Mercedes F 700 : a peek into the future
As with all concept cars, the F 700 will never see the light of day. But it heralds the Mercedes of tomorrow. A joyride into the future…
As with all concept cars, the F 700 will never see the light of day. But it heralds the Mercedes of tomorrow. A joyride into the future…
This luxury touring sedan gives new insight into Mercedes models, both esthetically and technically, for the years to come. When will we be able to benefit from it ? Hard to say. What’s sure is that one day, sooner or later, our cars will be able to identify and anticipate road conditions, then level out the bumps ! As demonstrated by the F 700’s active Pre-Scan suspension system ; two lasers scan the tarmac in front of the car, the data is transmitted to the active suspension’s hydraulic system and travel becomes an amazingly smooth experience. Similarly, identical lasers fixed to the base of the wing mirrors “keep an eye” on the immediate area near the doors and, if necessary, prevent them from opening.
What is known as a “research car” in Stuttgart proposes - and this is probably revolutionary - a Diesotto engine. This gasoline engine combines the classic four-stroke Otto cycle with an auto-igniting diesel, giving the dual advantage of low CO2 emissions (127 g/km) and reduced fuel consumption (5.3l/100 km). Mercedes confirms its overall aim : making its cars economical and clean is challenge N°1. Thanks to its four cylinders and double turbocompressor, the F 700’s engine delivers performance comparable to that of today’s S-Class (with a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine or a 3-litre V6 turbodiesel).
Equally innovative is the Servo-HMI, an operating interface concept ; simple menus that are easy to read and the possibility for the driver to give more complex instructions by dialoguing with a virtual operating assistant.
In terms of design, the car’s measurements leave no-one indifferent and its passenger compartment, very luxurious, of course, gives priority to comfort. At the rear, it’s seventh heaven ! One can easily imagine a chauffeur in uniform opening the door for a businessman or wonderwoman on a beautiful avenue in one of the world’s capitals. The privileged passenger enjoys maximum space, and the car can even be fitted out like a home movie room. A little click (electric, of course) and the front seat slides beneath the dashboard. The back seat then pivots around to face the rear. Then, action ! A 51-cm screen equipped with 3D technology ensures the very best of movie viewing.
So is the F 700 really the future for Mercedes ? The company’s engineers are working on it, and it’s worth a bet that the Diesotto, Pre-Scan system, Servo-HMI and especially the Reverse Seat (probably the easiest to produce in terms of time) will become Mercedes novelties over the next few decades.
F 700 in figures :
Length : 5,17 m
Wheelbase : 3,45 m
From 0 to 100 km/h : 7,5 s
Top speed : 200 km/h
