Following news that Mercedes-Benz is preparing a cooking A-Class AMG model to compete with the BMW 1M and Audi RS3 comes this official release of a one-off V8 powered B-Class.
The “B55” offers 388hp of power and 530Nm of torque from its 5.5 litre bent-eight. Beginning its life as a rather modest front-wheel drive B 200 CDI, the rear-wheel drive B55 beast was created by trainees at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. The idea first came about after training foreman Andreas Würz said the words, “Actually it should be possible to fit a V8 into the engine compartment.”
With a classic Q-car brief Würz and 12 trainees set about building a genuine bahn-stormer able to be used as a daily driver. Understated looks, a smart interior and 7-speed auto transmission should help there.
Building this Frankenstein creation wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Using a rear-axle from a W120 E-Class was sure to present some problems, of course.
Würz explains, “The V8 power unit fitted amazingly well, and we were even able to use the original engine mounts. There were serious problems with the steering, but here too, harmony was restored with a number of modifications.
“The exhaust system was a clever combination of various replacement part items, and took the form of a twin-pipe system emerging at the centre of the rear end. This is where the one-off, christened the B 55 gets its typical, burbling sound – once the ignition key has been turned, all heads in the vicinity are guaranteed to swivel simultaneously in the direction of the B-Class.”
Further raiding of the AMG parts bin for brakes and 18″ wheels completed the job.
[Thanks to Derek for the tip]
