Sauber Mercedes C-8

The first result of the collaboration between the Swiss Sauber and Mercedes-Benz is this C-8, a Group C racer that marked a return to motorsport for Mercedes-Benz.

The first result of the collaboration between the Swiss Sauber and Mercedes-Benz is this C-8, a Group C racer that marks Mercedes-Benzs return to motorsport after having been away for a long time. The body is an aluminum monocoque, and the power unit is a further developed M117 production engine, a five-liter V8 with turbo. Thanks in part to two KKK turbochargers, a significantly lighter crankshaft, polished connecting rods, and forged Mahle pistons, the car delivers an output of around 700 hp. The car is entered for the 1986 season of the World Sportscar Championship by main sponsor Kouros, an eau de toilette by Yves Saint Laurent. In rain and fog, French driver Henri Pescarolo and his New Zealand teammate Mike Thackwell win the ADAC 1,000 km Rennen at the Nurburgring that year with this car, earning the Kouros Racing Team fifth place in the team standings.