Sauber Mercedes C9 '89

aspiration

TC (Turbocharger)

Group

Gr.1

Displacement

4,973 cc

DriveTrain

MR

Height

1,050 mm

Length

4,700 mm

Weight

893 kg

Width

1,980 mm

Max Power

710 BHP / 7,000 rpm

Max Torque

82.6 kgfm / 3,500 rpm

Performance Point

PP 852.41

Manufacturer

Mercedes-Benz

The Sauber Mercedes C9 '89: A Group C Legend in Motorsport History

The Sauber Mercedes C9 '89 stands as one of the most iconic Group C prototypes, achieving legendary status in endurance racing history. Developed through a collaboration between Swiss constructor Sauber and the powerhouse engineering of Mercedes-Benz, the C9 was introduced in the 1987 season, but it was the 1989 model that truly redefined the endurance racing landscape. Powered by a thunderous Mercedes-Benz M117 5.0L twin-turbo V8 engine, the C9 was capable of producing up to 800 horsepower, making it a formidable competitor on the circuit.

The 1989 World Sportscar Championship was a watershed year for the Sauber Mercedes C9. The car dominated the competition, securing no fewer than seven victories out of eight races in the season, a testament to its technical prowess and the team's operational excellence. This formidable racecar reached its zenith at the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it took first, second, and fifth place—a triumphant 1-2 finish that cemented the return of Mercedes-Benz to the top step of sports car racing's most prestigious podium.

The C9's legacy extends beyond its race results; it set a new standard for Group C endurance prototypes with its exceptional aerodynamics, reliability, and blinding speed. During qualifying at Le Mans in 1989, the C9 famously broke the 400 km/h (248 mph) barrier on the Mulsanne straight—an achievement that led directly to the FIA's decision to introduce chicanes in subsequent years, transforming the event's character permanently. The silver-liveried "Silver Arrow" became an immediate icon, celebrated both in motorsport lore and in video games such as the Gran Turismo series, where its performance and aesthetics continue to inspire new generations of fans.

Thanks to its blend of innovative engineering, race-winning performance, and unforgettable style, the Sauber Mercedes C9 '89 has become a touchstone for endurance racing excellence. Its influence can still be seen today in both the engineering philosophies of modern prototypes and the reverence it enjoys among collectors and racing enthusiasts worldwide.