Slot.it CA06f Sauber-Mercedes C9 n.61 Presentation 1988

Drivers : J. Mass and J.L. Schlesser

The Sauber Mercedes C9 was a Group C race car, built by Sauber in partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

Chassis was mainly an aluminium monocoque, with magnesium elements and carbonfibre skins. It had double wishbone suspensions, with
direct-action at front and rocker-arm at rear, as well as Speedline magnesium rims, 17” front and 19” rear, and Brembo cast-iron 14” disc brakes.

In 1988, the car used the 'M117' engine, a twin turbo, 5 litres, V8, with semi-stressed function, which used the 500SL passenger car crankcase. The two valves per cylinder were controlled by a single over head camshaft, with chain drive. In qualifying specifications, the boost pressure was 1.2 bar, and power was 800 bhp at 7000 rpm.

Torque had a very flat band from 3000 to 8000 rpm, which gave the Sauber C9 a great advantage in exiting corners. Overall weight was 865 kg.

In 1989, the last Sauber C9 evolution, with 4 valves per cylinder 'M119' engine, won the World Championship for Sport-Prototypes and achieved the 1st and 2nd place at the Le Mans 24 Hours.