Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

Technology and design, nowadays are moving ahead at high speeds, thus the designers and engineers have to keep up with the alert rhythm. One such project that seems to define the tempo itself is the Touch Effect by Marco Sweston of the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The whole car was penciled as a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows W25.

With the digital age in full swing, we no longer have to leave our homes to find new experiences. As powerful as alternative reality may be, by 2030 designer Marco Sweston expects to see a major shift in people’s attitudes, & imagines that many will not only abandon their controllers, but will seek even more extreme thrills than before the digital revolution. The Touch Effect racing event and vehicle is a result of this concept that puts the digitally stimulated user back in the driver’s seat.

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car, the progressive movement of digitalization of life has resulted in people who no longer have to leave their houses to experience something. They will spend their spare time alone at home and social contacts will only take place via online networks. The use of public transport and the simulation of all actions will raise a longing to sit behind a real steering wheel again. They want to really join the race, rather than simulating the trip digitally only on the screen.

The basic concept of the Touch Effect makes use of these developments. Based on the rental of racing cars for private persons on specially designed tracks the vehicle is used similarly to today's karting as a group activity, pushing them to their limits. The vehicle displays a continuation of the legendary Silver Arrows like the W25, carrying the tradition and the myth of these vehicles into 2030.

What will we all do for fun in the future when we’re bored with all the digital thrills we have sought indoors? Designer Marco Sweston has the answer: a track racer built from synthetic bone, muscle, and skin that runs in a pack on a custom-designed race course. The Touch Effect concept uses a carbon fiber frame reminiscent of a skeleton, which is surrounded by synthetic muscles that control the suspension, steering, and insulation of the vehicle. Topping it all off is an acrylic glass skin that is transparent to show off the muscles doing their thing underneath. The steering mechanism is an extension of the muscles, which functions like reins.

Designed as a continuation of the Silver Arrows like W25, the project has been to a large extent inspired by this model of Mercedes Benz. The vehicle thereby designed for this sport car has a light weight main body with a stiff carbon frame that imparts it ruggedness and an overall stability. The other core muscles for the motor-sport vehicle have been made from flexible synthetic that can be deformed using voltage difference.

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

These have been covered partially using acrylic glass surfaces on the exterior thereby giving a visual feel of a merger of all parts into one volume. However, the hull has been kept a bit unveiled so as to convey the impression of being light-weight. In addition to the designing part, the vehicle has facilities for automatic ground clearance adjustment as well as a four-wheel steering.

The exterior acrylic glass surfaces partially surround the muscles. They represent the skin of the concept which merges all parts into one volume and make them visible underneath, showing off their function. All elements combined allow a directed and controlled motion. The two skin surfaces surround the driver like a brace to emphasize the seating position. The transparent hull is unveiled at areas which do not necessarily need a covering. This reduction and the see-trough appearance reflect the idea of lightweight car construction.

Eventually, the muscles flow into the interior and form a part of the steering. The vehicle is controlled by pulling the muscles - similar to the idea of reins on a horse. The muscles accentuate the shape of the frame and run into the wheels to accentuate their function.

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

Technology and design, nowadays are moving ahead at high speeds, thus the designers and engineers have to keep up with the alert rhythm. One such project that seems to define the tempo itself is the Touch Effect by Marco Sweston of the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The whole car was penciled as a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows W25.

With the digital age in full swing, we no longer have to leave our homes to find new experiences. As powerful as alternative reality may be, by 2030 designer Marco Sweston expects to see a major shift in people’s attitudes, & imagines that many will not only abandon their controllers, but will seek even more extreme thrills than before the digital revolution. The Touch Effect racing event and vehicle is a result of this concept that puts the digitally stimulated user back in the driver’s seat.

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car, the progressive movement of digitalization of life has resulted in people who no longer have to leave their houses to experience something. They will spend their spare time alone at home and social contacts will only take place via online networks. The use of public transport and the simulation of all actions will raise a longing to sit behind a real steering wheel again. They want to really join the race, rather than simulating the trip digitally only on the screen.

The basic concept of the Touch Effect makes use of these developments. Based on the rental of racing cars for private persons on specially designed tracks the vehicle is used similarly to today's karting as a group activity, pushing them to their limits. The vehicle displays a continuation of the legendary Silver Arrows like the W25, carrying the tradition and the myth of these vehicles into 2030.

What will we all do for fun in the future when we’re bored with all the digital thrills we have sought indoors? Designer Marco Sweston has the answer: a track racer built from synthetic bone, muscle, and skin that runs in a pack on a custom-designed race course. The Touch Effect concept uses a carbon fiber frame reminiscent of a skeleton, which is surrounded by synthetic muscles that control the suspension, steering, and insulation of the vehicle. Topping it all off is an acrylic glass skin that is transparent to show off the muscles doing their thing underneath. The steering mechanism is an extension of the muscles, which functions like reins.

Designed as a continuation of the Silver Arrows like W25, the project has been to a large extent inspired by this model of Mercedes Benz. The vehicle thereby designed for this sport car has a light weight main body with a stiff carbon frame that imparts it ruggedness and an overall stability. The other core muscles for the motor-sport vehicle have been made from flexible synthetic that can be deformed using voltage difference.

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

These have been covered partially using acrylic glass surfaces on the exterior thereby giving a visual feel of a merger of all parts into one volume. However, the hull has been kept a bit unveiled so as to convey the impression of being light-weight. In addition to the designing part, the vehicle has facilities for automatic ground clearance adjustment as well as a four-wheel steering.

The exterior acrylic glass surfaces partially surround the muscles. They represent the skin of the concept which merges all parts into one volume and make them visible underneath, showing off their function. All elements combined allow a directed and controlled motion. The two skin surfaces surround the driver like a brace to emphasize the seating position. The transparent hull is unveiled at areas which do not necessarily need a covering. This reduction and the see-trough appearance reflect the idea of lightweight car construction.

Eventually, the muscles flow into the interior and form a part of the steering. The vehicle is controlled by pulling the muscles - similar to the idea of reins on a horse. The muscles accentuate the shape of the frame and run into the wheels to accentuate their function.

Mercedes-Benz to Build Subcompact B-Class AMG, Destined for U.S. Market?

Mercedes-Benz to Build Subcompact B-Class AMG, Destined for U.S. Market?
What’s next for Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division? According to executives, a hopped-up AMG variant of the next-generation B-class subcompact.

Current AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg (who’s destined for Mercedes-Benz’s van division in a month) recently told Automotive News that the tuning wing is, in fact, developing a high-performance variant of the next-gen B-class. The car will be AMG’s first stab at something smaller than a C-class, but Mornhinwheg says it’s a move to attract younger customers.

A B-class AMG would also be an ideal offering for Mercedes-Benz to counter the likes of the Mini Cooper S, Audi’s S3, and the Volkswagen GTI. Changes will include revised chassis tuning, cosmetic enhancements, and a high-performance engine -- likely a boosted four-cylinder -- that will be hand-built in AMG’s factory in Affalterbach, Germany.

Though the model is slated to launch in Europe at the end of 2011, it’s still uncertain if the B-class AMG -- let alone the entire B-class range -- is destined for the U.S. Mercedes-Benz has long entertained the idea of launching the B-class in America, but executives recently noted the business case rests upon fuel costs and Americans’ demand for small cars.

If the B-class is green lighted for the U.S., we think the AMG variant is almost certainly headed here.  The U.S. remains one of AMG’s largest markets, and a low-cost, fuel-sipping sport compact may help the brand expand into thriving new segments.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four

Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four
British magazine Autocar reports that the upcoming B-Class-based AMG sedan will be powered by a 3.2-liter supercharged V-6, not a turbocharged four-cylinder as previously thought.

The mill is based on the upcoming 3.5-liter engine that'll first make its home in the new CLS350. Also like the CLS, the smaller AMG (codenamed the *** EVO) will get similar coupe-like styling, meaning four frameless doors and a steeply raked profile.


Force feeding the engine is said to be an electronically operated pressure wave supercharger. The technology is widely used in tractor and big diesel applications, and utilizes pressure waves from the exhaust to boost engine induction.

Rumors persist that a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle what is believed to be around 400 horsepower.  Though the car will be based on a front-drive platform, AMG will likely opt for an all-wheel drive setup to help put power down.

Though smaller and less powerful than its siblings, the "baby Benz" (the nickname was originally applied to the shown 190 E EVO II) will not be a cheap means to gain access into the premium performance segment. It'll still carry all the premium bits - and driving characteristics -- AMG customers are used to, but at a slightly lower price point in order to make way for newer, younger buyers.

Source: Autocar

Is Mercedes-Benz Planning a BMW Mega City Rival?

Is Mercedes-Benz Planning a BMW Mega City Rival?
While BMW works on developing its eco-friendly Mega City urban vehicle, it seems Mercedes-Benz may be working on a competitor. Reports indicate the Stuttgart-based automaker may be working on a compact EV offering of its own to counter the electro-Bimmer.

According to Autocar, Mercedes is working on a "Project 50," a small, electric vehicle designed for commuters who drive primarily in large cities. The magazine reports the car will have similar dimensions to the original A-class subcompact. When it first debuted in 1997, the A measured a stubby 142 inches in length, but today's version has grown to 151 inches.


The car won't likely share the A-class platform, but could utilize a new platform that may eventually appear in a number of Smart models, including a revised ForFour. There's a good chance that the project could leverage the resources of Renault, as the two automakers are growing ever closer to signing a formal agreement to share technologies, including both electric drivetrains and small-car platforms.

Project 50 is likely still a ways away from reality. BMW's MegaCity isn't expected to launch until 2014 at the earliest, and we'd expect Mercedes' competitor to launch in a similar time frame.

Source: Autocar

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

With mostly large V-8s and twin-turbo V-12s in its lineup, the Mercedes-Benz S-class isn’t particularly fuel-efficient. In light of upcoming fuel economy standards, Daimler executives reportedly are considering making the S-class a hybrid-only lineup.

According to Automotive News, inside dealer sources said Daimler executives are considering the switch to all gasoline-electric models for the next-generation S-class. If the switch is made, the dealer sources say that no S-class will be offered with only an internal combustion engine -- including the high-performance AMG versions. The fact that even the Autobahn-storming AMG models would become hybrids has drawn criticism from U.S. dealerships because they worry hybrids are not perceived as true performance cars in this market.

As of right now, only a few U.S. Mercedes dealerships have been briefed on the proposed plan. Those dealers will meet with Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, this week at The Masters golf tournament in August, Georgia. Mercedes is a tournament sponsor.

Currently, the most fuel-efficient S-class is the recently introduced S400 Hybrid with a fuel economy rating of 19/26 mpg (city/highway). From there, the ratings continue to decline all the way down to 11/17 mpg for the top-of-the-line S65 AMG. According to Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealership board in the U.S. and owner of a Mercedes dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, this doesn’t matter to S-class buyers. He says that for S-class buyers, the “goal is not gas mileage.”

“The most important thing in the American market -- regardless of hybrid, lithium, or electric cars -- is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines,” Baker told Automotive News. To that end, Mercedes-Benz has already announced a new, more fuel-efficient 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 to replace the company’s 6.2-liter V-8 in its “63” AMG models.

Although Baker says the all-hybrid S-class lineup may not fly with U.S. consumers, an average combined rating of 16 mpg and emissions of a similar level won’t fly with the government’s upcoming fuel economy and emissions standards. Two Daimler sources told Automotive News that the move is being considered to help Mercedes reach the strict European CO2 emissions laws and the U.S. fuel economy standard by mid-decade. A final decision on the matter is expected within three months and, if approved, would be implemented on the next-generation S-class due out in Europe in 2013 and a year later in the U.S.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Lorinser Gives Revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class More Power, Style

Lorinser Gives Revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class More Power, Style
Lorinser, one of Germany's most prominent tuning houses, announced some new custom accessories for the refreshed 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.


Although Lorinser considers the parts to be "new," they're essentially the same as before. Bumpers fore and aft are swapped with a more aggressive replacements designed to increase cooling capacity and reducing drag. Matched with side skirts and unique front fenders, the look is pleasingly different than the styling packs offered from the likes of AMG.

Engineers have massaged the S600's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12 with a remapped ECU, larger turbos, higher-flowing fuel injection system, and less restrictive exhaust. The entire package yields 110 extra horsepower, bringing the 12-cylinder's output to a total of 620 horsepower -- 16 more than the top-tier S65 AMG.

Of course, what's a full Lorinser conversion without some extra cosmetic tweaks? Big rollers (up to 22-inches) and a lowered suspension are par for the course in the LV 12 Biturbo. Passengers will also be treated to a revamped interior, replete with the highest grade leather, chrome trim, and carbon-fiber accents.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but if an S600 is already in your stable, you shouldn't be too worried about its tuned brethren being out of your price league.

Source: Lorinser

BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China

BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China
BMW may have outsold Mercedes-Benz globally in 2009, but the two German automakers are both vying to be the biggest luxury brands in the Chinese market.


For the time being, BMW holds that title. Over the past six years, its marketshare in China has grown from 16 to 23 percent, but BMW isn’t resting on its laurels. At the Beijing auto show, CEO Norbert Reithofer announced the company has increased its 2010 sales forecast (which includes BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce vehicles) by 20 percent, bumping the total to 120,000 units. In contrast, BMW sold 90,500 vehicles in China in 2009.

New vehicles tailored to the Chinese market -- like the new long wheelbase 5 Series sedan -- will likely help BMW achieve that goal, but the automaker sees the potential to grow over the long term. Reithofer believes his company can build as many as 300,000 vehicles annually in China, thanks in part to an expanded joint venture with Brilliance Automotive Holdings. BMW is expanding its existing plant in Shengyang, which builds the 3- and 5 Series lines, but is also building a second facility, which may build the X1 crossover for the market.

Daimler was a little less forthcoming with specific goals for its Chinese market strategy, but said it simply plans on outselling BMW by 2011. The automaker believes a number of products, designed exclusively for Chinese customers, will help propel it to the top of the sales charts. In addition to launching a new line of heavy-duty trucks for commercial clients, Mercedes-Benz will ultimately launch an electric car co-developed with Chinese automaker BYD, and a long-wheelbase C-class sedan.

Of course, these plans for domination assume another German rival -- Audi -- isn’t able to turn about its fortunes in China. Although it had been the leading luxury brand in the market for the last 20 years, Audi has seen its marketshare slip over the last six years, falling from 66 to 46 percent. Should the firm’s new A8L or the forthcoming A7 fastback resonate with Chinese buyers, BMW and Mercedes-Benz both have their work cut out for them.

Source: Automotive News; 1,2 (Subscription required)

Mercedes-Benz to Style Helicopter Interiors, Yachts, and Furniture

Mercedes-Benz to Style Helicopter Interiors, Yachts, and Furniture
You aren't likely to spot a helicopter parked next to an E-Class  at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer anytime soon, but designers employed within the automaker's styling studios are lending a hand in creating a number of non-automotive products.


We first saw the AMG-branded Cigarette racing boat back in February, but it seems the sleek vessel was just the tip of the iceberg. Daimler revealed today a number of different assignments doled to its designers, ranging from helicopter cabins to luxury yachts and everything in between.

"We are in no way entering into new territory," says professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz Style.  "Our design team has already styled such products such as watches and interiors, as well as numerous products for Mercedes-Benz accessories. Our design division has all of the necessary expertise in more than ample measure, and has benefited from such skills for many years."

As is the case with BMW's Designworks studio, Mercedes-Benz Style can be hired by outside firms to provide design work for future products. Although we'd be a little surprised to see Daimler's stylists penning vehicles that would compete against its own wares, Wagener says the operations has its foundations in land, sea, and air transportation, so anything goes.

Although Daimler itself is no longer attached to the EADS consortium or its Eurocopter subsidiary, M-B's first project was to create the cabin for the new Eurocopter EC145 luxury helicopter. Reportedly inspired by the R-Class crossover, the helicopter has seating for eight, which can be quickly reconfigured or removed to make room for more luggage. Buyers can select from a number of different trim materials and wood patterns, while a three-color ambient lighting system is culled from the S-Class.

Wagener sets no bounds on M-B Style's activities, but does insist clients "must match our premium standards and represent innovation, as well as trend-setting, enduring style." Look for the design operation -- which is comprised of 400 employees from 20 different countries -- to have a hand in many more products in the years to come.

Source: Daimler