Mercedes-Benz’ Californian design studio has created the futuristic Biome Concept that is a preview of a full-sized design model of a mid-engined eco supercar that will go up against the BMW Vision ED around 2015, according to an Autocar report. The four-seat coupé, which nearly hugs the ground, takes a look into the future of sustained mobility to a brief set by the Los Angeles Design Challenge. Even if the eco-friendly ‘grown from a seed’ body construction and organic drive system are fictional, the concept’s stance, big proportions and remarkable design form the foundation for a new ecological supercar.
Hubert Lee, head of the California design studio, pointed out the elements in the design that can be easily progressed and developed for production. He said that the company made sure that it won’t be too limited or edgy and that it can be done without any major revisions.
The eco supercar
The production powertrain would include all of Mercedes-Benz’s extensive alternative drive expertise similar to what BMW is doing with its Vision EfficientDynamics supercar, which will start production in 2013. The latest Merc concept measures 4040mm in length, 2500mm in width and 1200mm in height, making it shorter than a C-class, a lot wider than the GL-class and lower than the SLK. But for production, the width would have to be significantly reduced for it to fit through traffic-calming pinch points, typically set at 2.2m.
I´m looking forward to heading off in January to the Detroit Motor Show, courtesy of Ford USA so will be bringing you lots more info on the latest eco cars out there in the near future so be sure to check back with us in early January 2011.
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