Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept Vehicle

[cawimmer430]

This thing looks pretty good IMO. I always liked their Bionic Car Concept (what a cool and wacky idea to study the efficient underwater low-drag aerodynamics of a fish!) and this car looks like a direct descendant of it. I could see this thing replacing the current A- and B-Classes. This exact color scheme should be used if they make it! 


   

Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept Vehicles Set To Debut At The North American International Motor Show In Detroit



According to the all-seeing eyes and all-knowing minds at Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes is on the verge of introducing three new alternatively powered "BlueZero" concept vehicles ? a feat they'll perform at next month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 11th-25th; get your tickets while they're hot).  Titled the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell, the BlueZero E-Plus Cell and the BlueZero F-Cell, the three models make use of a lithium-ion electric drive, a lithium-ion electric drive plus an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell system, respectively.

In the Mercedes BlueZero E-Cell (powered only by a lithium-ion electric drive system, remember), range is expected to be about 75 miles. In the fuel cell powered Mercedes BlueZero F-Cell, range is expected to double, thanks to the electric motor's ability to act as a generator, thus charging the battery during various stages of operation (much like the S400 BlueHYBRID). And in the BlueZero E-Plus Cell, a rear-mounted three-cylinder turbo petrol engine borrowed from the smart fortwo is rumored to give the part gas, part electric model an operating range of some 372 miles, with another 75 miles on tap operating in purely electric mode.

How this information was derived isn't clear, but judging by the commonality of Mercedes' various "leaks," I'd expect when the North American International Auto Show opens its doors next month the majority of Auto Motor und Sport's assessments will be spot on.

Time will tell, but in the meantime, keep scrolling to see a number of photos depicting one of the Mercedes BlueZero concept vehicles (click to enlarge), then head over to Auto Motor und Sport where you can check out their full article translated from German for your reading entertainment.

Enjoy ladies and gentlemen.

[Autobahn]

While the design is certainly debatable I love to see this.

There are a few reasons why I applaud Mercedes for doing these cars:
1. They finally make use of the sandwhich floor concept they introduced in 1997 with the W168 A-Class. It has been there for the exact reason to put in batteries and fuel cells from the beginning. However, they completely missed to put it to use in the production models. I really hope we see this happen soon!

2. This means that they continue the A/B in the VANesque style they are in today. Thank you Mercedes. Finally you realized that people like me want cars that have premium feel and equipment with decent room while not being efficient and not being large land yachts.

After 5 Mercedes A-Classes I will continue to be one of your customers if you bring this car (maybe with a slightly reworked frontend )

[cawimmer430]

While the design is certainly debatable I love to see this.

There are a few reasons why I applaud Mercedes for doing these cars:
1. They finally make use of the sandwhich floor concept they introduced in 1997 with the W168 A-Class. It has been there for the exact reason to put in batteries and fuel cells from the beginning. However, they completely missed to put it to use in the production models. I really hope we see this happen soon!

2. This means that they continue the A/B in the VANesque style they are in today. Thank you Mercedes. Finally you realized that people like me want cars that have premium feel and equipment with decent room while not being efficient and not being large land yachts.

After 5 Mercedes A-Classes I will continue to be one of your customers if you bring this car (maybe with a slightly reworked frontend )