Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new sports car concept, the Vision One-Eleven. This cutting-edge vehicle showcases a captivating blend of dynamic design and state-of-the-art all-electric powertrain technology.
Embodying the 21st-century style of Mercedes-Benz, the Vision One-Eleven boasts a supercar silhouette crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring the signature Mercedes-Benz One-Bow design. The development of this unique design concept reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s position as a brand synonymous with ICONIC LUXURY.
Notably, the car’s technical prowess includes the utilization of the highly efficient axial-flux motor, developed by electric motor specialist YASA. Since July 2021, YASA has operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, further enhancing the brand’s commitment to electric mobility.
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Drawing inspiration from the renowned C 111 experimental vehicles from the 1960s and 70s, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven pays homage to the legacy of these legendary cars, which were instrumental in testing groundbreaking Wankel and turbodiesel engines, as well as pioneering polymer-based bodyshells.
The mid-engine sports cars of that era are revered as design icons, admired for their sleek aerodynamics, iconic gullwing doors, and eye-catching orange-and-black paintwork.
Innovative Electric Powertrain:
The Mercedes Vision One-Eleven introduces an innovative electric powertrain that incorporates cutting-edge technologies. One of the key highlights is its groundbreaking battery concept, which utilizes high-performance liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with a novel cell chemistry. This concept integrates the expertise of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrain in Brixworth, known for their motorsport prowess, ensuring a promising and performance-oriented battery design for the future.
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In addition, the Vision One-Eleven is equipped with two highly advanced axial-flux motors from YASA, a renowned British electric-motor specialist based in Oxford. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with YASA to develop this technology further, aiming to achieve large-scale production readiness for their next-generation electric drives. This partnership grants Mercedes-Benz access to a unique and exceptional future technology, capable of elevating electric mobility to unprecedented levels of performance.
Exterior:
The exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven showcases the skillful implementation of the One-Bow design concept. The vehicle’s body flows smoothly from the low front end to the muscular rear, creating a sculptural appearance with its remarkably low height of just 1,170 mm.
This design is perfectly complemented by the eye-catching copper-orange alubeam paintwork, which pays homage to the iconic C 111 color while adding a more vibrant and dynamic touch that changes with the lighting conditions. The color not only exudes a sense of quality but also conveys a certain level of extravagance.
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The side view of the Vision One-Eleven boasts distinctive features, including flush-fit gullwing doors and pixelated patterned side windows, which appear opaque from the outside.
Additionally, the large-diameter wheels seamlessly integrate into the wheel arches beneath the flared wings, enhancing the vehicle’s sporty and aerodynamically refined aesthetics.
The wheel design incorporates elements reminiscent of electric motor windings, symbolizing the cutting-edge, all-electric powertrain that propels the Vision One-Eleven. This design contrast between the intricate wheel design and the sleek, minimalist surface creates a unique and characteristic appeal, representing the brand’s innovative design philosophy.
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Another notable design element is the striking contrast between the matte black finish of the extremely low front and rear skirts. These aerodynamic elements, featuring deep scoops, are visually connected by two blade profiles in the same matte black color that run along the sides beneath the sills.
The profiles are backlit in blue, adding a touch of sophistication. Besides their functional aerodynamic purpose, these design elements pay tribute to the C 111, which also features a black lower bodyshell. However, the “keel line” of the Vision One-Eleven creates an even stronger impression of seamless integration with the road surface, giving the car a fused and connected appearance with the ground beneath it.
Interior:
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven embodies a revolutionary lounge concept, marking a significant departure from traditional self-driven sports cars to autonomous electric vehicles in the super sportscar segment. This remarkable transformation seamlessly blends two contrasting states of existence. When in race mode, the interior assumes the essence of a minimalist driving machine, with an upright backrest and a compact driver-focused touchscreen.
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However, in lounge mode, the seats seamlessly integrate into the interior sculpture, seamlessly merging the sills, center tunnel, and luggage compartment into a unified entity. This innovative design creates an exceptionally spacious and airy ambiance, unlike anything seen before.
Leveraging the compact nature of electric motors, the Vision One-Eleven extends the interior towards the rear, diverging from the conventions of previous mid-engine sports cars. As a result, the interior exudes a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, encouraging occupants to unwind and savor their journey—a truly groundbreaking approach to the sports cars of the future.
