The Mercedes Vision One is a prototype that recovers the spirit of the legendary Mercedes C111, a mid-engine sports car that was a test laboratory in the 70s. The new concept car combines futuristic design with state-of-the-art electrical mechanics, promising unprecedented power and efficiency. We tell you all the details of this spectacular car that anticipates the future of Mercedes.
The Mercedes C111 was a project that began in 1969 and had several versions until 1979. The goal was to create a high-performance sports car, which would serve as a test bed to experiment with different types of engines, such as rotary, diesel or turbo. The car was never marketed, but several prototypes were made that were exhibited at motor shows and broke several speed records. The most famous was the C111-II, which was introduced in 1970 and had a four-rotor, 350 hp rotary engine. Its fiberglass body had an aerodynamic wedge shape, with gull-wing doors that opened upwards. Its metallic orange color earned it the nickname “papaya mango”.
A tribute to the past with a view to the future
The Mercedes Vision One is a tribute to the C111-II, but adapted to current times and electric mobility. The car maintains the wedge shape, gull-wing doors and orange color, but with a more modern and aggressive design. The front has an illuminated grille with the Mercedes logo and round headlights reminiscent of those of the C111-II. The wheel arches are very marked and house 21-inch wheels. The rear has a large diffuser and a rear grille illuminated with the name of the car. The car has dimensions of 4.73 meters long, 2.10 meters wide and 1.17 meters high.
Its design has been praised by the specialized critics, who have considered it one of the most spectacular and attractive concept cars of recent years. The car combines the spirit of the legendary C111 with a futuristic and ecological vision, which anticipates the direction that Mercedes will follow in its next sports models. The car has also aroused the interest of the public, who have been able to admire it at different events and exhibitions, such as the Frankfurt Motor Show or the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Luxurious and technological interior
It has a luxurious and technological interior, which adapts to the preferences and needs of the driver. The car has four seats, although the rear ones are very small and only suitable for children or luggage. The front seats are made of orange leather and have an ergonomic and wraparound design. The dashboard is minimalist and dominated by a large touchscreen that integrates the infotainment system, navigation and car settings. The steering wheel is made of carbon fiber and has buttons that allow you to change the driving mode.
The model offers two driving modes: Race and Lounge. In Race mode, the driver can enjoy the experience behind the wheel, with a sporty position and intuitive controls. The car offers agile and precise response, with impressive acceleration and braking. The sound of the electric motor is amplified by speakers to create a more exciting feeling. It also has a driving assistance system that warns the driver of possible obstacles or dangers on the road.
In Lounge mode, the car becomes autonomous and the driver can relax in a reclining seat, while enjoying augmented reality offered by special glasses. These glasses allow the driver to see information about the environment, such as street names, points of interest or leisure recommendations. They can also be used to watch movies, listen to music, or make video calls. The car is responsible for driving safely and efficiently, adapting to traffic and weather conditions. The car also has a communication system with other vehicles and infrastructures, which allows it to anticipate possible situations and optimize the route.
Revolutionary electrical mechanics
The Mercedes Vision One is a 100% electric car, which uses an axial flow engine from the British company YASA, owned by Mercedes. This type of engine is lighter, more compact and more powerful than the radial flow motors used in most electric cars today. The engine of the Vision One is located on the rear axle and is powered by a lithium-ion battery that occupies the entire floor of the car.
An axial flow motor is characterized by having the magnetic field parallel to the axis of rotation, which allows it to take better advantage of the winding and reduce the size and weight. In addition, it generates less heat and has greater strength and efficiency. According to YASA, its engines have a superior power-to-weight ratio, infinitely repeatable performance and optimal ease of manufacture.
The engine of the Mercedes Vision One has an estimated power of about 600 hp, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in less than 3 seconds and reach a maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km / h. The car also features an energy recovery system that takes advantage of braking and deceleration to recharge the battery.
The battery has a capacity of about 100 kWh, which gives it a range of about 500 km according to the WLTP cycle. The battery can be recharged using a fast charging system that allows 80% of the charge to be recovered in about 20 minutes. The battery also has a liquid cooling system that prevents overheating and improves performance.
The Mercedes Vision One is one of the first electric cars to use an axial flow engine, a technology that promises to revolutionize the sector for its advantages over conventional engines. The car combines a futuristic design with state-of-the-art electrical mechanics, which makes it a benchmark in the segment of electric sports cars.
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