The Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven is concurrently a nod to a sequence of iconic idea automobiles, whereas additionally a preview of future expertise.
A lot as the unique C 111 idea of 1969 and its subsequent iterations previewed expertise that may later attain manufacturing, the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven employs new powertrain expertise.
Quite a bit has modified for the reason that C 111 ideas, so there’s no mid-mounted rotary, turbo-diesel or petrol engine right here. As a substitute, the Imaginative and prescient One Eleven employs a pair of latest axial-flux electrical motors provided by wholly owned subsidiary YASA.
The corporate says axial-flux motors are considerably lighter and extra compact but extra highly effective than the radial-flux motors utilized in virtually all electrical automobiles.
British agency YASA, which Mercedes-Benz acquired in 2021, additionally says its motors have greater and extra enduring energy reserves, which firm founder Tim Woolmer says “delivers an entire new degree of efficiency”.
The axial-flux motors additionally weigh merely a 3rd of what a present electrical motor with the identical energy output weighs, whereas taking on one-third of the house.
Mercedes-Benz says future YASA axial-flux motors will likely be produced on the Mercedes-Benz Berlin-Marienfelde plant and “will likely be on the coronary heart of the forthcoming powertrain for the efficiency section”.
The Imaginative and prescient One Eleven additionally encompasses a “new battery idea” with high-performance liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with “a novel cell chemistry”, with the corporate tapping the motorsport specialists from Mercedes-AMG Excessive Efficiency Powertrain in Brixworth to develop the expertise.
The idea is probably the most excessive instance of Mercedes’ “one-bow” exterior design language, as seen on the newest EQ merchandise, with easy surfaces and loads of curves.
The gullwing doorways are a nod to not solely the C 111 ideas but in addition the enduring 300 SL, whereas the aspect home windows uniquely supply a pixelated camouflage.
Mercedes-Benz says the large-diameter wheels have a design “evocative of electrical motor windings”, hinting at what powers the Imaginative and prescient One Eleven.
The entrance and rear skirts are completed in matte black, and are visually linked by two “blade profiles” operating down the perimeters of the automotive with parts backlit in blue.
Up entrance, the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven evokes the C 111 with its spherical lighting and black air intakes however has a futuristic twist, with the panel incorporating the headlights really serving as a show with a 3D pixelated look.
This pixelated look continues on the rear, with spherical tail lights additionally built-in right into a full-width exterior show. There’s additionally a distinguished diffuser and blue backlighting.
It’s completed in a equally daring orange color to the unique C 111, although Mercedes-Benz says it has a “extra highly effective” end that adjustments with the sunshine.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz says the idea “presents the primary sports activities automotive inside with a lounge idea”, reflecting “the paradigm shift from self-driven sports activities automotive to autonomous electrical automobile inside the tremendous sports activities automotive section [which] unites two utterly completely different states of being”.
In race mode, the inside is alleged to be that of a minimalist driving machine, whereas in lounge mode the diamond-quilted seats are built-in into the “inside sculpture”, which merges the sills, centre tunnel and baggage compartment right into a single unit, and the backrests might be adjusted.
The seat cushions are built-in flush-fit into the ground, to offer the impression of a System 1 race automotive. This theme is sustained with the orange four-point harnesses.
The extra compact electrical motors have allowed the designers to increase the inside rearwards, permitting for a extra ethereal, linge-like cabin.
Giant are completed in white material, constituted of 100 per cent recycled polyester, whereas parts just like the armrests are completed in shiny orange leather-based that’s tanned utilizing espresso bean husks. Polished aluminium trim, used on the steering wheel and pedals amongst different locations, supplies additional distinction.
Just like the entrance and rear ends, there’s a full-width pixellated show within the cabin, too – a retro-futuristic tackle the MBUX Hyperscreen.
You mightn’t have the ability to purchase a Imaginative and prescient One Eleven, however Mercedes-Benz will fortunately promote you some branded merchandise.
The “unique life-style assortment” consists of an in a single day bag, sun shades, a hoodie, cap and telephone cowl, all branded Restricted Version 1 of 111. They’re accessible from August.
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