Sauber Mercedes C9 - Group C Le Mans prototype, which competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1987-1989. In 1990, it was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz C11
During the qualifying runs before the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans, the prototype managed to reach a speed of 248 mph (400 km/h). This result became a straight line speed record for the La Sarthe track. The Sauber C9's record was only surpassed by the WM Peugeot prototype, which clocked 251.1 mph (405 km/h) in the 1988 race WM Peugeot's record was set after closing the engine's cooling channels with a special tape for better flow. With the cooling channels open, WM Peugeot was unable to repeat its result. Subsequently, the track management decided to introduce slowing chicanes on the Mulsanne straight to ensure safety. Given these circumstances, the Sauber C9 record remains unbroken to this day.
