C stood for carbon fiber, and 1000 for the horsepower of the twin-turbo Mercedes A8.
Name: Lotec C1000
Debuted: 1995
Specifics:Mercedes twin turbo 5.6-liter V8 motor with 1,000 horsepower, five speed racing transmission, rear wheel drive, carbon fibre body and chassis, 1,080kg (2,381 lbs).
Why It Matters Now:
There are many reasons to love this car. Its futuristic design and amazing technical specifications are just a few reasons. But also, for its impressive performance and one-of-a-kind status.
Pagani introduced C12 with its Mercedes-sourced V12 long before another supercar of the 1990s took the automotive world by surprise. The engine from the three-pointed Star was also introduced. After a wealthy UAE businessman approached Lotec in 1990, Lotec developed the C1000. It was a one-of-a kind car.
The car was built in 1991. Nearly four years later and $3.4million later, the C1000 was available for sale as a unique car. The C1000 was designed with a carbon fiber chassis and body to reduce the car’s weight by 1,080 kg (2.381 lbs). A 5.6-liter V8 engine from Mercedes was paired with two Garrett turbochargers to deliver 1,000 horsepower to the rear wheels via a Hewland five speed racing gearbox.
The Lotec C1000 is said to have been able to run the 0-62 mph (0–100 kph), and the 0-124mph (0–200 kph), in just 3.2 seconds each. It also has the ability to travel the distance in eight seconds. Even today, that’s quite impressive. Lotec claimed that its supercar could reach a staggering 268 mph (431 km/h), which is significantly faster than McLaren F1’s 240.1 mph (386.4 kph), velocity on March 31, 1998.
The fascinating two-door coupe was available in the United States last year for $650,000. That was four years ago. The odometer showed 1,600 miles (2.576 kilometers) back then.