Design for innovations – that was the motto in the development of the F 200 Imagination concept study presented by Mercedes-Benz at the 1996 Paris Motor Show. The two-door coupé is equipped with future-oriented systems which may become state-of-the-art on top-class models of the more distant future. Also, the study demonstrates new perspectives which are opened up by technical innovations in the design of future top-class cars. Form and function are therefore closely related in this show car – the coupé study reflects technological progress in both styling and engineering.
The F 200 Imagination is the result of a joint project of the Advanced Design Sector, the Mercedes-Benz Research Institute and the Pre-Development Sector of the Stuttgart-based motor manufacturer. The systems incorporated into this study car will improve the safety and comfort of passenger cars still further; Mercedes-Benz thus provides a glimpse of future technical milestones.
Side-sticks instead of steering wheel and pedals
Among the most important innovations on board the F 200 Imagination is a trailblazing control system which permits the driver to control all movements of the car by means of so-called side-sticks located in the interior door trim and centre console of the coupé study.
Where until now exclusively mechanical elements have existed which are directly activated by pulses of force emanating from the driver, these are now linked with electric and hydraulic actuators whose desired actions are determined by electronic pulses. If the driver pushes the side-stick forward, the F 200 Imagination accelerates. If he moves the lever to the right or left, the vehicle steers to the right or left. If he pulls the lever back the vehicle brakes and, if desired, after stopping, drives in reverse. Conventional controls or connecting elements such as a steering wheel, steering column and pedals are not to be found in the F 200 Imagination – all of the driver’s commands are transmitted electronically. The experts called this system ‘drive-by-wire’
Drive-by-wire: integrated system for greater safety
The F 200 Imagination embodies the thoroughgoing networking of electronic systems. One result is its advanced driving dynamics control. The electronics recognize the driver’s commands as requests for a certain driving state – accelerate, brake, steer, reverse – and decide in a flash how to comply with the commands in the best and safest manner. This is situational in nature because the computer utilizes the information of various sensors which tell it the road speed, wheel revolutions, engine revolutions, road condition and body motions. Based on this data, the computer decides, for example, how sharply the wheels should be angled during cornering or what engine speed is appropriate for driving on a wet road.
The system is interlinked with the Active Body Control (ABC). Even when the going gets risky, the electronics keep the car safely on course through lightning-fast intervention in steering, braking, engine or transmission management and chassis control. The driver can fully utilize the technical capabilities of his car without transgressing the physical limits – a genuine advantage for safety. The electronically controlled rear spoiler system of the F 200 Imagination also assists him at this, setting itself upright in a flash and acting as a drag for better deceleration when an emergency braking situation is detected.
This system offered other several benefits:
– The car was considered safer in the event of an accident because there was no steering wheel to smash into, or pedals which could be pushed into the footwalls if the car had a front-on collision.
– The seating position was more relaxed and comfortable due to the ergonomic placement of the joysticks.
– The driving could be done from either front seat. Control could be passed to either the left or right seat simply by flicking a switch. You could even do it on the move!
Rear view: video cameras instead of exterior mirrors
The Mercedes engineers have integrated 5 permanently electronic mini-cameras replacing interior and exterior rear-view mirrors into the distinctive stainless steel panels on the glass roof of the F 200 Imagination. Screens in the cockpit of the coupé study inform the driver of what is going on behind the car. For this they installed a camera in the rear bumper which automatically switches on when the vehicle backs up. Large-format screens in the dashboard provide indispensable information such as road speed and fuel level, as well as the displays of an on-board video recorder, a TV receiver, an on-board computer and a navigation system, providing information for the driver and entertainment for the passenger.
The Mercedes F200 Imagination concept featured a glass roof. Its special feature: the electro-transparent glass can be darkened at the push of a button to avoid excessive heating of the interior due to strong insulation. The glass has an intermediate layer, a liquid crystal film made of electrically conductive plastic. Electric current causes its crystals to array themselves so that the glass is transparent.
Swing-out-and-up doors: getting in and out more comfortably
For the doors of the F 200 Imagination, the Mercedes engineers developed a swing-out and lift system that is activated at the push of a button. Hydraulic cylinders move the doors upwards at an angle of 30°. The advantages: the door opening is some 15 centimeters larger and thus makes getting in and out more comfortable, and the car requires clearly less space for parking. The doors are opened from outside by means of a magnetic card which the driver simply has to carry in his or her pocket. When he or she approaches the car, the on-board electronic system of the F 200 Imagination automatically communicates with this magnetic card and, if the right code is transmitted, unlocks the doors.
Safety: new side airbags and headlamps for safe cornering
In the field of safety, the Mercedes engineers came up with a novel airbag system that will significantly increase occupant safety. In the event of a crash, the so called window bag extends from the front to the rear roof frame like an inflatable curtain and protects both the front and rear-seat passengers. This lateral safety curtain complements the protective effect of the side airbags developed by Mercedes-Benz.
Since the coupe study does not have a conventional steering wheel, the front airbags are incorporated in a kneepad underneath the dashboard.
The combination of window bag and side airbag, called cosy bag (complete system of window bag and side airbag) will in future substantially enhance occupant protection in a side impact.
The headlights featured variable light distribution: Six individual reflectors in each module, each with a separate bulb, are switched on and off depending on situation and speed in order to provide optimal light for driving at all times without blinding oncoming traffic. In curves, the light follows the wheel angle set by the driver, enhancing safety for night-time driving. At high speeds on superhighways an additional spot reflector is engaged to better illuminate the roadway far ahead. Innovations at the rear end too: the very compact taillight unit incorporates nine separate functions. The inconspicuous turn signal is a slender, arched neon tube distinguished by high luminous power and long life.
Steering, braking and accelerating using a sidestick do require one to learn to think differently, but open up new dimensions in respect of driving dynamics, ride comfort and handling safety. The steering ratio and steering forces can be made variable and adapted to the particular situation – differently for parking than for negotiating a fast curve. To brake, the foot no longer has to be moved from the gas pedal to the brake pedal, so that the driver can respond more quickly.
Technical highlights:
• Sidesticks instead of a steering wheel: drive-by-wire
• Forward-looking driving dynamics control
• Active Body Control (ABC)
• Headlight system featuring variable light distribution
• Production launch as bi-xenon headlights with active light system in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W 211)
• Video cameras in place of a rearview mirror
• Electro-transparent panoramic glass roof: Production launch in 2002 in the Maybach 62
• Swiveling gullwing doors: Production launch in 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
• Voice recognition for mobile phone: Production launch in 1996 under the name LINGÚATRONIC in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 140)
Besides these highlights the F 200 Imagination was the forerunner of a Mercedes-Benz SL of the R 129 series that was equipped with electronic steering and sidesticks for test purposes in 1998 and thoroughly road-tested.
Also, another purpose of the concept was to preview the styling of the next-generation S-Class which came out a year later. Despite the fact that the S-Class is a sedan and the F200 was a coupe, both cars shared similar design details, headlights, grille and simple, uncluttered lines.
And because this concept also showed what a large, modern coupe might look like in the future – essential design features of the Mercedes-Benz CL which debuted in 1999 were similar to F200 Imagination.
8. The C111 design study was originally baptized , the C101 project. However, the “0 (zero)” in the middle had to disappear , since this number combination has long been protected by....
Jan 9 2014
1996 Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination
Design for innovations – that was the motto in the development of the F 200 Imagination concept study presented by Mercedes-Benz at the 1996 Paris Motor Show. The two-door coupé is equipped with future-oriented systems which may become state-of-the-art on top-class models of the more distant future. Also, the study demonstrates new perspectives which are opened up by technical innovations in the design of future top-class cars. Form and function are therefore closely related in this show car – the coupé study reflects technological progress in both styling and engineering.
The F 200 Imagination is the result of a joint project of the Advanced Design Sector, the Mercedes-Benz Research Institute and the Pre-Development Sector of the Stuttgart-based motor manufacturer. The systems incorporated into this study car will improve the safety and comfort of passenger cars still further; Mercedes-Benz thus provides a glimpse of future technical milestones.
Side-sticks instead of steering wheel and pedals
Among the most important innovations on board the F 200 Imagination is a trailblazing control system which permits the driver to control all movements of the car by means of so-called side-sticks located in the interior door trim and centre console of the coupé study.
Where until now exclusively mechanical elements have existed which are directly activated by pulses of force emanating from the driver, these are now linked with electric and hydraulic actuators whose desired actions are determined by electronic pulses. If the driver pushes the side-stick forward, the F 200 Imagination accelerates. If he moves the lever to the right or left, the vehicle steers to the right or left. If he pulls the lever back the vehicle brakes and, if desired, after stopping, drives in reverse. Conventional controls or connecting elements such as a steering wheel, steering column and pedals are not to be found in the F 200 Imagination – all of the driver’s commands are transmitted electronically. The experts called this system ‘drive-by-wire’
Drive-by-wire: integrated system for greater safety
The F 200 Imagination embodies the thoroughgoing networking of electronic systems. One result is its advanced driving dynamics control. The electronics recognize the driver’s commands as requests for a certain driving state – accelerate, brake, steer, reverse – and decide in a flash how to comply with the commands in the best and safest manner. This is situational in nature because the computer utilizes the information of various sensors which tell it the road speed, wheel revolutions, engine revolutions, road condition and body motions. Based on this data, the computer decides, for example, how sharply the wheels should be angled during cornering or what engine speed is appropriate for driving on a wet road.
The system is interlinked with the Active Body Control (ABC). Even when the going gets risky, the electronics keep the car safely on course through lightning-fast intervention in steering, braking, engine or transmission management and chassis control. The driver can fully utilize the technical capabilities of his car without transgressing the physical limits – a genuine advantage for safety. The electronically controlled rear spoiler system of the F 200 Imagination also assists him at this, setting itself upright in a flash and acting as a drag for better deceleration when an emergency braking situation is detected.
This system offered other several benefits:
– The car was considered safer in the event of an accident because there was no steering wheel to smash into, or pedals which could be pushed into the footwalls if the car had a front-on collision.
– The seating position was more relaxed and comfortable due to the ergonomic placement of the joysticks.
– The driving could be done from either front seat. Control could be passed to either the left or right seat simply by flicking a switch. You could even do it on the move!
Rear view: video cameras instead of exterior mirrors
The Mercedes engineers have integrated 5 permanently electronic mini-cameras replacing interior and exterior rear-view mirrors into the distinctive stainless steel panels on the glass roof of the F 200 Imagination. Screens in the cockpit of the coupé study inform the driver of what is going on behind the car. For this they installed a camera in the rear bumper which automatically switches on when the vehicle backs up. Large-format screens in the dashboard provide indispensable information such as road speed and fuel level, as well as the displays of an on-board video recorder, a TV receiver, an on-board computer and a navigation system, providing information for the driver and entertainment for the passenger.
The Mercedes F200 Imagination concept featured a glass roof. Its special feature: the electro-transparent glass can be darkened at the push of a button to avoid excessive heating of the interior due to strong insulation. The glass has an intermediate layer, a liquid crystal film made of electrically conductive plastic. Electric current causes its crystals to array themselves so that the glass is transparent.
Swing-out-and-up doors: getting in and out more comfortably
For the doors of the F 200 Imagination, the Mercedes engineers developed a swing-out and lift system that is activated at the push of a button. Hydraulic cylinders move the doors upwards at an angle of 30°. The advantages: the door opening is some 15 centimeters larger and thus makes getting in and out more comfortable, and the car requires clearly less space for parking. The doors are opened from outside by means of a magnetic card which the driver simply has to carry in his or her pocket. When he or she approaches the car, the on-board electronic system of the F 200 Imagination automatically communicates with this magnetic card and, if the right code is transmitted, unlocks the doors.
Safety: new side airbags and headlamps for safe cornering
In the field of safety, the Mercedes engineers came up with a novel airbag system that will significantly increase occupant safety. In the event of a crash, the so called window bag extends from the front to the rear roof frame like an inflatable curtain and protects both the front and rear-seat passengers. This lateral safety curtain complements the protective effect of the side airbags developed by Mercedes-Benz.
Since the coupe study does not have a conventional steering wheel, the front airbags are incorporated in a kneepad underneath the dashboard.
The combination of window bag and side airbag, called cosy bag (complete system of window bag and side airbag) will in future substantially enhance occupant protection in a side impact.
The headlights featured variable light distribution: Six individual reflectors in each module, each with a separate bulb, are switched on and off depending on situation and speed in order to provide optimal light for driving at all times without blinding oncoming traffic. In curves, the light follows the wheel angle set by the driver, enhancing safety for night-time driving. At high speeds on superhighways an additional spot reflector is engaged to better illuminate the roadway far ahead. Innovations at the rear end too: the very compact taillight unit incorporates nine separate functions. The inconspicuous turn signal is a slender, arched neon tube distinguished by high luminous power and long life.
Steering, braking and accelerating using a sidestick do require one to learn to think differently, but open up new dimensions in respect of driving dynamics, ride comfort and handling safety. The steering ratio and steering forces can be made variable and adapted to the particular situation – differently for parking than for negotiating a fast curve. To brake, the foot no longer has to be moved from the gas pedal to the brake pedal, so that the driver can respond more quickly.
Technical highlights:
• Sidesticks instead of a steering wheel: drive-by-wire
• Forward-looking driving dynamics control
• Active Body Control (ABC)
• Headlight system featuring variable light distribution
• Production launch as bi-xenon headlights with active light system in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W 211)
• Video cameras in place of a rearview mirror
• Electro-transparent panoramic glass roof: Production launch in 2002 in the Maybach 62
• Swiveling gullwing doors: Production launch in 2003 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
• Voice recognition for mobile phone: Production launch in 1996 under the name LINGÚATRONIC in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 140)
Besides these highlights the F 200 Imagination was the forerunner of a Mercedes-Benz SL of the R 129 series that was equipped with electronic steering and sidesticks for test purposes in 1998 and thoroughly road-tested.
Also, another purpose of the concept was to preview the styling of the next-generation S-Class which came out a year later. Despite the fact that the S-Class is a sedan and the F200 was a coupe, both cars shared similar design details, headlights, grille and simple, uncluttered lines.
And because this concept also showed what a large, modern coupe might look like in the future – essential design features of the Mercedes-Benz CL which debuted in 1999 were similar to F200 Imagination.
By PaRaDoX • F Concepts 0 • Tags: F200 imagination, mercedes f200 imagination, mercedes Imagination, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz F200