Mercedes-Benz W 196 R '55

The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R '55 is a race car produced by Mercedes-Benz. It first appeared in Gran Turismo 7 as part of Update 1.54.
It appears to be Juan Manuel Fangio's car used at the 1955 Belgian Grand Prix, where he won that race enroute to his third world championship.
==In-game description==
=== Car Index (GT7) ===
"A legendary F1 car that made motorsports history."
The W 196, produced by Mercedes-Benz following its return to motorsport in 1951, was developed in response to the new 2.5-liter engine regulations introduced by Formula 1 in 1954. This groundbreaking car was crafted alongside a sports car variant, the W 196 S, which shared many of the same core components. Both cars went on to achieve significant success, with the W 196 dominating Formula 1 and the W 196 S excelling in sports-car racing.
 
The W 196 featured a tubular steel space frame chassis and made its debut at the 1954 French Grand Prix, equipped with a streamlined body that enclosed both the front and rear wheels in an aerodynamic shell. While the design provided a speed advantage on fast circuits, it quickly became evident after the British Grand Prix that it obstructed the driver's visibility and required frequent maintenance. As a result, from the German Grand Prix onwards, Mercedes-Benz primarily ran the car with an open-wheel body style, reserving the streamlined version for high-speed tracks. 
In total, the W 196 was available in seven distinct configurations, featuring three different wheelbase lengths, two types of brakes, and two engine positions. 
Powering the W 196 was an inline-8, constructed as two banks of four cylinders aligned longitudinally. This advanced powerplant produced an impressive 285 HP from its 2496 cc displacement, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 290 km/h. 
The W 196 cemented its place in racing history by dominating the 1954 and 1955 Formula 1 World Championships, securing back-to-back drivers' titles for the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio. 
===Legend Car Dealership (GT7)===
The name "W 196" evokes a special reverence among Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. The reason is this legendary model didn't just compete, it dominated the racing world of the 1950s. When the 2.5-liter engine limit was set for F1 in 1954, Mercedes-Benz engineered a car tailored to the new regulation. This machine, christened the "W 196 R", was equipped with an inline 8-cyclinder angled, which on the track, became a finely tuned weapon. Upon its debut in 1954, the car claimed four out of six victories in the skilled hands of racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio. The following year, in 1955, it solidified its reputation, claiming five wins out of six races. The "W 196 R" before you hails from that illustrious, unforgettable 1955 season. In this iteration, it appears without the original cowl, showcasing the sleek single-seater with "monoposto" body. It features a distinctive hood bulge designed for air intake. 
By the way, did you know that the "W 196 R" had a sibling developed for sports-car racing? Named the "W 196 S", this model became a legend it its own right, becoming a titan of the sports-car world. Officially known as the "300 SLR", it left an indelible mark on automotive history with its unmatched design and performance.
==Acquisition==
==Trivia==
*It is one of seven licensed Formula 1 cars in the series, with the others being the Ferrari F10, the F2007, the Lotus 97T, the Mercedes W08, the McLaren MP4/4, and the Honda RA272.
**It is also the third licensed F1 car to allow custom liveries, after the MP4/4 and the RA272.
***In addition, it is also the oldest Formula 1 car in the series, beating out the RA272.
*At Cr. 20,000,000, it is currently the most expensive car added in a GT7 update.
==Notes==
Category:GT7 Cars
Category:GT7 DLC Cars
Category:Legend Cars
Category:F1 winners
Category:Open Cockpit Cars
Category:Formula Cars
Category:1950s race cars