The V12 supercar’s mid-engined V12 engine was equipped with gullwing doors. It took on the form of a Group C road-going vehicle with active aerodynamics.
Name: Mercedes-Benz C 112
Launched:1991 Frankfurt Motor Show
Specifics: 6.0-liter, V12 engine with 408 horsepower and 428-pound-feet of torque, six speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, active aero steering, rear-wheel driving, rear-wheel suspension, 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. 186 mph (300 km/h) maximum speed
Why It Matters Now:
The C 112 represents many technological advances for Mercedes. The C 112’s juicy specs and the stunning design with its gullwing doors are worth our attention.
After a string of C 111 concepts, which should be familiar to those who love the three-pointed star’s three-pointed star concept, 1991 saw the return the gullwing doors for a new concept that hasn’t beaten the test of time. The concept was designed to be a road-going friend of the Sauber-Mercedes C 11Group C race car. It is quite interesting from many perspectives.
The C 112 was Mercedes first car to get the “Active Body Control” active suspension system. It debuted in 1999 in the CL-Class (C125). This supercar featured a combination spring and hydraulic servo-cylinder for each wheel. The active suspension was smart enough to adjust itself according to the data collected by sensors. Mercedes claimed that the setup provided an unrivalled level of stability, which was further enhanced by rear-wheel steering.
While active aero is common in high-end sports cars today, it was rare back in the 1990s. The C 112 has a fully adjustable rear and front spoiler. This spoiler can be extended at higher speeds and remains inactive when driving normal.
It was designed to increase hard braking and act like a sail, when the car comes to a complete stop at high speeds. The concept of the active controlled airfoil at its back doubled as an air brake 12 years later in the 2003 SLR McLaren.
The intelligent cruise control system, later to be known as Distronic in 1998 S Class (W220), was another important innovation. In 1999, the CL adopted the electronic tire pressure monitoring system.
The C 112 was more than just a tech car. It had a mid-mounted, 6.0-liter V12 that produced 408 horsepower (328 kilowatts) as well as 580 Newton-meters (428 pounds-feet). After hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in just over 4.9 seconds, the concept reached a top speed of more than 186 mph (300 km/h).
Although individual buyers tried to contact Mercedes to purchase one, the C 112 was never produced. Although the company tried to make the supercar with Sauber’s help, the project was ultimately abandoned.