DEVELOPMENTS in racing cars often indicate future trends in passenger-car design. This is indicated in the description of the Daimler-Benz racing car W 196.
The car has a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with an output of 115 bhp per liter, or 290 bhp at 8000 rpm, making it far more efficient than the 750-cc blown engine. A new valve-gear arrangement permits higher rates of acceleration and deceleration, and higher speed ranges.
The 300 SL sports car offered an opportunity to compare outputs of an engine with carburetor and one with fuel injection. The latter increases output by 10%, permits higher compression ratios, reduces fuel consumption, and eliminates flat spots. Therefore, fuel injection was put on the W 196. Finally, improved design of brakes and axles brought about better spring and road holding.