Mercedes-Benz C112

The Mercedes-Benz C112 is an experimental mid-engine passenger car employed by Mercedes and built in Italy by Carrozzeria Coggiola in 1991 as a test bed for various technological innovations (in a similar manner for what was done for the C111). The C112 was the road-going counterpart to the Sauber-Mercedes C11 that competed in the 1990 World Sport-Prototype Championship. Like its progenitor, the C112 has gull-wing doors. In addition, it mounts a 6.0-liter V12 mid-engine producing 408 hp, with maximum torque of 580 N m. It has a top speed of 312 km/h and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. A stability control system was introduced on this model, which involved a series of hydraulic spring suspensions monitored by sensors. The internal computer, evaluating the information provided by the sensors, was responsible for adjusting the suspension optimally. Also tested on this car were the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and the anti-skid system (ASR). A special feature of the car is the rear wing that can be electronically adjusted to improve aerodynamics in case of high or low aerodynamic downforce. This wing is also used to improve braking in emergencies (such a wing later reappeared on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren). The car never went into production despite receiving 700 orders.