ONE-OFF - When we delve into the world of supercars, especially those crafted by renowned German manufacturers, the conversation can seem endless. Among the many awe-inspiring models that have been developed by Mercedes-Benz, there exists a supercar that, despite its remarkable features, remains largely unfamiliar to the general public and even to some automotive enthusiasts. This hidden gem is none other than the Mercedes-Benz C112, a supercar that not only stands out for its performance but also for its relative obscurity.
The Mercedes-Benz C112 emerged as a concept supercar in response to the German manufacturer’s triumphant return to motor racing in the late 1980s. (Picture from: ClassicAndRecreationSportscar)
The Mercedes-Benz C112 emerged as a concept supercar in response to the German manufacturer’s triumphant return to motor racing in the late 1980s. Mercedes-Benz, collaborating with Sauber, quickly reestablished itself on the racetrack, achieving significant success. By the dawn of the 1990s, their partnership had already borne fruit, most notably with the victory in the 1990 World Sportscar Championship, thanks to the C111 series sports prototype. This triumph inspired the engineers in Stuttgart to create a road-legal version that would mirror the prowess of the C111 on public roads.
The Mercedes-Benz C112 designed to be a street-legal counterpart to the race-proven C111. (Picture from: Petrolicious)
In 1991, the automotive world was introduced to the Mercedes-Benz C112 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. This supercar, designed to be a street-legal counterpart to the race-proven C111, housed a 6.0-liter V12 engine at its core. With a power output of 408 horsepower and 427 ft-lbs of torque, the C112 was more than just a pretty face; it was a beast on wheels. Yet, what truly set it apart were the advanced technological innovations that Mercedes-Benz integrated into this vehicle, showcasing the brand’s commitment to safety and performance.
The Mercedes-Benz C112's standout feature was its advanced Active Body Control (ABC) system, which used electromechanical controls for active suspension, ensuring optimal handling in all conditions. (Picture from: Petrolicious)
One of the standout features of the C112 was its implementation of ABC, or Active Body Control. This cutting-edge system employed an electromechanical control system to provide active suspension, ensuring the car maintained optimal handling under various driving conditions. The active suspension was complemented by active rear-wheel steering, a feature that further enhanced the car’s agility and stability. The introduction of such technologies was a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s forward-thinking approach to automotive engineering.
The Mercedes-Benz C112's distinctive gullwing doors marked Mercedes-Benz's first use of the design since the iconic 300SL debuted in 1954. (Picture from: ClassicAndRecreationSportscar)
Supporting the Active Body Control system were other advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. The latest versions of ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and ASR (Acceleration Skid Control) were standard on the C112, ensuring that the car could handle the immense power delivered by its V12 engine. Another innovation was the active rear wing, which automatically adjusted its position to optimize aerodynamics based on the car’s speed. Additionally, this wing doubled as a braking device, a feature that has since become common in high-performance vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz C112 featured a powerful 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering 408 horsepower and 427 ft-lbs of torque, making it a true performance powerhouse. (Picture from: ClassicAndRecreationSportscar)
The Mercedes-Benz C112 was also ahead of its time in terms of electronic systems. The car featured Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which balanced the braking force between the front and rear wheels to enhance stability and stopping power. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) kept tabs on the tire pressure, providing drivers with real-time information to ensure safe driving conditions. The C112 even boasted a long-range radar system for intelligent cruise control, a technology that has now become a standard feature in many modern vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz C112 emerged as a concept supercar in response to the German manufacturer’s triumphant return to motor racing in the late 1980s. (Picture from: ClassicAndRecreationSportscar)
Despite the impressive array of technologies and the nearly 700 firm orders from eager customers, the Mercedes-Benz C112 remained a prototype and never saw mass production. The supercar was primarily used as a test bed for the active handling systems that would later become integral to Mercedes-Benz’s production vehicles. The car’s most distinctive feature, its gullwing doors, marked the first time Mercedes-Benz had employed such a design since the iconic 300SL was introduced in 1954.
The Mercedes-Benz C112 remained a prototype, serving primarily as a test bed for active handling systems later integrated into production vehicles. (Picture from: Petrolicious)
Although the C112 never made it to the production line, it paved the way for future models that would carry the Mercedes-Benz legacy forward. The SLS AMG introduced years later, became the next production car to feature the signature gullwing doors, though it too was eventually discontinued in 2010, then followed with the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept. A decade later, Mercedes-Benz reintroduced gullwing technology with the Vision One-Eleven in 2023, further cementing the brand’s reputation for blending innovation with tradition.
The Mercedes-Benz C112 may not be widely recognized today, but its impact on the automotive industry is undeniable. This concept supercar, with its blend of cutting-edge technology and performance, continues to be a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s relentless pursuit of excellence in both racing and road cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PETROLICIOUS | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCAR | ]
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The Mercedes-Benz C112 emerged as a concept supercar in response to the German manufacturer’s triumphant return to motor racing in the late 1980s. Mercedes-Benz, collaborating with Sauber, quickly reestablished itself on the racetrack, achieving significant success. By the dawn of the 1990s, their partnership had already borne fruit, most notably with the victory in the 1990 World Sportscar Championship, thanks to the C111 series sports prototype. This triumph inspired the engineers in Stuttgart to create a road-legal version that would mirror the prowess of the C111 on public roads.
The Mercedes-Benz C112 may not be widely recognized today, but its impact on the automotive industry is undeniable. This concept supercar, with its blend of cutting-edge technology and performance, continues to be a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s relentless pursuit of excellence in both racing and road cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PETROLICIOUS | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCAR | ]
