The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept is the future of speed
German luxury marque Mercedes has introduced the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept, a reinvention of the legendary C-111 supercar that competed with the Lamborghinis and Ferraris of the later 1960s and early 1970s. With Mercedes’ new “Vision”, we now get to see an electric version of the classic that serves as a display for cutting-edge supercar technology.
“Our goal at Mercedes-Benz is not to do styling”, said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “Our goal is to create icons. To me, that makes the difference between mainstream design and luxury. Design icons like the Type 300 SL and C 111, both with gullwing doors, are part of our DNA. These legendary vehicles were major inspirations for the iconic design of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven.”
MB showcased 16 C-111 models at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show as test vehicles for several powertrains including a ground-breaking 2.4-liter Wankel rotary engine that produced 345 horsepower and 289 ft lbs of torque. With their gullwing doors and bright orange paint job by Weissherbst, the fiberglass-bodied C-111s were eye-catching and went on to shatter numerous performance records. Unfortunately production C-111 never materialized due to issues with the engine, body manufacturing, and the ensuing fuel crisis of the 70s.
Fast forward half a century, the new Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept features the signature, one-bow design that defines the German marque. “The bow, for us, is the perfect shape for an EV car, and for a sports car especially,” says Steffen Köhl, director of advanced exterior design at Mercedes. “We had the idea very early that we would carry on with this shape. You could say this is the sports car for this generation.”
“We think a lot about what makes something iconic,” added Wagener. “Icons are outstanding, they are not mainstream. We want to create something extraordinary and bring that spirit into the future.”
In addition to a new electric motor, the Vision One-Eleven has a battery that combines liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with a new cell chemistry inspired by Formula 1 race cars. Markus Schafer, chief technology officer at Mercedes, stated it will be a significant advance above what we see in production now, even though he did not disclose any information regarding the type of range or charging speed.
Digitally created pixelated displays are located in the front and rear of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept, which can show animated messages. The dazzling white interior features silver leather upholstery and splashes of orange and bright chrome. Large surfaces, including the dashboard, are covered in 100% recycled polyester fabric with a tech-inspired honeycomb structure. Armrest straps, steering wheel spokes, and polished aluminum accents further enhance the tech-inspired design.
Mercedes executives emphasize that the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept is not just a design study but also a test bed for new powertrains that may be utilized in high-performance vehicles in the future, just like the original C-111.
