Trainees of Mercedes-Benzs Rastatt plant in Germany turned a B200 CDI diesel model into a full-blown sports car by planting in a 388 hp 5.5-liter V8 and transferring the drive from the front axle to the rear, called B55.
Peter Wesp is plant manager make this idea of the project and execution fell on the shoulders of foremen Andreas Würz and Matt Rieger and a team of twelve second and third-year trainees specializing in production mechanics and automotive mechatronics.
According to the plan, the spatial concept as well as the body of the B-Class were to remain unchanged. The interior, however, was to be upgraded to reflect the newly acquired qualities and the overall goal was to create a vehicle suitable for everyday driving.
The engineers were able to solve all problems by combining various replacement parts and doing a fair share of modifications. The B55 rides on 18-inch AMG alloys, shod in 235/50 front and 255/35 rear tires. The final performance upgrade is comprised of a K&W-sourced coil-over suspension. The rear axle was sourced from a W210 E-Class and suitable brakes were found in the C32 AMG replacement parts catalogue.
In interior of Mercedes-Benz B55 was upgraded with sport seats and steering wheel, Alcantara linings and other, more luxurious materials.
