Throughout the Nineteen Seventies, Mercedes-Benz rolled out a sequence of supercar ideas all named the C111, which served as testbeds for numerous applied sciences spanning all the pieces from powertrains to light-weight building to aerodynamic design.
Greater than a dozen had been constructed, with among the later C111 ideas used to set numerous information throughout high-speed testing at Italy’s Nardo check observe. The ultimate idea, the C111/IV, featured a 4.8-liter V-8 rated at 493 hp. It managed to achieve a high velocity of 251 mph throughout testing in 1979.
Mercedes has now revived the sequence with the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea. Unveiled on Thursday, the idea eschews the internal-combustion engine of its predecessors in favor of the most recent in electrical automobile powertrain know-how.
Mercedes is brief on particulars however confirmed the powertrain consists of a pair of axial-flux motors developed by YASA, an knowledgeable at high-performance electrical motors that Mercedes acquired in 2021. Axial-flux motors are each lighter and smaller than a standard radial-flux motor of comparable output. Nonetheless, manufacturing axial-flux motors is tougher, making them rather a lot much less price efficient. Mercedes plans to construct axial-flux motors at a plant in Berlin, with the primary software prone to be a devoted EV from AMG due across the center of the last decade.
The Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven can also be confirmed by Mercedes to function a brand new design for its battery. It options liquid cooling and makes use of a cylindrical cells with a chemistry just like what’s present in Method 1. In creating the battery, Mercedes leaned on its Mercedes-AMG Excessive Efficiency Powertrain division which builds the powertrains for the Mercedes F1 staff.
“The Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven combines breathtaking design with groundbreaking powertrain know-how,” Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief know-how officer, stated in an announcement. “Like its historic namesake, it explores new paths for the way forward for sporting efficiency.”
Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea
The outside of the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea might borrow liberally from the unique C111s, but it surely additionally introduces a extra excessive software of Mercedes’ One-Bow design kind. From the low entrance finish to the muscular rear, a easy bow-like form when considered from the facet offers the 46-inch tall idea a stable, nearly sculptural feel and appear.
Entry to the cabin is through a pair of gullwing doorways, which once more is a component borrowed from the unique C111s, in addition to the enduring 300SL gullwing sports activities automotive. And as an alternative of the race car-like look most supercars undertake for his or her interiors, the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven incorporates a extra lounge-like really feel. Mercedes stated this alternative of design displays a future the place even supercars will be capable of drive on their very own. Occupants will need a comfortable setting once they’re not centered on driving.
Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea
Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea
Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea
Mercedes stated the colours and supplies used within the idea are a glimpse of future luxurious. Shiny colours appeal to fast consideration, whereas recycled supplies ship a way of sustainability.
Like the unique C111 ideas, the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven is not supposed for manufacturing, although components of its design and know-how are prone to filter right down to future Mercedes vehicles sure for the showroom.
