The C9 was developed as part of a joint venture in which Mercedes-Benz supplied the engines and the racing car designer Peter Sauber the body. The racing car's monocoque was made of aluminium. The 5 litre V-8 engine (M 119) with a delivery of 900 hp was based on series engines to which two turbo chargers were added. The C9, capable of almost 400 kmph, celebrated its debut in 1987 in the 4th race of the WSPC in Silverstone. Throughout the season it completed a number of races as the fastest car, in Le Mans it recorded the fastest lap. As a result, the C9, with which Mercedes again participated in sports car racing from 1989 onwards, demonstrated what potential it had also for the years ahead.
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