V12 engine with 44.5 liter and 0.18 coefficient Cx, this impressive experimental model designed by Ferdinand Porsche was destined to break the world speed record, but could never try.

The 30s were a time of great competitiveness because it many countries invested significant resources in demonstrating its technological superiority. Motor racing and speed records were proof of this, and it is no wonder that Hitler exploited the situation as a way to expand its political propaganda worldwide.

The Mercedes-Benz T80 was born in 1937, when the famous German pilot Hans Stuck convinced Mercedes-Benz for manufacture an experimental vehicle that beat the world speed record. Hitler enthusiast racing cars, gave their support to the project, He counted as head development with Ferdinand Porsche. The initial goal was to reach 550 km / h, while in 1938 this figure to 600 km / h rose following news that the British George Eyston and John Cobb had exceeded 550 km / h in the desert of Bonneville, to aboard the Thunderbolt. When the Mercedes T80 I was ready, the limit is marked by no less than 750 km / h.

According to calculations, a power of 3,000 CV would be needed to drive the nearly 2.9 tons of T80 until such speed, however no propellant could therefore at that time. He turned to engine fighter aircraft Messerschmitt Bf 109, but modified to yield more than double its power. Was a giant V12 inverted, with a centrifugal compressor and the displacement increased to 44.5 liters, fueled by a mixture of alcohol methyl (63%), benzene (16%), ethanol (12%), acetone (4.4%), nitrobenzene (2.2%), aviation gasoline (2%) and ester (0.4%). The Mercedes T80 transmitted its power to the ground through four of its six wheels and he had a sort of traction control so that no patinase. On the other hand, to prevent soil took off and provide sufficient stability, body of more than 8 meters and only 0.18 Cx had two inverted small wings on the sides.

It was expected to break the record in January 1940, during the call Speed ​​Week, in a closed stretch of road 10 km long and about 25 meters wide, between Dessau and Leipzig, which it has now become part of the modern highway A9. However, the outbreak of war forced to cancel the attempt to Hans Stuck, and T80 was dismantled and stored in a safe place in Austria, unpowered, as it went to the Luftwaffe. Currently it exposed in Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart, without having reached never prove its dynamic capabilities.

Data sheet

Engine: V12 supercharged 44.5 liters

Power: 3,005 hp at 3,200 rpm

drag coefficient: 0.18 Cx

Length x width x height: 8.24 x 3.20 x 1.74 m

Weight: 2,896 kg

Maximum speed: 750 km / h (estimated)