In 1938 a new racing formula was introduced, which limited the displament of the racing cars with a compressor to 3 litres.
This changed rule was determining motor racing sports of the succeeding years. Mercedes–Benz developed an entirely new V 12 engine with 485 hp for the W 154.
A 5 speed transmission was added and was directly mounted on the de Dion rear Axle. One tank was in the rear, a second in the cockpit, above driver’s legs.In the vehicle the drivers Caracciola, Lang, Von Brauchitsch and Seaman of the Daimler–Benz team gained one victory after the other.
In 1938 Caracciola became European Champion. At the French Grand Prix on the 3 of July, 1938, Mercedes–Benz gained a triple victory: von Brauchitsch came in first, Caracciola second and Hermann Lang third.
In 1939 Hermann Lang became European Champion with the further developed W 154.
Technical Data of the original vehicle:
V 12 engine with 2 roots compressor
Displament: 2.962 ccm, Bore x stroke:67 x 70 mm
Max output: 485 hp at 7.500rpm
Transmission: 5 speed
Wheel base: 2.730 mm
Front track: 1470 mm
Rear track: 1.410 mm
Top speed: 320 km/h.