If it is a concept, it does not mean that it will never make it to the road. The Mercedes-Benz IAA Concept almost made it already. Watch the urban transformer running free on a runway! Will it race the airplane?
Maybe the Mercedes-Benz IAA Concept cannot win the race against an airplane, but when it comes to aerodynamics, it surely is the next best thing.
Being the world champion of aerodynamics, with a 0.19 Cd value, the Mercedes-Benz IAA Concept starts its journey on the airplane strip. The car automatically changes shape at speeds of over 80 km/h. Eight segments will extend the car by 25 mm at the front and 20 at the rear to improve the air flow. As the speed grows, the Active Rims will modify their cupping from 55 mm to zero, becoming flat, perfectly aerodynamic disk wheels, while the louvre in the front bumper will automatically move toward the rear by 60 mm.
The ‘Mercedes-Benz IAA Concept is 5,040 mm long (5,430 mm in aerodynamic mode), 1,995 mm wide and 1,305 mm high. Its wheelbase measures 2,975 mm, and the front/rear track widths are 1,710 and 1,770 mm respectively.
The vehicle comes with classic sports car proportions displayed in a futuristic approach: the long bonnet flows aerodynamically into the compact greenhouse, with a glass roof sloping down towards the rear.
Replacing the traditional door openers, pulsating blue LEDs indicate where the touchpad to open the doors is located. A simple tap of the finger, like that operating your smartphone, will automatically open the doors.
The tail lights are a stand-out feature just as much, with a look of stardust or the glow of a jet engine. Mercedes-Benz promises that the ‘stardust look’ lights will make their debut in a series-produced model at the beginning of 2016.
The concept car is propelled by a petrol engine combined with an electric one, summing up the plug-in hybrid technology with a total output of 205 kW (279 HP). This guarantees an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The spaceship-like cockpit in white and anthracite with red and blue ambient lighting, cut glass and aluminium certify that the IAA Concept is indeed, the car of the future. It is all based on flowing lines, high-quality materials and touch technology.
Whether the IAA Concept is destined for showrooms or just showstands, we’ll live and see. For now, let’s just enjoy the ride into the future.
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