
• Power-to-weight ratio: 348 bhp/tonne
• Weight-to-power ratio: 2.78 kg (6.1 lb)/ 1 PS (0.74 kW)

New Mercedes B Class first interior pictures.

Mercedes decided to release the first official pictures of the interior of the new B Class.If you look at this pictures and you believe that you're watching the pictures the most beautiful car in the world learn that Mercedes very wisely used specialists in perceptive psychology to find out how to stimulate the minds of the viewers of this interior to feel satisfied and happy.Daimler promisses to continue play with our mind for a long time to come.

     

Mercedes-Benz 540K

Mercedes-Benz 540K (type W24) is a car from the German firm Mercedes-Benz from 1935 to 1940.
Introduced at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, the Friedrich Geiger designed car was a development to the 500K, itself a development of the SSK. Available as a two seater cabriolet, four seater coupé or seven seater limousine with armoured sides and armoured glass, it was one of the largest cars of the time.

The straight-8 cylinder engine of the 500K was increased to 5.401 litres (5,401 cc), which aspirated by twin pressurized updraft carburetors, developed a natural 115 hp (86 kW). However, there was an attached Roots supercharger which could either be engaged manually for short periods, or automatically when the accelerator was pushed fully to the floor. This increased power to 180 hp (130 kW), creating a top speed of 170 kilometres per hour (110 mph).^[2]

Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed or optional five speed manual gearbox that featured synchromesh on the top three gears. Vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes kept the car under the drivers control.
The 540K had the same chassis layout at the 500K, but was significantly lightened by replacing the girder-like frame of the 500K with oval-section tubes - an influence of the Silver Arrows racing campaign.^[3]
To meet individual wishes of customers, three chassis variants were available as for the 500K: two long versions with a 3,290 mm (130 in) wheelbase, differing in terms of powertrain and bodywork layout; and a short version with 2,980 mm (117 in). The long variant, termed the normal chassis with the radiator directly above the front axle, served as the backbone for the four-seater cabriolets 'B' (with four side windows) and 'C' (with two side windows), and for touring cars and sedans. The shorter chassis was for the two-seater cabriolet 'A,' set up on a chassis on which radiator, engine, cockpit and all rearward modules^{[clarification needed]} were moved 185 mm (7.3 in) back from the front axle.^[4]
The Sindelfingen factory employed 1,500 people to create the 540K, and allowed a great deal of owner customisation, meaning only 70 chassis were ever bodied by independent builders.^[2] Owners included Jack Warner of Warner Brothers film studios.^[5]
With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the proposed further boring-out of the engine to 5,800 cubic centimetres (5.8 l) for a 580K was aborted, probably after only one such car was made.^[3] Chassis production ceased in 1940, with the final 2 being completed that year, and earlier chassis were still being bodied at a steady rate during 1940, with smaller numbers being completed in the 1941-1943 period. Regular replacement bodies were ordered in 1944 for a few cars.
On top of the normal and roadster cars, 12 special cars were developed on an extended chassis length with a 3,880 mm (153 in) wheelbase. All of these cars were developed for the Nazi hierarchy, as six seater convertible saloons. To allow for armour plate, these cars had developed De Dion rear suspension. Due to their higher weight, their maximum speed was 140 km/h (87 mph).
After the assassination attempt on Reinhard Heydrich in Prague at the end of May 1942, the Reich Chancellery would only use armoured cars for ministers and leaders of friendly powers. Beside 20 large Mercedes-Benz 770s, in 1942 they ordered an additional 20 540Ks developed as two door armoured saloons. These were delivered during 1942 and 1943. A further order for 17 armored saloons was placed in late 1943, and these were delivered in April 1944. One of these cars was given as a gift from Adolf Hitler to Ante Pavelic, leader of the Independent State of Croatia. After the war this car was captured and used first by Ivan Krajacic, and then by Josip Broz Tito.

Blue Goose

In 1936, Mercedes-Benz launched the 540K special, designated 540Ks. Based on the shorter 2,980 mm (117 in) wheelbase chassis, its body was carefully crafted. Its price tag of 28,000 Reichsmarks, some RM6,000 above the price of standard models, meant only 32 were ever built.^[4]
In 1937, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring ordered a 540Ks, in his favourite colour of blue with his family crest on both doors. It included armour plated sides and bulletproof glass. Nicknamed the Blue Goose, Goering was often photographed in the car.^[4][5]
On May 4, 1945, the US Army, C Company, 326th Engineers, 101st Airborne Division 'Screaming Eagles' entered Berchtesgaden, and on finding the car took possession. Major General Maxwell Taylor used the car as his command vehicle in West Germany until it was commissioned by the US Treasury. Shipped to Washington, D.C., it successfully toured the United States in a victory bond tour.^[4] In 1956 the car was auctioned off by the US Army at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, sold to Jacques Tunick of Greenwich, Connecticut, with a high bid of $2167.^[6]

In 1958, he sold it to the private collection of veterinarian Dr George Bitgood, Jr, who had it repainted into black and the chrome re plated. Kept private, Bitgood only displayed it once at the 1973 county fair in Durham, Connecticut. After Dr Bitgood's death, Blue Goose was shown by his family at the 101st Airborne Reunion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in June, 2002. She was then sold to Carnlough International Limited of Guernsey, on the agreement that she be restored to her "as found" at Berchtesgaden condition.

Mercedes-Benz W116

The Mercedes-Benz W116 was a series of flagship vehicles produced from September 1972^[1] through 1980. The W116 automobiles were the first Mercedes-Benz models to be officially called S-Class, although earlier sedan models had already unofficially been designated with the letter 'S' - for Sonderklasse or "special class."

The 'new' S-class generation development began in 1966, which was only a year after the launch of the W108/09. This was the first Mercedes saloon to feature the brand new corporate styling theme which was to be continued until 1993 when the 190 was discontinued. Thew design was a dramatic leap forward, with more masculine lines that combined to create a an elegant and sporty character. The basic design concept was actually inspired from the R107 SL-Class roadster, especially the front and rear lights.
The most notable W116 was the high-performance, limited-production 450 SEL 6.9, which was the first production car to use an electronic 4-wheel multi-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS), as an option from 1978 on. This model boasted the largest engine installed in a postwar Mercedes-Benz up to that time, and also featured a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension.
The 300 SD sedan (USA and Canada only) had a turbocharged 3.0 L I5 diesel engine developed from the record breaking C111 experimental vehicle.
The 450SEL was awarded European Car of the Year in 1974.
Production totaled 473,035 units. The W116 was succeeded by the W126 S-Class in 1979. The W116 was sold throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia.

Models

The entry level six cylinder 280S was the only model in the range to incorporate a carburetor.

In 1975, the W116 was upgraded with a new fuel injection system to comply with revised exhaust emission standards in European markets. A slight power reduction was a result of this update. In 1978, a series of engine upgrades restored original performance levels with new fuel injection systems.
The W116 S-Class incorporated a broad variety of Mercedes-Benz safety innovations.^[5]

• Anti-lock brakes were first featured on the W116 S-Class. This system prevents the wheels from locking while braking. The system improves steering control during hard braking situations, and to shortens brake distances.
• Strengthened body structure. The W116 featured a more stable security passenger cell with a stiffened roof frame structure. High strength roof and door pillars, along with other reinforced zones, provided enhanced vehicle occupant protection.
• A padded dashboard, deformable switches and controls, and a four-spoke steering wheel with impact absorber and broad impact cushion aimed to reduce occupant injury during collisions.
• The fuel tank was no longer fitted at the rear end, but was now placed above the rear axle for added protection.
• Wraparound turn signals made it easier to communicate with nearby drivers.

Mercedes-Benz 500E

From 1990 to 1994 (model years 1991-1994), Mercedes-Benz sold a high performance version of the W124, the Mercedes-Benz 500 E (W124.036). The 500 E was created in close cooperation with Porsche; each 500 E was hand-built by Porsche, being transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany during assembly — taking a full 18 days to complete each model. Design began in 1989 and into 1991.^[2] Called '500 E' through model year 1993, for model year 1994 it was face-lifted along with the rest of the range and renamed to 'E 500'.

The 500 E had a naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 engine derived from the 500 SL (R129) roadster. Sports car braking performance also came from SL components: front SL 500 300 mm disks with 4-piston calipers came installed on the 1992 and early 1993 cars. The later 1993, and all 1994 cars came with the upgraded 320 mm set taken from the 600 SL. Rear brakes on all years were 278 mm brakes from the 500 SL. In the USA, the 500 E came fully loaded, with the only options available to the buyer being a dealer-installed CD changer and an integrated cellular telephone. The 500 E was only with four seats in left hand drive, with the four leather seats supplied by Recaro (the fronts heated).
Called the "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by the press,^[3][4] performance tests of the day yielded impressive results: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) times of 5.5 to 6.0 seconds and acceleration through the quarter-mile (0.4 km) in 14.1 seconds at 163 km/h (101 mph). The top speed was redline limited at 6,000 rpm to 260 km/h (~160 mph). It was rated at 16.8 L/100 km (14 mpg) in the city and 13.8 L/100 km (17 mpg) on the highway.

With its aggressive stance: 1.5 inches wider track, 0.9 inch lower profile, flared fenders, side skirts, front air-dam and wide tires, the 500 E is easily distinguished from its lesser brethren. Because of its look, limited numbers, hand-built construction, and unique pedigree, the 500 E is already considered a "classic", even within Mercedes-Benz.1505 of the "super" sports sedans were imported into the USA between 1992–1994, or roughly 500 cars per year of importation.It is little-known, but 120 cars were produced between January and approximately May, 1995 as last-request cars for special customers before the series ceased production. These last cars were produced in the Porsche Rossle Bau building alongside Audi RS2 sport wagons, as that production contract went into full swing with the same work-staff that built the 500E and E500.
The 500 E/E 500 underwent few significant changes during its three-year production run. Models from 1992 and 1993 are virtually indistinguishable from each other on the exterior, with the most notable change being a slightly less powerful (-7 HP) engine in the 1993 and 1994 model for USA. The 1994 E 500 model is more easily identified because of the cosmetic changes that affected all E-Class cars that year (updated headlights, grille, and trunk-lid; the bumpers were painted the same color as the car). The engine, however, remained unchanged from the 1993 500 E. 1994 models carried an upgraded sound system made by Becker or Alpine, replacing the two-piece Becker 1432 unit used in model year 1992 and 1993 cars. Significantly, 1994 models had larger front and rear brakes than 1992 and 1993 models, courtesy of the R129 SL600 roadster. Numerous running changes were made to the car's mechanical systems during its production life.
The 500E and E500 were known by Porsche as Type 2758 in that company's official nomenclature. As of June 2011, an example of a 1995 E500 Limited is on display in the new Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, Germany.

Aftermarket Modifications

Common performance improvements include wheel and tire replacement, aftermarket exhaust kits, and replacement or reprogramming of the Electronic Control Unit, which removes the 155 mph (249 km/h) speed governor. To boost acceleration times, some owners disable the car's slip reduction feature and program the automatic transmission to start in first gear instead of the normal second gear. Numerous other modifications exist for the car, including increased displacement up to and including 6.5 liters, nitrous-oxide systems and a few custom supercharger systems to boost output to well over 400HP. Mercedes tuner RENNtech made a series of staged upgrades that included items such as larger air intake boxes, custom EEPROM chips for the fuel injection computer, customized transmission and valve-body modifications, larger diameter front anti-roll bars, a six-speed manual transmission, and ASR-disabling kits. RENNtech also offered (and continues to offer upon request) displacement increases up to 6.0 liters.

E 60 AMG

For the 1993 and 1994 model years, twelve E 500 Limited's were outfitted with a 6.0L M119 V8 engine by tuner AMG. These models were called the "E 60 AMG". The car's engine produced 376 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 428 lb/ft at 3,750 rpm allowing the car to accelerate 0–62 mph in 5.2 seconds.^[6] — compared to the 500 E's claimed 5.9 seconds. Towards the end of production of the W124 chassis, AMG also made E 60 AMGs which had 399 hp at 5,750 rpm and 454 lb/ft at 3,810 rpm upon special request.^[7] Modifications included the replacement of the original components with AMG parts, including the suspension, exhaust system, instrument cluster and 17" AMG OZ 3-piece wheels (optional). Many of the E 60 AMG's seen today are actually 500 E's and E 500's sent to the AMG factory at a later date to have the engine changed to the 6.0L V8. The original E 60 AMG models carry the "957 AMG Technology Package" in their VIN number's Options List.
Source:Wikipedia

Mercedes-Benz T80

The Mercedes-Benz T80 was a vehicle developed and built by Mercedes-Benz, and designed by Ferdinand Porsche. It was intended to break the world land speed record, but never made the attempt, having been over-taken by the outbreak of World War II.

Background

World-renowned German auto racer Hans Stuck's pet project was to take the world land speed record and he convinced Mercedes-Benz to build a special racing car for the attempt. Officially sanctioned by Hitler himself (a race car fan influenced by Stuck), the project was started in 1937, while the Nazi Third Reich was at the height of its powers. Automotive designer Dr. Ferdinand Porsche first targeted a speed of 550 km/h (342 mph), but after George Eyston's and John Cobb's successful LSR runs of 1938-39 the target speed was raised to 600 km/h (373 mph). By late 1939, when the project was finished, the target speed was a much higher 750 km/h (465 mph). This would also be the first attempt at the absolute land speed record on German soil, Hitler envisioned the T80 as another propaganda triumph of German technological superiority to be witnessed by all the world courtesy of German television. The same autobahn course had already proven itself ideal for record-breaking in smaller capacity classes, Britain's Goldie Gardner having exceeded 200 mph (320 km/h) there in a 1,500 cc MG.

Power

The massive 44.5 litre Daimler-Benz DB 603 inverted V12 was selected to power the record-setting car. The engine was a derivative of the famous DB-601 aircraft engine which powered the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter in production at the time. The DB-603 fitted was just the third prototype (V3) engine of this variant and tuned up to 3,000 hp (2,200 kW), roughly twice the power of the Bf 109 or the Supermarine Spitfire. The engine ran on a special mixture of methyl alcohol (63%), benzene (16%), ethanol (12%), acetone (4.4%), nitrobenzene (2.2%), avgas (2%), and ether (0.4%) with MW (methanol-water) injection for charge cooling and as an anti-detonant.
Although this power figure sounds impressive, it's not unusual for one-off racing engines of the period, especially those used for short-duration record-breaking with esoteric fuels. The Rolls-Royce R-type, a more comparable engine than the Spitfire's Merlin, had delivered 2,350 hp (1,750 kW) on a similar fuel mixture back in 1931. Eyston's land speed record car Thunderbolt used a pair of them, and offered over 4,000 hp (3,000 kW).

Construction

The difficulty of the challenge was met with money and engineering genius. By 1939, the T80 was fully completed at a cost of RM 600,000. The car was over 8 meters long (27 ft), had three axles with two of them driven, weighed over 2.7 metric tons (three short tons), and produced 3000 hp (2200 kW) together with the aerodynamics of specialist Josef Mikcl to attain a projected speed of 750 km/h (465 mph). Aerodynamically, the T80 incorporated a Porsche-designed enclosed cockpit, low sloping hood, rounded fenders, and elongated tail booms. At the rear were two small wings to provide downforce and insure stability. The heavily streamlined twin-tailed body achieved a drag coefficient of 0.18, an astonishingly low figure for any vehicle.

Projections for the 1940 land speed record attempt

As ambitiously planned, Hans Stuck would have driven the T80 over a special stretch of the Dessau Autobahn (now part of the modern A9 Autobahn), which was 25 metres (82 ft) wide and 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) long with the median paved over. The date was set for the January 1940 "RekordWoche" (Record/Speed Week), but the outbreak of the war prevented the T80 run. In 1939, the vehicle had been unofficially nicknamed Schwarzer Vogel (Black Bird) by Hitler and was to be painted in German nationalistic colors complete with German Adler (Eagle) and Hakenkreuz (Swastika). But the event was cancelled and the T80 garaged.

War

The DB-603 aircraft engine was subsequently removed during the war while the vehicle was moved to safety and storage in Karnten, Austria. The T80 survived the war, unlike many German artifacts, and was eventually moved into the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart for permanent display.
After the war, John Cobb drove the Railton Mobil Special to a land speed record of 634 km/h (394 mph) in 1947, a speed which was 116 km/h (72 mph) slower than the 750 km/h (465 mph) projected for the T80 back in 1940. It took until 1964 for Art Arfons to hit 875 km/h (544 mph) in the turbojet-powered "Green Monster" to attain and surpass the T80's speed target, and the wheel-driven record of 409 mph (658.5 km/h) set by the four-Chrysler Hemi-engined Goldenrod American land speed record car in 1965, which is still the piston-engined land speed record for non-supercharged, wheel-driven cars. No wheel-driven land speed record vehicle exceeded the T80's maximum design velocity until 2001, when Don Vesco's turboshaft-powered "Turbinator" attained 458.440 mph (737.788 km/h) at Bonneville.

Current status

The T80 is currently on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. Many people over the decades have urged Mercedes to fully restore the T80 and test run her to see if she would have reached 750 km/h (465 mph).

Technical data

• Total weight: 2896 kg (6385 lb)
• Power: 3,000 PS (2,210 kW) @ 3200 rpm
• Engine: 44.5 liters
• Wheels: (6) 7 X 31
• Length: 8.24 meters (27 ft 0 in)
• Width: 3.20 meters (10 ft 6 in)
• Height: 1.74 meters (5 ft 9 in)
• Drag Coefficient: 0.18
• Speed: estimated at between 550-750 km/h (340–465 mph)

Names of the T80

• Official: Mercedes-Benz T80
• Porsche: Mercedes Rekordwagen (Record Car)
• Mikcl: Hochgeschwindigkeitsrennwagen (High-speed racing car)
• Hitler: Schwarzer Vogel (Black Bird)

Mercedes-Benz C111

The C111 was a series of experimental automobiles produced by Mercedes-Benz in the 1960s and 1970s. The company was experimenting with new engine technologies, including Wankel engines, Diesel engines, and turbochargers, and used the basic C111 platform as a testbed. Other experimental features included gullwing doors and a luxurious interior with leather trim and air conditioning.
The first version of the C111 was completed in 1969. It used a fiberglass body shell and had a three-rotor direct fuel injected Wankel engine (code named M950F) mounted in the middle. The next C111 appeared in 1970. It used a four-rotor engine producing 370 hp (275 kW). The car could reportedly hit 290 km/h (180 mph).

The company decided not to adopt the Wankel engine and turned to Diesel experiments for the third C111. With its 230 horsepower (170 kW)@ 4,400-4,600 5-speed manual straight-5 turbo-Diesel, the C111 broke nine diesel and gas speed records. With more aerodynamic bodywork that gave it an air drag coefficient of an incredible .191, the C111 eventually hit 200 mph (322 km/h) at Nardò in 1978, and averaged 14.7mpg@ 316 km/h (195.4 mph) over a 12 hour cruise. A later 500 hp (372 kW) 4.8 L twin KKK-turbocharged V8 version set another record, with an average lap-speed of 403.78 km/h (250.958 mph). It was achieved by Dr. Hans Leibold in 1 minute, 56.67 seconds on May 5, 1979.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the C112 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991 as a production sports car. It used a 6.0 L V12 engine mounted in the middle. But after accepting 700 deposits, the company decided not to proceed with production.