Isdera Imperator 108i

Isdera Imperator 108i
Overview
Manufacturer	Isdera
Production	1984-1993; 30 units produced
Designer	Eberhard Schulz
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	Midengine, Rear-wheel drive
Related	Mercedes-Benz CW311
Powertrain
Engine	5.0 L (5,000 cc) Mercedes-Benz M117 V8 5.6 L (5,600 cc) Mercedes-Benz M117 V8 5.6 L (5,600 cc) AMG V8 6.0 L (6,000 cc) AMG V8
Transmission	ZF 5-speed
Dimensions
Curb weight	1,350 kg (2,976 lb)

The Isdera Imperator 108i was a low-volume German supercar produced from 1984 to 1993. The Imperator 108i was born out of the Mercedes-Benz CW311 concept car from 1978. Eberhard Schulz, who formerly worked as a design engineer for Mercedes-Benz, headed an engineering company that designed the CW311 concept. With no interest in putting the CW311 into production itself, Mercedes-Benz allowed Schulz for produce the vehicle under his own brand, Isdera.^[1]

Implementing a fiberglass body upon a tubular steel spaceframe, the Isdera Imperator 108i was comparable to the Lamborghinis of its day. The original Imperator 108i featured 5.0 L (5,000 cc) Mercedes-Benz M117 V8 engine which gave the vehicle a top speed of 176 mph (283 km/h) and an acceleration of 0-60 mi (97 km) in 5.0 seconds. As Mercedes-Benz developed more powerful V8 engines, they were used in the Imperator 108i. Later engines included a 5.6 L (5,600 cc) Mercedes-Benz M117 V8, a 5.6 L (5,600 cc) AMG V8 and a 6.0 L (6,000 cc) AMG V8, with both AMG engines featuring advanced 32-valve cylinder heads.^[1]

Unusually, the Imperator 108i featured a rear-view periscope, creating a bulge on the roof. It also featured gullwing doors.^[1]

Production ended in 1993 with a total of thirty examples produced, two of which were exported to Japan.^[2]

Rear view  With Mercedes-Benz badging

References