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Based on the then new C-Class production model, the racing version was constructed at the AMG factory in Affalterbach in close collaboration with Mercedes Competitions department. The first thing to say about the C-Class racer is that virtually the only item it shared in common with the road model was the basic elegant shape. The engine, gearbox, driveshaft and differerential, exhaust system, suspension, wheels and tyres, brakes, bonnet, boot lid, front wings, interior fittings, steering system�..you name it, were all replaced with bespoke race-bred, purpose-built components.
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LEFT: The C-Klasse roll cage under construction |
The basic shell of the car was taken and seam-welded, strengthened and re- profiled. A full welded steel roll cage was built into the structure increasing the torsional rigidity of the car by 300%. The driving seat was moved back towards the centre of the car and the 120 litre carbon fibre fuel tank placed in the cockpit just behind the driver. These measures helped to achieve the optimum weight distribution essential to a well-balanced racing car. The front-wing panels and bonnet of the production model were removed and replaced by a single piece of carbon-fibre. This component incorporated ducting for the twin radiators and a front-splitter to improve aerodynamic grip. The incorporation of these items into a single component also permitted quick and easy access to the engine bay - allowing engine changes to be completed in around 15 minutes.
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| RIGHT: Under the C-Klasse 'bonnet' |  |
Besides the front splitter, a rear diffuser and a single flat one piece floor contributed towards the tyre grip improving 'suction' effect. The engine itself was a purpose-built V6 unit mounted much lower down than the production car and as close to the engine bay bulkhead as possible. It was fixed to the chassis with just four bolts and a V-belt and one single plug containing all of the necessary electrical connections. Maximum revs were up to the Class 1 limit of 12,000 rpm and the design incorporated pneumatic valves. It produced 470 bhp from 2.5 litres. The exhaust system passed down either side of the cockpit exiting neatly in the centre of the rear diffuser. A mandatory catalytic converter was housed in the boot. The transmission was a six speed unit initially controlled via a sequential gear changer. This was replaced with a semi-automatic push-button changer mounted on the steering wheel in Formula 1 style. Apart from the ABS brakes, the C-Class also had power-steering and a system for automatically adjusting the anti-roll bars from corner to corner. Crucially, a computer driven traction control system allowed the car to match the grip of its four-wheel drive Opel and Alfa rivals under acceleration and in wet conditions. Weighing in at a total of 1052 kg, the car could achieve a top speed of 200 mph.
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