Daimler unveiled their F-CELL Roadster back in 2009, it was the latest in their line of “F-Series” concept vehicles (past Mercedes research models can be seen here), and as you’ll see, it drew its inspiration from a diverse variety of automotive eras.  From a functional standpoint, it’s a roadster fitted with a 1.2 kW hybrid drive – one that allowed the F-CELL to reach a top speed of 15 mph and achieve an operating range of  217 miles.  From a design standpoint, however, is where the F-CELL Roadster truly shined, as it managed to blend the overall aura of the original Benz patent motor car with the seating and fiberglass front section both drawn from elements of Formula One racing.

As for who was responsible for creating the unique F-CELL Roadster, that honor went to the trainees of of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen plant, with more than 150 trainees and dual education system students having worked for about a year on the overall concept, development, assembly, and completion of the hybrid model.  According to Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig in 2009:  “This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training.  I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project.”

Carl Benz designed his famous Patent Motor Car over 125 years ago in 1886 based on the principal that research is a motor of progress. He calculated, tinkered, discarded ideas – and in the end went on to build a vehicle that apart from the wheels had little in common with previous ones.

Daimler is the world’s oldest car manufacturer and successes have always been due to the in-depth research and innovation. The Mercedes-Benz brand adopted this prinicipal and in turn seen the same successes. Engineering under the three-pointed star is always ahead of its time, setting the standards on a global scale. This applies particularly to the company’s research cars, the features that designers and engineers realise in the fully operational research cars often extend far into the future – but every now and then, one of these features will find its way into a current Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Daimler has devoted itself to this path of innovation over the years and has presented research vehicles to the public at almost regular intervals. These reflect a recent chapter in the company’s 125-year history – and a very exciting one indeed, because a look at the past and current research vehicles is both retrospective and preview of the future of the automobile – for instance, the F 800 Style research car from Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz C 111-I with a three-rotor Wankel-engine, 1969

Mercedes-Benz has always been testing new automotive concepts on fully operational vehicles. This has been done even more systematically from 1969. In the C 111, the Wankel or rotary-piston engine was tested initially, later to be followed by other drive systems. This car was thus one of the forerunners of the research cars. The latter’s history began in 1978 with the “Auto 2000” with which Mercedes-Benz engaged in in-depth basic research for new automobiles. It was followed by the NAFA in 1981. The more recent lineup began with the F 100 of 1991 – the “F” standing for the German word for research car. Since then, research cars all fitting the description “holistic” have been produced with almost infallible regularity: they serve not just to test single components but often demonstrate an entirely new vehicle concept in the form of a ready-to-drive automobile incorporating many forward-looking technologies.

Apart from research cars, the company distinguishes several other types of vehicle which serve to develop new models.

Technology vehicles are production cars equipped with new technology for the purpose of testing. For example, Daimler’s Research division used several modified A-Class cars to test fuel cell systems and drives, before this technology was brought onto the market in small series production with the B-Class F-CELL.

Test vehicles are close relatives of the research cars. They serve to put new technologies from the research labs out onto the test track to try them out in practical operation.

Concept cars at Daimler AG are near-production ready-to-drive vehicle studies. They position a future vehicle model in the market. One example is the Study A of 1993 which shows several characteristic attributes of the subsequent A-Class. Concept cars are equipped with new technology which already sees use in production cars or will soon reach production standard.

Vehicle studies are feasibility studies that show new ideas in the form of a complete automobile. But they usually are not roadworthy. This category includes NAFA, a short-distance vehicle study which originated 30 years ago. It had a short, high body and thus was a forerunner of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the smart city fortwo.

From idea to finished research car

• Engineers and designers come up with concepts for the mobility of the future
• Two years of development from the visionary idea to the finished reseach car
• Every research car has a different technological focus

Daimler research cars are fully operational because they are supposed to make new technology experienceable, drivable, and assessable. They then fulfill their purpose, which is to provide insights into the automobile of tomorrow. Each of these special cars follows the concept of holism. It is not single components which are being tested; rather the entire vehicle springs from an original idea. That this calls some conventions into question, that unusual solutions may cause astonishment or enthusiasm, is all part of the visionary brainwork for the automobile of the future.

As a result, the sometimes very unusual concepts stimulate public discussion of tomorrow’s mobility and provide important indications to the market researchers at Daimler as to what customers want and need. For the cars are oriented to customers, and research must be oriented to the future. Designers, engineers and marketing experts jointly draw up the technical specifications for a new research car. Each car is a reflection of a clear strategy – sometimes it stresses the technological competence of the company, sometimes ergonomics, sometimes driving safety. The designers and engineers then have their work cut out for them complying with all the specifications that result from the visionary ideas.

From autumn 1981 the “Auto 2000” research car was used to test new engine and aerodynamic concepts

It requires thinking up something entirely new and unusual. The original ideas are constantly reviewed for feasibility, with information technology and its simulation tools being a great help. If it works on the screen, the approval for made-to-measure manufacture is given. Practically every part of a research car is manufactured to order, a costly procedure: electronic systems are drafted, the interior compartment is redesigned and set up, the bodywork formed. It is not simply a question of setting up a technical product. Every vehicle feature reflects great attention to detail and the striving for the highest possible quality of workmanship. It takes some two years before a research car is ready to drive.

One of the most anticipated premieres at this year’s Auto China was the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé, considered a rebel when it comes to it’s nonconformist styling.  Technical highlights include its headlamp design featuring innovative indicators, the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 155 kW (211 hp) and the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC. The the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé measures in at length/width/height: 4637/1891/1398.

“The Concept Style Coupé is expressive and powerful in its design”, said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We are staking our claim very clearly here. This is the model against which sporty vehicles in the executive segment will have to measure themselves in future.”

Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz emphasized that “The almost production-standard Concept Style Coupé sets a new benchmark for avantgarde design in the executive segment”, “Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom.”

Provocative and masculine: the exterior

Its breathtakingly sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design idiom, featuring the interplay between concave and convex surfaces that is so typical for Mercedes, give this four-door coupé its unmistakable look.

Among its most striking features are the way the bonnet with its powerdomes is set right into the front end assembly, as well as its diamond-look grille, which follows through on design cues set by the Concept A-CLASS. The paint finish of the concept vehicle is in Alubeam – a colour that helps to emphasise the sculptural quality of its lines.

The innovative headlamps of the Concept Style Coupé are reminiscent of the ever wary, almost intimidating eyes of a predatory animal. In standby mode they shine red. Another special feature are the indicators: individual points of light light up in succession, rather like a piano keyboard.

Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third line extends upward in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Together, these lines lend more depth and dynamism to the side profile. The ripple design of the prominent exterior mirrors takes advantage of the design freedoms enjoyed by a concept car.

The same is true of the 21-inch wheels, with their very sporty turbine design. Perforated pins on the spokes pick up once again on the diamond-theme of the radiator grille. The Concept Style Coupé features frameless side windows.

A large panoramic roof creates a light and airy interior. A metal rib, the shape of which evokes a roll-over bar, separates the roof from the rear windscreen, which in turn flows down to merge smoothly into the tail end. The avantgarde lines of the Coupé are further emphasised by the way the tail lights, with their metallic-red colouring, taper to a sharp point both to the front and toward the rear centre. An integrated dual-flow exhaust system underlines the car’s sporty credentials and gives added width to the tail end. A narrow rear diffuser picks up again on the dotted pattern of the diamond grille.

High-grade sportiness: the interior

The interior opens up to reveal taut, expressively sculptured surfaces. The structure of the instrument panel is reminiscent of an outstretched wing, with a large carbon-fibre trim panel that spans its full width, giving it the elegance and distinctive appeal of a coupé. Standing proud from the instrument cluster are the two tubes, similarly in carbon fibre and individually glazed. When the indicator is activated, a ring lights up in the tubes.

Flowing back in a long, continuous wave from the instrument panel is the centre console. Embedded in this is an intricately designed fan module for the two rear seats, which also incorporates a stowage compartment.

The world of fashion provided the inspiration for the colour mix of light grey and anthracite. A fresh, sporty touch is added by neon green piping and topstitching, which appear on the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat and door centre panels, amongst other places.

Fine materials combine with high-grade workmanship to set a new benchmark for quality. There has been no stinting on the use of leather, either: the instrument panel is upholstered in white nubuck leather, providing an interesting contrast with the anthracite-coloured Alcantara® used on the upper section of the instrument panel. Suede is used on the sports steering wheel to ensure better grip. All chrome trim elements and control panels now for the first time feature a black anodised finish, as seen on top-of-the-range limited Sports Edition chronograph watches. The surfaces around the HMI control panel have the glossy shimmer of black anodised aluminium.

The four integral seats with integrated head restraints are already familiar from the Sports version of the new A-Class. An electroplated insert in the upper part of the seat adds to the impression of lightness and is illuminated.

The design of the air vents in the instrument panel evokes an aircraft jet engine. As in the Concept A-CLASS they are backlit and change colour according to the temperature set by the occupants for the climate control system. When cool, fresh air is being brought into the car, they are blue, but they light up red when the airflow is warm. At a mid-range temperature setting the vents are illuminated in fluorescent yellow, and thus match the colour of the piping perfectly.

“Always on”, even in the car: the multimedia system

With COMAND Online and the various Mercedes-Benz apps developed specifically to be used and controlled while on the move, as well as with the ability to browse the internet when the vehicle is stationary, the occupants of the Concept Style Coupé are “always on” and able to maintain their digital lifestyle at all times.

Mercedes-Benz is firmly convinced that the future lies with cloud computing. The software for the COMAND Online applications is not stored in the vehicle, but runs off the Daimler Vehicle Backend. The advantage is that the system can be updated with new applications “over-the-air” (OTA) through a mobile phone connection, without needing to take the car into the workshop. The software is thus always up to date, irrespective of the development cycles of either the vehicles or the consumer electronic devices.

Sportiness in tune with the times: the engine

Sporty driving dynamics coupled with exemplary efficiency are the hallmarks of the engine of the Concept Style Coupé. Powerful wheel-hub drive is provided by the 2.0-litre version of the new petrol engine generation with 155 kW (211 hp), combined here with the efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

Among the highlights of the four-cylinder engine are its direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system and extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according to need.

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled photos of their long-awaited compact sedan concept.  Mercedes has tagged it the Concept Style Coupe or as it will become known, the CSC.  The showcar will make its public debut at Auto China in Beijing beginning April 23. Technical highlights include its striking headlamp design featuring innovative indicators, the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 208 hp (155 kW) and the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC.

The ripple design of the prominent exterior mirrors takes advantage of the design freedoms enjoyed by a concept car. This can also be said for the 20-inch wheels, with sporty turbine design. Perforated pins on the spokes pick up once again on the diamond-theme of the radiator grille. Another special feature seen on the Concept Style Coupé are the frameless side windows and no B-pillar.

Power is provided by the 2.0-liter version of the new gas engine generation with 208 hp (155 kW), combined here with the efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.  Among the highlights of the four-cylinder engine are its direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system and extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according to need.

Click to skip straight to the photo gallery.

Press Release

The heartbeat of a new generation grows stronger all the time: with its Concept Style Coupé, appearing at this year’s Auto China (April 23 to May 2), Mercedes-Benz will be making a convincing statement in favor of avantgarde design among sporty executive coupés.

The four-door coupé is a rebel when it comes to style: nonconformist, provocative and masculine. Technical highlights include its striking headlamp design featuring innovative indicators, the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 208 hp (155 kW) and the all-wheel drive system 4MATIC.

“The Concept Style Coupé is expressive and powerful in its design”, said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We are staking our claim very clearly here. This is the model against which sporty vehicles in the executive segment will have to measure themselves in future.”

“The almost production-standard Concept Style Coupé sets a new benchmark for avantgarde design in the executive segment”, emphasized Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom.”

Following a brief appearance at Mercedes-Benz’ second Avant/Garde Diaries festival curated by Mike D from the Beastie Boys, the Transmission LA: The Audio Visual Club event in Los Angeles (April 19 to May 10), the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé (length/width/height: 4637/1891/1398) will be celebrating its official world premiere at Auto China in Beijing.

Provocative and masculine: the exterior

Its breathtakingly sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design idiom, featuring the interplay between concave and convex surfaces that is so typical for Mercedes, give this four-door coupé its unmistakable look.

Among its most striking features is the way the hood, with its powerdomes, is set right into the front end assembly, as well as its diamond-look grille, which follows through on design cues set by the Concept A-CLASS. The paint finish of the concept vehicle is in Alubeam – a color that helps to emphasize the sculptural quality of its lines.

The innovative headlamps of the Concept Style Coupé are reminiscent of the intimidating eyes of a predatory animal. In standby mode they shine red. Another special feature are the indicators: individual points of light light up in succession, similar to a piano keyboard.

Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge over the wings flows towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third line extends upward in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. Together, these lines lend more depth and dynamism to the side profile. The ripple design of the prominent exterior mirrors takes advantage of the design freedoms enjoyed by a concept car.

The same is true of the 20-inch wheels, with their very sporty turbine design. Perforated pins on the spokes pick up once again on the diamond-theme of the radiator grille. The Concept Style Coupé features frameless side windows and has no B-pillar.

A large panoramic roof creates a light and airy interior. A metal rib, the shape of which evokes a roll-over bar, separates the roof from the rear windscreen, which in turn flows down to merge smoothly into the tail end. The avantgarde lines of the Coupé are further emphasised by the way the tail lights, with their metallic-red colouring, taper to a sharp point both to the front and toward the rear centre. An integrated dual-flow exhaust system underlines the car’s sporty credentials and gives added width to the tail end. A narrow rear diffuser picks up again on the dotted pattern of the diamond grille.

High-grade sportiness: the interior

The interior opens up to reveal taut, expressively sculptured surfaces. The structure of the instrument panel is reminiscent of an outstretched wing, with a large carbon-fiber trim panel that spans its full width, giving it the elegance and distinctive appeal of a coupé. Standing proud from the instrument cluster are the two tubes, similarly in carbon fiber and individually glazed. When the indicator is activated, a ring lights up in the tubes.

Flowing back in a long, continuous wave from the instrument panel is the center console. Embedded in this is an intricately designed fan module for the two rear seats, which also incorporates a stowage compartment.

The world of fashion provided the inspiration for the color mix of light grey and anthracite. A fresh, sporty touch is added by neon green piping and topstitching, which appear on the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat and door centre panels, amongst other places.

Fine materials combine with high-grade workmanship to set a new benchmark for quality. The instrument panel is upholstered in white nubuck leather, providing an interesting contrast with the anthracite-colored Alcantara used on the upper section of the instrument panel. Suede is used on the sports steering wheel to ensure better grip. All chrome trim elements and control panels now for the first time feature a black anodised finish, as seen on top-of-the-range limited Sports Edition chronograph watches. The surfaces around the HMI control panel have the glossy shimmer of black anodised aluminum.

The four integral seats with integrated head restraints are already familiar from the Sports version of the new A-Class. An electroplated insert in the upper part of the seat adds to the impression of lightness and is illuminated.

The design of the air vents in the instrument panel evokes an aircraft jet engine. As in the Concept A-CLASS they are backlit and change colour according to the temperature set by the occupants for the climate control system. When cool, fresh air is being brought into the car, they are blue, but they light up red when the airflow is warm. At a mid-range temperature setting the vents are illuminated in fluorescent yellow, and thus match the color of the piping perfectly.

“Always on”, even in the car: the multimedia system

With COMAND Online and the various Mercedes-Benz apps developed specifically to be used and controlled while on the move, as well as with the ability to browse the internet when the vehicle is stationary, the occupants of the Concept Style Coupé are “always on” and able to maintain their digital lifestyle at all times.

Mercedes-Benz is firmly convinced that the future lies with cloud computing. The software for the COMAND Online applications is not stored in the vehicle, but runs off the Daimler Vehicle Backend. The advantage is that the system can be updated with new applications “over-the-air” (OTA) through a mobile phone connection, without needing to take the car into the workshop. The software is thus always up to date, irrespective of the development cycles of either the vehicles or the consumer electronic devices.

Sportiness in tune with the times: the engine

Sporty driving dynamics coupled with exemplary efficiency are the hallmarks of the engine of the Concept Style Coupé. Powerful wheel-hub drive is provided by the 2.0-liter version of the new gas engine generation with 208 hp (155 kW), combined here with the efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

Among the highlights of the four-cylinder engine are its direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system and extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according to need.

BDNT is the result of a joint R&D venture between Daimler AG and BYD Company Limited, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd.  At next year’s Auto China in Beijing, BDNT will be showing off their electric vehicle Design Concept to the public for the first time.

In April 2012, BDNT will be present at the motor show with an own appearance, showcasing BDNT’s green vision, the new brand’s identity, including brand name, logo and positioning as well as the Concept Car’s exterior and interior design. The Concept Car is going to give a first outlook on BDNT’s fully electric vehicle that is scheduled to be launched in 2013.

In the meantime, the Shenzhen-based joint venture is making good progress on the production model of the car. Recently, work on building up the electric vehicle’s first prototypes has started with the target to have them running by springtime next year. The joint venture will use BYD’s excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems and Daimler’s know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety.

Furthermore Daimler’s quality philosophy has been incorporated from a very early stage – not only to safeguard the vehicle’s quality but also to contribute the company’s long-standing expertise with quality management along the supply chain and production processes.

Production of the new generation of compact to mid-size electric vehicles in Shenzhen is going to be closely accompanThe 50:50 R&D Joint Venture between Daimler AG and BYD Company Limited, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. (BDNT), is going to show a Design Concept of the future joint venture electric vehicle to the public for the first time during next year’s Auto China in Beijing.

The supplier sourcing for the new vehicle is nearly completed. Both partners have decided to sign a number of China-based international as well as local suppliers.

For those of you unfamiliar with BDNT, here is a brief overview.

In 2010, Daimler and BYD signed the contract for a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called “Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd,” (BDNT) that will develop an electric vehicle in and for China. End of February 2011 BDNT has received its business license from Chinese authorities – just a few months after signing the JV contract. The vehicle will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by the joint venture company BDNT.

Electric vehicles are especially well-suited for urban driving. With its many metropolitan areas, China has the potential to be among the world’s largest markets for zero-emission vehicles. Daimler and BYD are determined not only to participate in this growth of electric mobility in China but to accelerate it even further.

Mercedes-Benz is preparing a bona fide foe for the popular Audi TT Roadster in the shape of the long-awaited SLA, according to Australia’s GoAuto. The two-seat soft-top convertible is expected to hit the streets in 2013 with a starting price around $65,000. Though originally based on the Mercedes A-Class, speculation has the Mercedes SLA being based on the new B-Class architecture meaning the SLA will be the first roadster for Mercedes-Benz to have front-wheel-drive.

Engines expected in the SLA include a 1.6-litre turbo-charged direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engines, mated to Mercedes’ upcoming seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. Also possible for the Mercedes-Benz SLA is a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel models.

Information on the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA Concept is below.

The facts

• Vehicle: Vision SLA
• When: January 2000
• Where: North American International Auto Show, Detroit
• What: Compact roadster
• Drivetrain: Four-stroke, four-cylinder petrol engine, 1.9 litre displacement, 92 kW (125 hp), front-wheel drive, five-speed manual transmission

Technical highlights

• Lightweight hybrid bodywork consisting of aluminium sections and panels and high-grade plastics
• LED rear light clusters
• Introduced 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199)
• LED turn signals Introduced 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199)
• Carbon fibre bucket seats
• Introduced 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199)

‘Arousing curiosity … firing the emotions … thinking ahead … anticipating the future and translating new ideas into reality – the designers at the Mercedes Technology Centre in Sindelfingen certainly have an interesting job. Their “present” is the future. And sometimes they give us glimpses of that future by bringing out concept cars – cars which show us how we will be getting around in a number of years’ time. The new Vision SLA is one such glimpse.’

This was how Mercedes-Benz introduced the Vision SLA when it made its public debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2000. A small roadster based on the A-Class, the Vision SLA’s aim was to translate the appeal and driving enjoyment of the SL series into an altogether smaller segment.

Reflecting its A-Class parentage Vision SLA had compact dimensions, with an exterior length of 3.77 metres promising a nippy driving experience – the SLK (R 170) was 20 centimetres longer, the SL (R 230) no less than 73 centimetres longer. Key design features of the compact roadster concept included powerfully sculpted fenders, a sharply raked windshield, large doors and a gently slanting rear in the style of the legendary Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows. Two particularly innovative features were a prominent front fin and a V-shaped nose borrowed from the SLR high-performance sports car, which incorporated a centrally positioned Mercedes star.

The bodywork sheltered advanced Mercedes-Benz engineering. A 1.9 litre engine developing a maximum output of 92 kW (125 hp) and maximum torque of 180 newton metres at 4000 rpm translated into an attractive performance , with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h. High active safety standards meanwhile were provided by the A-Class-derived, slightly modified chassis with Electronic Stability Program (ESPÒ) and Brake Assist.

With the bodywork, the staff from the advanced engineering and research departments had broken new ground. The Vision SLA had an innovative hybrid body structure consisting of aluminium sections and panels and high-grade plastics. This lightweight construction allowed Vision SLA to tip the scales at just 950 kilograms (DIN unladen weight).

The A-Class influence could be seen in the safety concept too. Although the open-top two-seater wasn’t built on the sandwich principle, in the event of a serious front-end impact it used the same bright idea as the A-Class of shunting the engine out of the way underneath the passenger compartment. The positioning of the engine at an angle ensured that in an impact it would slide down along the sturdy front floor panel without intruding into the passenger compartment. This gave Vision SLA the same high safety standards as larger Mercedes-Benz sedans. Roll-over protection was provided by sturdy roll-over bars behind the seats and by a reinforced front windshield frame.

Once again, lighting was an important development focus. At the rear, 30 high-performance LEDs, with prisms to disperse the light, provided a more effective rear warning system than conventional bulbs, particularly in conditions of poor visibility. It took the form of vertical bands. The powerful LED turn signals, housed on fins inside the light housings, were likewise innovative and designed to attract attention. High-performance LEDs were also used for the brake lights, which were mounted in the rear bumper and in the rear crossbar on the trunk lid. Evenly dispersed road illumination and a long beam range were provided by state-of-the-art xenon projector-beam headlamps which used two separate headlamps for the dipped beam and the high beam.

At the front, the transparent ends of a frontal fin spanning the full width of the car incorporated yellow high-performance LED turn signals, which were supplemented by repeater LEDs in the exterior mirror casings.

Inside, the accent was on lightweight design. The technical aspects were woven neatly together with styling features suggesting lightness and transparency, such as perforated sheet metal, aluminium rotary controls and aluminium instrument cylinders. Carbon fibre bucket seats, adopted in slightly modified form from the Vision SLR, continued the theme – they were approximately 25 per cent lighter than similarly specified conventional car seats.

The cockpit recalled sports cars and tourers of earlier years. The chronometer-style instruments normally supplied data only on speed, rpm, oil pressure, and fuel level. However, other displays appeared behind the dials when needed, in the event of a malfunction.

In all respects Vision SLA put the accent on a natural and unfiltered motoring experience. This was at the heart of this roadster’s charm and was reflected in the interior design. Carpeting and fabric upholstery had been dispensed with in favour of painted metal surfaces and dark brown, specially supplied saddle-quality leather. This leather was tanned using only vegetable matter, thus helping to preserve its very special character. A natural material with a strong air of quality, hard-wearing and also very breathable, it was used on the dashboard, on the insides of the doors and in areas exposed to frequent occupant contact, such as the steering wheel, the seat surfaces, the armrests in the doors and the floor. The cut edges were deliberately left visible, with light-coloured stitching providing a colour contrast and hand-finished effect.

Solar Cells, carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin, an infrared-reflective heat shield – it sounds a little like an equipment list for NASA. But in fact, these components are all found on the new smart forvision, set to be presented this month at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The joint vision between smart and BASF seeks to show the forward-thinking design that is being put into Daimler’s vehicles above and beyond the drive system.

“With the forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler’s think tank for urban mobility. We are presenting numerous world premieres that make uncompromising electric mobility possible. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle. This resulted in completely new concepts and materials in the areas of insulation, reflection, lightweight design and energy management. In addition to transparent organic solar cells, transparent and energy-saving light-emitting diodes and infrared-reflective films and coatings, high-performance foams are used for insulation against cold and heat. smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels”, says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “In conjunction with smart’s revolutionary DNA, we have designed a vehicle that is so unique that we can’t wait to take it out of the research laboratory and onto the roads!”

“Cars of the future need materials and technologies which reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the range and level of comfort. Our innovations make a decisive contribution to this”, says Dr. Christian Fischer, Head of BASF Polymer Research. “We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel.

Thanks to the combination of smart’s automotive expertise and BASF’s material and system competence a vehicle has been created which showcases technologies for sustainable and holistic electric mobility of the future. The researchers and designers intentionally realised a mixture of visionary materials and technologies in the concept vehicle – some of these are still at a laboratory stage, while others have a realistic chance of entering series production.

Energy efficiency: light and energy from above

The hexagonal transparent areas on the roof of the smart forvision are an eye-catching feature – as the first light-transmitting roof that also generates energy. Transparent solar cells covering the entire roof surface are the technology used here. They are based on organic dyes embedded in a sandwich roof. The transparent dyes of the solar cells are light-activated. Even in diffused light and poor light conditions they generate enough energy to power the multimedia components and the three fans that assist with climate management in the vehicle interior. If the vehicle is standing in the sun the ventilation is permanently operated with the help of these solar cells, keeping the car cool. This new photovoltaic technology opens up further efficiency potential and the energy generated can be used for further applications in the car.

There is an additional new feature under the solar cells: transparent OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) illuminate the vehicle interior when the door is opened or a button pressed. When switched off they allow for a clear view outside. This results in a glass roof effect during the daytime, whilst the areas are pleasantly illuminated without any dazzle at night. Thanks to a free choice of colors the new OLEDs do not only offer more design freedom, they also consume less than half as much energy as conventional energy-saving lamps.

Lightweight design: different, better, stylish

In the smart forvision a world first leads to a considerable weight reduction and a unique design: the first all-plastic wheel suitable for high-volume production. In its current development status, the wheel developed by BASF from a new high-performance material results in a considerable weight saving of three kilograms per wheel. Unlike conventional polyamide composite materials this new plastic has long reinforcing fibres which improve its mechanical properties. The result: excellent thermal and chemical stability, dynamic strength, toughness and good continuous operating characteristics. First intensive product tests at smart show the performance capability of the all-plastic wheel and confirm the potential for possible use in production vehicles.

In addition to the tridion passenger cell, further components such as the doors are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin – a high-performance composite material. The use of such materials enables a weight saving of more than 50 percent to be achieved compared with steel, or 30 percent compared with aluminium. Thanks to short hardening times the resin systems from BASF are also suitable for producing larger volumes.

Heating: close to the body and efficient

The multifunctional, comfortable and lightweight seats in the smart forvision offer a unique combination of efficient temperature management and an energy-saving lightweight design. Here, several innovative products are combined with one another for the first time. A new, lightweight, self-supporting plastic seat shell forms the basis.

Numerous studies have shown that the body only absorbs heat efficiently through certain contact points. This is why “e-textiles” – thin fabrics with custom-tailored conductive coatings – replace conventional seat heating in the smart forvision. With direct heating close to the body in the middle and lower back area of the seats they provide for a pleasant feeling of warmth. The energy, space and weight-saving e-textile technology is also found in the armrests of the doors and ensures that body contact points sensitive to the cold are also warmed in this area.

The innovations continue with the seat foam, which provides for both comfort and weight savings. The material from BASF is around 10 to 20 percent lighter than other materials and enables different degrees of hardness to be realised in different areas of the upholstery in a single work operation – resulting in clear ergonomic advantages.

Superabsorbent containing fleece fabric integrated in the seat greatly enhances seating comfort through its passive climate control. Compared with conventional climate-controlled seats the lightweight seat in the smart forvision does not have the complexity and energy requirement of mechanical ventilation.

Temperature management: heat stays outside

As a large amount of energy is needed to air condition and heat a vehicle, temperature management was a key focus area for the smart and BASF researchers. A whole package of measures has been implemented in the smart forvision to ensure more efficient air conditioning of the vehicle.

At the same time they make energy-intensive heating of the whole interior superfluous.

A heat shield that has not been previously used for automotive applications consists of a new kind of infrared-reflective film from BASF applied in the windscreen and side windows, protecting the car interior from heating up. Integrated between the panes of the safety glass the metal-free film ensures that the infrared rays are effectively reflected. Thanks to its high transparency in the visible range it can also be applied to tinted windows and guarantees an unprecedented level of reflection of sunlight and heat. Unlike metallized films, which are already used in some vehicles, the new film reflects only the infrared rays of the sun. Radio waves needed to use GPS, Bluetooth, mobile phones or for toll collection pass through the glass unhindered.

The high-performance foams from BASF fitted in the bodypanels also provide for a pleasant climate inside the car. They keep the vehicle pleasantly cool in summer and also insulate it against the cold in winter. Thanks to their high efficiency even in a small width, they can be fitted everywhere in the vehicle. With this innovative insulation system in the smart forvision, the two companies are breaking new ground in the automotive sector.

Cool coatings – cool interior

The infrared-reflective and extremely scratch-resistant coating system covers two important aspects at once. Firstly, it supports the extensive temperature management system and, secondly, the brilliant and high-quality look of the coating underlines the unique design of the smart forvision. The concept vehicle features a white special-effect coating with glass flakes that create a gleaming metallic look. An important side effect: the colour white reflects heat rays from sun and light particularly well. But even surfaces coated with dark colours stay much cooler thanks to special colour pigments from BASF. They ensure that heat radiation is reflected rather than absorbed. This leads to a temperature reduction of up to 20 degrees Celsius on the paint surface and of up to approximately four degrees in the vehicle interior.

Futuristic design trendsetter

Painted in pearl white and accentuated by the tridion safety cell coated with a copper-coloured liquid metal paint, there is a deliberate connection between the basic structure of the smart forvision and the design of the smart fortwo. Trendy yet high quality – the aluminium flakes in the liquid metal paintwork create a reflecting surface on the safety cell, changing between light and dark depending on the viewer’s perspective. Both the panels and the cell of the smart forvision are additionally painted with an extremely scratch-resistant clear coat.

The faceted side doors with integrated door openers are a real eye-catcher. Here, plastic is presented in a new, expressive and three-dimensional form; a reinterpretation that is only possible at smart thanks to the consistent use of plastic. The precise facets give the area stability and enable a smaller material thickness to be used. Optimal use is made of the possibilities offered by plastic as a material. In contrast, the front and rear have a softer design with smooth transitions from the doors. Just as the integrated door handle does not need an additional component, the familiar smart air inlet is represented by small hexagons located right on the outer skin.

The jet-like rear lights are reminiscent of small aircraft turbines and give the rear a futuristic and sporty look. Inside the lights, small propellers convey the air from the inside to the outside. In addition to all the light functions needed, transparent stacks in the form of rings around the lights also show the charge status of the battery during charging.

The headlamps are emphasised by a ring comprising the daytime driving lights and indicator functions. The lights add to the likeable expression of the smart forvision.

Doors open to the future

With a mix of polygonal surfaces and organic shapes the interior of the smart forvision builds a bridge to the architectural design handwriting of the exterior. This also applies to the colour concept: a cool white dominates in the interior as well, accentuated by the inner part of the instrument panel in liquid copper. Hexagons in the form of white rubber nubs on a white floor are a reference to the design idiom of the overall vehicle, as is the tone-in-tone design of the seat upholstery.

The faceted surface of the side doors is also found on their inside. The polygonal surfaces with integrated armrests and stowage compartments curve into the interior. They are painted in the body color and feature coloured LEDs. These guide the driver with a light animation running from the outside to the inside when the door is opened and closed. After closing the door the animation changes to unobtrusive ambient lighting.

The elliptical user interface with a copper coloured frame – matching the lightweight tridion – is semi-transparent when switched off. When the vehicle is switched on all cockpit information is then projected onto the transparent surface. The driver uses a touchscreen to switch between operating menus.

The white steering wheel that is reminiscent of an aircraft yoke additionally gives the cockpit a futuristic look. As well as function buttons the LED display for the battery charge status is found here.

Forward-looking technologies

The smart forvision not only shows that electric mobility can make emission-free driving possible. At the same time, it paves the way for new technologies in the automotive sector. Many of these innovations are based on nano technology, the key to the development of sustainable solutions. Nano materials serve as drivers of innovation in the automotive industry, as they do in the fields of construction, energy, healthcare and electronics.

The total of all technologies integrated in the concept vehicle make a perceptible contribution to increasing the range.

This is always at the centre of discussions relating to battery-electric driven vehicles. With maximum energy efficiency, intelligent temperature management and consistent lightweight construction it is possible to increase the range by up to 20 percent. An additional bonus for electric mobility of the future.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is due to roll-off the assembly line at the Mercedes-Benz Plant Sindelfingen in 2012 and if the recent reports are true, we may get a second smaller Shooting Brake a couple years later. Automotive News has reported that Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche has given approval for a second Shooting Brake model based on the upcoming Mercedes CLC that would go on sale in North American in 2014.

The CLC variant would be priced below the larger and more lavish CLS version and will ride on a MFA platform and be offered with a variety of petrol and diesel engines.

The five-door CLC Shooting Brake is expected to be heavily influenced by the Concept Shooting Brake and therefore will receive a sloping roof-line and a heavily-stylized rear end.

In 1993 Mercedes-Benz ventured into a completely new vehicle class with the revolutionary Vision A93 concept. The Concept A-Class signals the beginning of a new generation of smaller vehicles with expressive design. Celebrating its premiere at the New York and Shanghai Auto Shows, technical highlights of the Concept A-Class include front-wheel drive, a new turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine developing 210 hp, a dual clutch transmission and a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.

The Concept A-Class features a long hood, low silhouette, slim side windows and a sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces. “The Concept A-Class introduces the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom into the premium small car segment in a sculptured, light and expressive interpretation,” says Professor Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “We use the term ‘captured energy’ to express the sheer dynamism exuded by the Concept A-Class. Our formal sources of inspiration were the wind and waves, as well as aviation engineering, resulting in this “cool” look.”

New turbocharged gasoline engine, seven-speed dual clutch transmission

The front-wheel drive Concept A-Class ushers in a new premium small car era at Mercedes-Benz and includes a four-cylinder gasoline engine from the new M270 series. The engine was designed for transverse installation and thanks to direct injection and turbocharging offers high performance together with minimal emissions and fuel consumption. Other highlights of the all-aluminum engine include injection pressures of up to 2,900 psi and fast-acting piezo injectors.

The Concept A-Class is equipped with the two-liter variant of the new engine, developing 210 hp. This BlueEFFICIENCY engine is combined with the new Mercedes-Benz dual clutch transmission which has a three-shaft setup with seven forward gears. The transmission shifts automatically with no interruption in tractive power and therefore is more economical, sporty and comfortable.

Exterior design with defined edges and a free interplay of surfaces

One major characteristic of the new design idiom at Mercedes-Benz is the expressive interplay between lines and surfaces – which the designers refer to as a “clean” concept. Thanks to concave and convex surfaces with the resulting light modulation, this creates a unique sculpture-like presence. The Concept A-Class reinforces this theme of defined edges and interacting surfaces, which Mercedes- Benz first showed in the F800 Style. The side view is highlighted by three prominent lines: the front structural edge forms a dropping line towards the rear, while the pronounced shoulder muscle over the rear axle emphasizes the car’s coupelike character. A further line extends upwards in front of the rear wheel arch in a sweeping curve. These lines lend more depth and character to the side profile. The door handles are recessed into the doors and emerge electrically at the touch of a button.

The unusual wing-like structure of the exterior mirrors is suggestive of flow and lightness. Another prominent feature is the open side skirt, which creates an unique light-and-shadow effect. Reminiscent of a turbine rotor, the large 20-inch wheels reinforce the impression that the Concept A-Class has been shaped by the wind.

The front end of the Concept A-Class catches the eye with the Mercedes-Benz emblem surrounded by a star-filled sky. Where there are usually openings or louvers, the radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver “dots” on black stems. This theme is reflected in the design of the wheels.

The wide rear end exudes power and athleticism, and is enlivened by an interplay between convex/concave surfaces and pronounced edges. The tail lights continue the lines of the muscular shoulders towards the rear, emphasizing the car’s width with their horizontal orientation. The aerodynamic spoiler lip in the tail lights improves efficiency while the diffuser creates a downforce to aid handling.

Interior dominated by designs from aviation engineering

The interior of the Concept A-Class, which is flooded with light from the large panorama roof, appears to be from another planet. Many of the unusual features were inspired by aircraft engineering and reflect ideas from the “Mercedes-Benz Aesthetics No. 2” interior sculpture. Various component groups have been reduced to a minimum, for example the dashboard and center console are merely brushed aluminum structures. The result is a transparent, open, bionic design.

The eye-catching dashboard of the Concept A-Class takes the form of an aircraft wing and has a translucent, stretchable cloth covering. Thanks to this sophisticated fabric, which is vapor-coated with chrome particles, the bionic cellular structure of the dashboard remains visible – its design is reminiscent of a canvascovered aircraft wing with underlying struts. Dramatic backlighting highlights the futuristic instrument cluster which appears to float in space thanks to the translucent dashboard and lack of a conventional support structure. Its lines continue into the door paneling like vapor trails from the wings of a jet.

The air vents in the dashboard are inspired by the engines of a jet aircraft and the translucent backlit vents change color depending on the temperature the passengers have selected for the climate control system – they are blue if cool and red when the heat is on. The prominent gauges in the instrument cluster were inspired by the afterburner of a jet engine and are lit in red. The center console is designed as a high-tech flight control panel with a gear selector in the shape of a “thrust control” lever. With their molded-over head restraints and pronounced lateral support the seats are reminiscent of a pilot seat in a jet fighter.

Titanium and silver tones are combined with a light, elegant beige in the interior. Magenta is used to produce highlights that contrast with the car’s alubeam silver paint finish, which follows the dramatic contours of the exterior like liquid silver.

The Concept A-Class makes use of modern materials such as the high-tech covering on the dashboard, high-grade nubuk leather and metallic-finished leather, which is created by dying semi-aniline with metallic pigments followed by embossing. This links the 125-year tradition of the Mercedes-Benz brand and its future innovation.

COMAND Online with revolutionary graphic design offers ease of use for smartphone applications

A smartphone is fully integrated into the infotainment systems of the Concept AClass. When the phone is inserted into the recess provided in the center console, it is automatically synchronized with the COMAND multimedia system and all the functions of the smartphone, including internet radio, email and social networks such as Twitter or Facebook, are shown as applications on the 7-inch display and operated by the rotary/push control.

The visual presentation of the screen elements is unique with a deep, threedimensional look created by laser-like magenta-colored lines. This nearproduction display was created by designers and engineers at the Mercedes-Benz development laboratory in Palo Alto, California. The menus in the Concept AClass are in both English and Mandarin.

Headlamps with optical fibers produce a unique effect

A very special lighting effect is created by the headlamps of the Concept A-Class, as the innovative full-LED high-performance lights incorporate the starry sky motif of the radiator grille with numerous light points. The daytime running lamps are made of 90 optical fibers with aluminum sleeves and are arranged in a wingshape within the headlamp. The tentacle-like fibers form individual, diffused light sources to create a dramatic contrast between soft and bright.

The LED indicators appear to float freely within the headlamps like an enclosed air bubble in a perfume bottle and create a unique effect from any angle. The indicators are mounted in six chambers at the top of the headlamp and their vaporcoated reflectors remain invisible.

Familiar from the 2012MY CLS-Class, the LED high-performance headlamps of the Concept A-Class combine active lighting functions with LED technology. The projection module of these LED headlamps is no longer round but flatter and more aggressive. This distinct design is reinforced by the matte carbon-fiber housing, which contrasts with the aluminum surround of the projection module.

Optical fibers with aluminum sleeves are also used in the tail lights, using 120 fibers in the C-shaped tail light clusters to create a unique visual effect with their subtle glow. When braking, the continuous light band between the two tail lights also illuminates to make the Concept A-Class appear even wider. The turn signals are self-contained elements within the center of the tail lights. The housing of the tail light is made of carbon-fiber with the numerous red elements providing visual depth.

New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions

Safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz is showing yet another milestone in automotive safety technology in the Concept A-Class – a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist – a world first in the premium small car segment. This system gives a visual and acoustic warning to an inattentive driver and primes Brake Assist for a precise braking response as soon as the driver presses the brake pedal.

In contrast to other systems available in this class, the new Brake Assist Collision Prevention Assist is not merely an urban driving system designed to minimize the effects of minor collisions. Instead this innovative solution provides protection against typical rear-end collisions in all driving situations and Mercedes- Benz expects the new safety system to greatly improve accident statistics. Following detailed analyses of accident data, Mercedes-Benz safety specialists estimate that this radar-based technology can help to prevent around 20 percent of all rearend collisions, and mitigate the severity of a further 25 percent.

Here at eMercedesBenz we’re big fans of Mercedes renderings, and one of the best at creating Mercedes concepts we can only dream about is CWW Cardesign.  Over the past month they have completed a few new Mercedes-Benz concept renderings, so we thought it only fitting to share them with you.

The first Mercedes-Benz concept from CWW Cardesign is an AMG F1 Renntransporter / Parts Transporter, imagined to transport parts during an F1 race.  The next two renderings are cabriolets based on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Convertible and a Mercedes CL500 Convertible.  And if you haven’t already, make sure to check out their website as they have completed concept renderings of everything from a Mercedes 550 Kompressor to a Mercedes S770K Coupe.