The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven (1-11) concept gives new electric tech a sleek 1970s-inspired skin is a convincing mix of futuristic design and technology. The visual ‘sample’ for the One-Eleven comes from the brand’s long and large back catalogue – in this case the widely admired, experimental, gull-winged and very orange 1970 C111-II.
One-Eleven Concept by Mercedes-Benz
Vision One-Eleven concept, a bold projection of a future super-sports car.
There are so many things that you can combine with modern surface treatment and themes. said chief design officer Gorden Wagener.
2023 Vision One-Eleven shares the 1970 vehicle’s aerodynamic emphasis and low-slung, shape of gull-winged charm, its modern-day engineers have swapped out the former’s record-breaking Wankel engine for a full-electric powertrain using axial-flux motor technology developed by British company Yasa.
The One-Eleven’s concept car design riffs off more recent vehicles created by Wagener’s team too. The pixelated front grille technology – which can act as a pair of headlights one moment and a digital safety message board to pedestrians the next – was previewed on the 2015 F 015 concept. Also, the Ombre effect on the windows, which appear to be opaque due to tiny paint dots printed directly onto the glass, but which have enough space between them to allow occupants to see out clearly while retaining exterior privacy.
Making the concept’s shape feel more united as a design, orange and copper paint effect also blurs the conventional (belt) line between bodywork and window glass to cool aesthetic effect and futuristic with it.
The interior continues the bold but simple 1980s video game pixel-style theme in its dashboard display, while the quilted seating and bespoke luggage are adorned in bright silver material.
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Providing more than just a ‘wow’ factor, the technology can also render parts of the car ‘transparent’ by showing the driver the view beyond items that would otherwise obstruct driver vision, including the A-pillars either side of the windscreen and even the bonnet.
Image credit: Mercedes-Benz