Following a challenging 1993 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) season, Mercedes-Benz, under their competition arm AMG, embarked on a mission to reclaim dominance. The 1993 season saw the established champion outpaced by the technologically advanced Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI. Driven by the ambition to return to the top step, Mercedes-Benz channeled their expertise into developing an entirely new contender for the 1994 DTM season: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, based on the recently launched W202 sedan.
The foundation of this formidable racing machine was the unitary steel shell of the production C-Class. However, significant modifications were implemented to transform it into a track-ready competitor. The front section of the chassis, ahead of the cockpit, was replaced with a custom-designed subframe. This bespoke component was engineered to house the meticulously crafted engine and the state-of-the-art double wishbone front suspension system, complete with pull-rod actuated springs and dampers. At the rear, a multi-link suspension design was adopted, also incorporating pull-rods to manage the springs and dampers, ensuring optimal handling and control. Adhering to the progressive FIA Class 1 regulations, the 1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM was equipped with advanced features including ABS for the ventilated disc brakes and a sophisticated traction control system.
A key element of the 1994 C-Class DTM’s arsenal was its newly developed V6 engine. This powerplant, displacing just under 2.5 liters, marked a departure from the four-cylinder engines of previous seasons. While drawing inspiration, albeit loosely, from the 4.2-liter V8 engines found in the E 420 and S 420 road models, this new engine featured a 90-degree V-angle. Employing twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, the engine was a marvel of compact design and lightweight construction, weighing in at a mere 110 kg thanks to the extensive use of alloys. This potent V6 delivered approximately 400 bhp, and was coupled with a six-speed sequential gearbox. To optimize weight distribution, the gearbox was strategically positioned at the rear of the car. In contrast to the all-wheel-drive system of the Alfa Romeo, the 1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM remained faithful to its road-going counterpart’s rear-wheel-drive configuration, as none of the production C-Class models offered all-wheel drive at the time. This presented a unique engineering challenge in maximizing traction and performance on the track.
