Mercedes-Benz C111-II concept (1970)
Concept car · 1970 · Combustion
Four rotors, 300 km/h, and the most beautiful Wankel that never was.
The second act of Mercedes-Benz's C111 research program, the C111-II swapped the original's three-rotor unit for a four-rotor Wankel engine and refined the fibreglass-bodied, gullwing-doored coupe into one of the era's fastest and most aerodynamic experimental cars. Painted in signature 'Weissherbst' orange, it explored rotary power, mid-engine packaging and low-drag bodywork. Despite its performance and thousands of unsolicited blank checks from would-be buyers, Mercedes concluded the thirsty, wear-prone Wankel wasn't ready for production and never built a road-going C111.
Key facts
- Engine: 4-rotor Wankel (Type M950 KE409)
- Power: 350 PS at 7,000 rpm
- 0-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds
- Top speed: ~300 km/h (186 mph)
- Drag coefficient: 0.325
- Transmission: 5-speed ZF manual
Production
- Status: Concept only
- A 1970 evolution of the C111 research car with a four-rotor Wankel engine that was never produced.
- Revealed at 1970 Geneva Motor Show
Source: Wikipedia - Mercedes-Benz C111