Tuesday 4th January 2011

Video: V8 Mercedes B-Class Burns Rubber

Mad V8 Merc shopper does an '11'

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Those who can remember a time before the endless days of feasting upon turkey may recall the bonkers V8 Mercedes B-class that we showed you, created by a fine group of petrolheads-in-training at Merc's Rastatt factory.

Now, to prove that their so-called B55 - an intriguing amalgam of humdrum shopping trolley and 5.5-litre V8 glued together with bits and bobs of Mercs past - really is the real deal, Mercedes has released a tantalisingly short clip of the Big-hearted B-class in action.

We would have, of course, preferred something a little more involved, possibly involving a certain circuit somewhere in the Eifel Mountains, but at least a spot of burning rubber and an '11' on the Tarmac do prove the B55's rear-drive credentials.

Oh, and Mercedes - if you're stuck for somebody to take it for a spin around the Nurburgring, you know who to call...

 

[HowardB]

that is just so much fun. pity that the powers that be would rather we all had tiny enginined cars with all sorts of techno-greenery when what we really want is a V8 sound track and a damn good blast!

happy new year

Howardb

[iain1970]

Maybe the boffins at these car manfacturers will (with a hint of irony) endow their electric cars with a V8 soundtrack to warn lazy-eyed pedestrians and cyclists of their presence.

[k-ink]

Awesome noise!

I will be going from six to eight cyllinders for my next engine. Forget about those gay little 1.4 wheezers

[va1o]

why oh why won't they make it!

[kambites]

It would seem that Autocar have driven it:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Me...

[TomTVR500]

This is a brilliant idea! It could serve as an entry level AMG to get younger people on the bottom rung of the AMG line. Its such a rediculous car, i love it and normally as a rule i dislike Merc's.

[soad]

This would surprise a lot of people - a true sleeper. De-badge it perhaps

[HowardB]

an "11" in 2011, how will it do a "12" next year?

[Johnpidge]

Stupid idea

Great

[Squabbler]

Ah the irony. They never make what people are really want to get

[Capt Bravz]

Read, "does an 11" and thought ooof that's fast.
Realised shortly afterwards that '11's' mean black marks on the tarmac and not a standing quarter mile time.

Still be quite spritely up the strip I imagine though.

[tombstone]

I'll take one in 'car-dealer-we'll-never-shift-it' gold, with optional beaded seat covers... and await a saxo at the lights.... or a 911. Either way, the look on the other drivers face...EPIC!

[fwaggie]

I want to work alongside the people who are allowed to create something as bonkers as this