Babi Xzac – Throwback Turbo Times: Cars of good taste

The AMG Hammer: True sleeper sedan

The AMG Hammer began its life as a W124 E-class sedan, while the W124 family also included the 300 CE coupe, which was introduced in 1987. This sleek and stylish two-door coupe was designed to offer both luxury and performance, and was powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 177 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Like the W124 sedan, the 300 CE coupe was known for its excellent build quality, luxurious interior, and advanced features for its time.

AMG, who at the time were not a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, wanted to take things to the next level by creating a true “sleeper” car that could rival some of the fastest sports cars of the era. The Hammer’s interior was upgraded with a number of features to match its high-performance capabilities. The seats were made of high-quality leather, and the steering wheel and dashboard were unique to the AMG package. Additionally, the AMG Hammer’s production numbers were limited, making it a rare and exclusive car. It is estimated that only around 30 examples were produced, with most being sold in Europe.

To achieve this, AMG modified the W124’s chassis and suspension to handle the increased power from the modified 6.0-litre DOHC 32-valve M117 560SEL V8 engine. They also upgraded the brakes and installed wider tires to improve traction and handling. The result was a sedan that was not only fast in a straight line, but also agile and responsive in corners.

The AMG Hammer was a standout model in the pre-merger AMG lineup, and it helped to establish AMG’s reputation as a leading high-performance tuner of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It also paved the way for future collaborations between AMG and Mercedes-Benz that eventually led to the creation of the AMG performance division as we know it today.

The 300 CE coupe, on the other hand, was designed to be a sleek and stylish two-door coupe that offered both luxury and performance. It was powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 177 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque.

The AMG Hammer was available with an optional AMG Aero Kit and 17-inch wheels, which were designed to enhance the car’s performance and styling even further. The Aero Kit included a front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear bumper diffuser, all of which helped to improve the car’s aerodynamics and reduce lift at high speeds. The 17-inch wheels were wider and lighter than the standard wheels, and they were wrapped in high-performance tires that provided improved grip and handling.

The AMG Aero Kit and 17-inch wheels were not only functional but also added to the car’s aggressive and sporty appearance, further reinforcing its status as a high-performance vehicle. These upgrades were popular with AMG Hammer buyers and helped to distinguish the car from other Mercedes-Benz models on the road. To put in perspective how fast the Hammer truly was, it managed to beat Ferrari Testarossas, Porsche 911s and Corvettes. It represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and thus it deserves a spot as one of the most interesting cars ever produced.

The 912 E: A Reflection of Modern Society

Forgotten cars / By Babi Xzac

The 912 E was introduced as a cost-effective alternative to Porsche’s 911 models. Priced at around $10,500, it was significantly cheaper than the 911’s $15,000 price tag. However, the tradeoff for the lower price was a less powerful engine, producing only 90 horsepower. The engine was initially developed by Volkswagen and used in the VW 411 and 412 models before being adapted for use in the 912 E. The car was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and used the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel system, while the 911 had already adopted the MFI system. Despite the less powerful engine, the 912 E was still fuel-efficient, able to run at around 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

Critics praised the 912 E for its combination of classic Porsche styling and unique silhouette, as well as its balanced handling, making it a practical car. The car’s design featured clean lines, a long hood, and rounded headlights, creating a timeless look that was considered attractive from every angle. The 2.0-liter air-cooled flat-four rear-mounted engine gave the car a distinct handling character that was praised for its balance and predictability, proving that a car doesn’t need a lot of power to be fun.

Unfortunately, over time, the 912 E has been unfairly dismissed as a cheap and less-powerful knockoff of the 911, when it was never intended to be a replacement for it. However, this is a disservice to the unique character and value of the 912 E. With its badge clearly stating ‘912 E’, it’s an honest car that does more with what it has than the 911 could with what it didn’t. From its timeless Porsche design to its engine, the 912 E is a truly unique car that deserves more recognition. But perhaps the real problem lies with our society’s tendency to judge and compare everything to an impossible standard.

Driving the 912 E is not just about the car itself, but also about the larger societal pressures and expectations that we face. In a world that often values power and status above all else, it’s easy to dismiss the 912 E as a lesser car because of its lower horsepower and price point. But this attitude ignores the unique value and character of the car, which is not defined by its similarity to the 911 or any other car for that matter.

Instead, the 912 E is a reminder that we don’t need to conform to societal expectations or follow the crowd in order to find joy and satisfaction. By embracing the individuality and honesty of the car, we can reject the idea that we need the newest or most expensive things in order to be happy

This is a lesson that applies not just to cars, but to all aspects of our lives. By learning to appreciate the value of the things we have, rather than constantly striving for more or trying to meet impossible standards, we can find greater happiness and fulfilment. The 912 E may not be the most powerful or prestigious car out there, but it has a unique character and charm that is all its own. And by driving it, we can learn to embrace our own individuality and find joy in the things that make us truly happy.