The entrants for the 2008 Design Los Angeles Challenge have been officially released, with the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center of North America unveiling the creature pictured before you – a model they're calling the Formula Zero.  Built around the theme of motor sports racing in the year 2025, the Formula Zero concept aims to combine "the thrill of Formula One, the track dynamics of the bobsled or luge, and the grace and efficiency of yacht racing."

Unlike traditional racing, which focuses merely on the order of finish, Mercedes' new concept introduces energy efficiency as an integral part of the competition.  Each team is allocated the same amount of stored energy, and it is up to the team and drivers to best manage the variable to win the race. Winners are determined not only by elapsed time, but also on their team's energy efficiency factor.  Adding another entirely new dimension to the racing, competition is also held on a transparent, steeply banked track, allowing a completely clear perspective for spectators from any angle. 

To learn more about the Mercedes Formula Zero and see in pictures what I've detailed above, keep scrolling for both the photo gallery (click any pic to enlarge) and full Formula Zero description.

Enjoy ladies and gentlemen.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz Formula Zero
Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center of North America

Luxury racing arrives in the Formula Zero Racer by incorporating the thrill of Formula One, the track dynamics of the bobsled or luge, and the grace and efficiency of yacht racing.

Reminiscent of the Mercedes Benz racing heritage of the 1930’s, the Formula Zero Racer is loaded with technology designed to extract the maximum thrust from the electric hub motors, aero-efficient solar skin and high-tech rigid sail.

Each team is allocated the same amount of stored energy and it is left to the teams and drivers to manage the variables to win the race. The winner is determined by total elapsed time combined with the energy efficiency factor.

Spectators at the Mercedes Benz Formula Zero racing Series are treated to a new dimension of racing as the transparent track is visible from all perspectives - even from below!

Designers:
Alan Barrington
George Yoo
Kevin Verduyn