
Through the Nineteen Seventies, Mercedes-Benz rolled out a collection of supercar ideas all named the C111, which served as testbeds for numerous applied sciences spanning every part from powertrains to light-weight development to aerodynamic design.
Greater than a dozen have been constructed, with a number of the later C111 ideas used to set numerous data throughout high-speed testing at Italy’s Nardo check observe. The ultimate idea, the C111/IV, featured a 4.8-liter V-8 rated at 493 hp. It managed to succeed in a prime pace of 251 mph throughout testing in 1979.
Mercedes has now revived the collection with the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea. Unveiled on Thursday, the idea eschews the internal-combustion engine of its predecessors in favor of the newest in electrical car powertrain expertise.
Mercedes is brief on particulars however confirmed the powertrain consists of a pair of axial-flux motors developed by YASA, an knowledgeable at high-performance electrical motors that Mercedes acquired in 2021. Axial-flux motors are each lighter and smaller than a standard radial-flux motor of comparable output. Nevertheless, manufacturing axial-flux motors is harder, making them quite a bit much less value efficient. Mercedes plans to construct axial-flux motors at a plant in Berlin, with the primary utility prone to be a devoted EV from AMG due across the center of the last decade.
The Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven can also be confirmed by Mercedes to characteristic a brand new design for its battery. It options liquid cooling and makes use of a cylindrical cells with a chemistry much like what’s present in System 1. In creating the battery, Mercedes leaned on its Mercedes-AMG Excessive Efficiency Powertrain division which builds the powertrains for the Mercedes F1 workforce.
“The Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven combines breathtaking design with groundbreaking powertrain expertise,” Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief expertise officer, stated in an announcement. “Like its historic namesake, it explores new paths for the way forward for sporting efficiency.”

Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea
The outside of the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea might borrow liberally from the unique C111s, but it surely additionally introduces a extra excessive utility of Mercedes’ One-Bow design kind. From the low entrance finish to the muscular rear, a clean bow-like form when considered from the facet provides the 46-inch tall idea a strong, virtually sculptural feel and appear.
Entry to the cabin is by way of a pair of gullwing doorways, which once more is a component borrowed from the unique C111s, in addition to the long-lasting 300SL gullwing sports activities automobile. And as a substitute of the race car-like look most supercars undertake for his or her interiors, the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven contains a extra lounge-like really feel. Mercedes stated this selection of design displays a future the place even supercars will be capable of drive on their very own. Occupants will desire a comfortable setting once they’re not centered on driving.

Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea

Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea

Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven idea
Mercedes stated the colours and supplies used within the idea are a glimpse of future luxurious. Brilliant colours appeal to speedy consideration, whereas recycled supplies ship a way of sustainability.
Like the unique C111 ideas, the Imaginative and prescient One-Eleven is not supposed for manufacturing, although components of its design and expertise are prone to filter right down to future Mercedes automobiles sure for the showroom.