Ever since Carl Benz invented the world’s first motorcar,
the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1886, the legacy of inventive genius has featured
in every Mercedes-Benz model.
Today, much of this innovative technology has become reality
thanks to the rigorous testing performed in our research vehicles.
As far back as 1991, the first car of the “F” series, the F
100, introduced revolutionary concepts such as voice control, autonomous
intelligent cruise control and distance radar – technology that is now in
series production.
When the Mercedes-Benz F 200 Imagination arrived later in
1996, it highlighted a radical step in design, as well as advances in Active
Body Control (ABC) for increased stability. Other innovations included doors
that opened automatically with a magnetic card (the forerunner of today’s
Keyless-Go system), side airbags, window bags (another present-day feature) and
the Active Light function that’s also available today.
In 2001, the F 400 Carving significantly improved driving
dynamics with the Active Tyre Tilt Control (ATTC) system, adjusting the camber
angle of both the front and rear wheels when cornering or during hard braking.
Later models such as the Hybrid F 500 Mind marked an
important first step in hybrid drive technology, alongside innovations such as
Night View Assist, a system that operates using infrared headlamps for improved
visibility at night. Today this concept is a reality in the E- and S-Class
models.
The Mercedes-Benz F 600 Hygenius followed in 2006, marking
the introduction of an environmentally friendly fuel-cell hybrid drive vehicle.
Then in 2007, the F 700 showcased the revolutionary DIESOTTO engine, which
combined the advantages of low-emission combustion engines with the consumption
benefits of a diesel engine.
In 2008, the F 800 Style paved the way for new design
styling with its coupé-like characteristics. It also featured an innovative new
multi-drive platform, a new display concept – Cam-Touch-Pad HMI (Human Machine
Interface), and the current PRE-SAFE® 360° system which offers extra protection
in the event of a rear impact.
2011 saw the arrival of Mercedes-Benz’s most recent research
vehicle, the F 125! Introducing emission-free driving to the luxury
segment, this flagship vehicle represents a radical reinterpretation of a sports
saloon, blending futuristic lightweight materials with experimental operating
concepts, innovative drive technology and a breathtaking new design direction.
From vision to series production
Research vehicles are independent of any specific model and
incorporate multiple innovative technologies. They serve to demonstrate new
technologies and trends in a working car so that they can be presented to the
public.
Since 1991, the letter "F" has been used to designate a very special group of Mercedes-Benz research vehicles. "F" stands for "Forschung" (German for "research"), and at the same time for "Future". In terms of their design, "F" vehicles from Mercedes-Benz point to the future, set trends and offer pointers for the form which individual mobility will take in the years ahead.
Since 1991, the letter "F" has been used to designate a very special group of Mercedes-Benz research vehicles. "F" stands for "Forschung" (German for "research"), and at the same time for "Future". In terms of their design, "F" vehicles from Mercedes-Benz point to the future, set trends and offer pointers for the form which individual mobility will take in the years ahead.
F 100
The F 100 was the first car of the "F" series,
presented in 1991. This MPV-style vehicle incorporated a sandwich-construction
floor assembly, had no B-pillars, and featured servo-assisted doors – the front
ones hinged open forwards at an inclined angle, while the rear doors slid open
backwards parallel with the sides of the vehicle. Other particularly striking
features were the single central front seat for the driver, the spacious
accommodation for six occupants and the three-point seat belts integrated in
the seats. The onboard computer was able to prioritise three levels of safety
warnings with only the current one appearing on the driver’s display. Further
innovative features included voice control, autonomous intelligent cruise
control, an automatic emergency call system, solar cells on the roof for
auxiliary ventilation and a linear wiper, which swept the windscreen from side
to side. Many of these innovations, which were revolutionary in 1991, are a
production reality today and serve to confirm the importance a strong
commitment to research plays in forming the basis for technological advances
and leadership in the field of innovation.
F 200 Imagination
The second research vehicle was the 1996 F 200 Imagination,
an avantgarde coupé with a passenger compartment covered by a glass dome. Its
most important feature is the future-oriented "drive-by-wire" dynamic
handling system which allowed the driver to control all vehicle movement by
means of one of the joysticks fitted on the centre console and in the door trim
panel. Steering was performed by moving the joystick in the desired direction;
pulling forward on the stick accelerated the vehicle and pulling back applied
the brakes. Other innovations included the Active Body Control (ABC) active
suspension system, video cameras instead of rear-view mirrors, doors which
opened automatically in response to the presence of a magnetic card (the
forerunner of today’s Keyless-Go system), side airbags, window bags (another
present-day feature) and the Active Light function which is also available
today.
F 300 Life Jet
In 1997, the three-wheel F 300 Life brought the feel of a
motorcycle to the car world. The public were amazed by the Active Tilt Control
(ATC) system for the front wheels, which allowed the Life Jet to lean into
curves like a motorcycle. The driver and passenger entered the vehicle through
conventional doors and sat one behind the other, as on a motorcycle, within the
aircraft-like cockpit. The A-Class engine, situated behind the passenger
compartment and driving the single rear wheel, provided dynamic acceleration.
The computer-controlled headlamp reflector followed the course of the road,
ensuring that there are no "black holes" when cornering at night.
F 400 Carving
2002 saw the arrival of the F 400 Carving, with its
uncompromisingly pure-bred speedster design, featuring an extremely flat,
elongated bonnet, a short tail and a weatherproof made-to-measure interior for
two passengers. As with the F 300, control systems to enhance driving dynamics
were the key focus. The most important of these systems was the Active Tyre
Tilt Control (ATTC) system, which adjusted the camber angle of both the front
and rear wheels when cornering or during hard braking. This system allowed the
outer wheels on bends to tilt sideways to a maximum angle of an astonishing 20
degrees. A revolutionary design of tyres was required, with asymmetric tread
pattern to ensure that, rather than running on their inside edge, they ran on a
section of particularly high-friction tread rubber which was specifically
designed for cornering. The wheels on the inside of the bend, as well as the
body of the vehicle, remained in their normal position. As a result, depending
on the speed and the radius of the curve, the F 400 set new standards for
directional stability, driving safety, speed and dynamism. Other notable
features included an electronic steer-by-wire system, and electronic
shift-by-wire system, controlled using buttons on the steering wheel.
F 500 Mind
The F 500 Mind marked an important step in Mercedes-Benz
future direction concerning hybrid drive technology.
Featuring a powerful, yet economical diesel hybrid system, the F 500 Mind consumed up to 20 percent less fuel (in the New European Driving Cycle) than with a comparable CDI engine. The V8 diesel engine was combined with a powerful electric motor, switched on and off by an electronic controller in response to traffic conditions and driving style – used when moving off, for example, or in stop-and-go traffic where the inherent operating principle of the diesel engine prevents it from running at optimum efficiency. The 300 V lithium-ion battery, located under the passenger compartment, recharged during braking. However, analysis of the results of the testing carried out by the F 500 Mind revealed that longer distance running actually return poorer fuel economy than with a conventional diesel engine. This would lead to the development of the “Dual-mode” hybrid.
The design brief of the F 500 Mind had two principal objectives, provide a significant improvement in interior space and integrate the central pillar as a key structural and safety element instead of full-size B-pillars. The interior, with its contrasting seating zones reflects the fact that this was a research vehicle, the right-hand section serving as the work area for a member of the research team.
The doors opened in two different ways: either conventionally (the doors open forwards) or from the centre (the "butterfly principle"). In the latter mode, the shortened B-pillar moved backwards with the rear door to provide a wide opening for occupant entry and exit.
Featuring a powerful, yet economical diesel hybrid system, the F 500 Mind consumed up to 20 percent less fuel (in the New European Driving Cycle) than with a comparable CDI engine. The V8 diesel engine was combined with a powerful electric motor, switched on and off by an electronic controller in response to traffic conditions and driving style – used when moving off, for example, or in stop-and-go traffic where the inherent operating principle of the diesel engine prevents it from running at optimum efficiency. The 300 V lithium-ion battery, located under the passenger compartment, recharged during braking. However, analysis of the results of the testing carried out by the F 500 Mind revealed that longer distance running actually return poorer fuel economy than with a conventional diesel engine. This would lead to the development of the “Dual-mode” hybrid.
The design brief of the F 500 Mind had two principal objectives, provide a significant improvement in interior space and integrate the central pillar as a key structural and safety element instead of full-size B-pillars. The interior, with its contrasting seating zones reflects the fact that this was a research vehicle, the right-hand section serving as the work area for a member of the research team.
The doors opened in two different ways: either conventionally (the doors open forwards) or from the centre (the "butterfly principle"). In the latter mode, the shortened B-pillar moved backwards with the rear door to provide a wide opening for occupant entry and exit.
Full-size B-pillars which would normally extend right up to
the roof in order to provide the vehicle body with the necessary strength and
side-impact protection, were replaced by a central pillar, whose
characteristics were calculated using the finite element method. Situated
centrally in the rear area, it linked the reinforced floor assembly with the
y-shaped roof structure. The central column also housed the air ducts for the
rear air conditioning system as well as special indirect lighting elements.
Instead of a steering column, a data line was used to transmit steering commands from the multi-segment steering wheel to two electric motors. These controlled the "electric rack-and-pinion" system by means of toothed belts without compromising the characteristic steering feel. The use of electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering gear meant that the system did not rely on the combustion engine to deliver hydraulic power.
Pressure-sensitive surfaces on the electronic accelerator and brake pedals were used to transmit the driver´s inputs to the engine and braking system in the form of electrical signals. This flat pedal design also enhanced rear passenger comfort by freeing up 120 mm of front footwell space.
In the cockpit, an innovative multivision display formed the heart of the control and display concept, with high-resolution TFT screens and analogue dial-type instruments. The screens formed a virtual display area which can show as much information as the driver requires. A semi-transparent display, which extended right across the instrument cluster, allowed the dial-type instruments and the images on the displays to be optically superimposed or shown separately.
Instead of a steering column, a data line was used to transmit steering commands from the multi-segment steering wheel to two electric motors. These controlled the "electric rack-and-pinion" system by means of toothed belts without compromising the characteristic steering feel. The use of electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering gear meant that the system did not rely on the combustion engine to deliver hydraulic power.
Pressure-sensitive surfaces on the electronic accelerator and brake pedals were used to transmit the driver´s inputs to the engine and braking system in the form of electrical signals. This flat pedal design also enhanced rear passenger comfort by freeing up 120 mm of front footwell space.
In the cockpit, an innovative multivision display formed the heart of the control and display concept, with high-resolution TFT screens and analogue dial-type instruments. The screens formed a virtual display area which can show as much information as the driver requires. A semi-transparent display, which extended right across the instrument cluster, allowed the dial-type instruments and the images on the displays to be optically superimposed or shown separately.
Rear passengers benefit from holographic image projection.
The system consists of a projector between the rear seats and a special
projection screen. Unlike the more familiar type of holography, this
"Holdis Provision Process" does not provide three-dimensional
representations of objects, but makes use of this technology to optimise image
projection in high ambient light conditions.
A set of 16 white, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a special lens system for daytime lighting is just one of the notable features of the research vehicle´s lighting technology. The rest of the lighting system comprises six powerful xenon projection-beam headlamps for the dipped and main-beam modes as well as two infrared laser headlamps whose light is invisible to oncoming traffic yet illuminates the road for up to 150 metres ahead.
A set of 16 white, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a special lens system for daytime lighting is just one of the notable features of the research vehicle´s lighting technology. The rest of the lighting system comprises six powerful xenon projection-beam headlamps for the dipped and main-beam modes as well as two infrared laser headlamps whose light is invisible to oncoming traffic yet illuminates the road for up to 150 metres ahead.
F 600 Hygenius
The Mercedes-Benz F 600 Hygenius pointed the way to the
future with its exceptional design, a cold-start-capable, emission-free and
economical fuel-cell drive system, flexible seating concept, rear vision system
and virtual displays which are particularly easy on the eye.
The F 600 Hygenius was powered by the most effective fuel-cell drive system yet developed. Thanks to the practical experience and know-how of some 150 scientists and engineers, its fuel cells were about 40 percent smaller than previous designs and are able to withstand extreme cold without any performance degradation. It boasted a range of at least 400 kilometres and consumption of hydrogen is equivalent in energy terms to 2.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. The F 600 represents another important milestone on the way to production maturity for fuel-cell technology – a goal which Mercedes-Benz aims to achieve between 2012 and 2015.
Mercedes-Benz can already call on over two million kilometres of practical experience with 100 near-series fuel-cell vehicles.
The hydrogen-powered proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) points the way to a future with a guaranteed energy source. Hydrogen is the most commonly occurring chemical element and can also be generated from renewable resources without any ecological impact. PEM fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity highly efficiently, the only "exhaust emission" being pure water. In the opinion of the experts, hydrogen is the fuel with the greatest potential for the future.
The F 600 Hygenius also opens up new uses for fuel-cell vehicles: a 110 / 220 V power socket in the tailgate makes it possible for work or party lighting, electric tools, a refrigerator, an electric grill, a TV, computer or any other pieces of electrical equipment to be connected up. Moreover, the 66 kilowatt output of the four fuel-cell stacks (each of which consists of 100 fuel cells) would be sufficient to supply several houses with electricity.
The F 600 Hygenius was powered by the most effective fuel-cell drive system yet developed. Thanks to the practical experience and know-how of some 150 scientists and engineers, its fuel cells were about 40 percent smaller than previous designs and are able to withstand extreme cold without any performance degradation. It boasted a range of at least 400 kilometres and consumption of hydrogen is equivalent in energy terms to 2.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. The F 600 represents another important milestone on the way to production maturity for fuel-cell technology – a goal which Mercedes-Benz aims to achieve between 2012 and 2015.
Mercedes-Benz can already call on over two million kilometres of practical experience with 100 near-series fuel-cell vehicles.
The hydrogen-powered proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) points the way to a future with a guaranteed energy source. Hydrogen is the most commonly occurring chemical element and can also be generated from renewable resources without any ecological impact. PEM fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity highly efficiently, the only "exhaust emission" being pure water. In the opinion of the experts, hydrogen is the fuel with the greatest potential for the future.
The F 600 Hygenius also opens up new uses for fuel-cell vehicles: a 110 / 220 V power socket in the tailgate makes it possible for work or party lighting, electric tools, a refrigerator, an electric grill, a TV, computer or any other pieces of electrical equipment to be connected up. Moreover, the 66 kilowatt output of the four fuel-cell stacks (each of which consists of 100 fuel cells) would be sufficient to supply several houses with electricity.
The 4-door F 600 also sets new standards with regard to
comfort and interior flexibility. The accommodation provided by the compact
body, which is only 4.35 metres long, is characterised by space and key comfort
dimensions superior to those of exclusive luxury saloons.
A special feature of the driver´s seat is the two-part backrest cushion which can be adjusted for height, width and inclination by means of electric motors in order to match the shape of the driver´s body perfectly and to provide excellent support at waist level in particular.
A number of unprecedented design solutions make the F 600 a perfect family car. In addition to their fore / aft and lateral adjustment features, the driver and front-passenger seats are equipped with reversible backrests which can be swung forward to create a backward-facing seating position which allows child seats with a standard attachment system to be locked into place.
Video cameras in the exterior mirrors monitor the blind spots while the vehicle is moving and improve safety for alighting passengers when the vehicle is stationary: if another road user is approaching, a warning symbol is displayed in the mirror and the doors are briefly prevented from being opened.
The issues surrounding the way in which people interact with technology are also addressed by the F 600 which serves as an object lesson in the optimisation of the "Human-Machine Interface". The result is an operating concept which is easy, safe and intuitive to use, and which maximises driver information while minimising driver distraction.
A special feature of the driver´s seat is the two-part backrest cushion which can be adjusted for height, width and inclination by means of electric motors in order to match the shape of the driver´s body perfectly and to provide excellent support at waist level in particular.
A number of unprecedented design solutions make the F 600 a perfect family car. In addition to their fore / aft and lateral adjustment features, the driver and front-passenger seats are equipped with reversible backrests which can be swung forward to create a backward-facing seating position which allows child seats with a standard attachment system to be locked into place.
Video cameras in the exterior mirrors monitor the blind spots while the vehicle is moving and improve safety for alighting passengers when the vehicle is stationary: if another road user is approaching, a warning symbol is displayed in the mirror and the doors are briefly prevented from being opened.
The issues surrounding the way in which people interact with technology are also addressed by the F 600 which serves as an object lesson in the optimisation of the "Human-Machine Interface". The result is an operating concept which is easy, safe and intuitive to use, and which maximises driver information while minimising driver distraction.
In another first for the F 600, the two colour displays in
the dashboard address the issue of eye accommodation, the adjustment which the
eyes have to make when switching between looking at close-up objects, such as
the cockpit instruments, and more distant ones, such as other traffic. The
virtual instrument displays are enlarged and are projected to appear at a point
1.40 metres ahead of the driver, thereby reducing strain on the eyes.
F 700
The F 700 concept car defines the idea of effortless
superior refinement. This concept for a future luxurious touring saloon shows
how outstanding drive quality, environmental friendliness, great performance
and exceptionally low fuel consumption can be combined.
A pioneering new engine known as DiesOtto has been introduced into the F 700. This revolutionary 4-cylinder petrol engine has a displacement of just 1,800cc, and yet its controlled auto ignition, direct fuel injection and turbo charging combines the performance of our larger 350 V6 CGI petrol engine found in the CLS-Class with the torque and fuel economy of our 320 CDI V6 diesel unit. It also results in fewer emissions. With controlled auto ignition, hardly any nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced, and CO2 emissions are just 127g/km. While an average fuel consumption of 53.3 mpg is a figure more commonly seen in compact, diesel powered vehicles than in spacious, luxury petrol-fuelled saloons. The 238 hp of the internal combustion engine is assisted by 20 hp from a hybrid electric motor, which together results in 400 Nm of torque, a 0-62 mph sprint time of 7.5 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 125 mph. And in order to combine the individual subsystems into one drive concept, a highly efficient engine management and control system has been implemented.
The exceptional efficiency of the F 700 is evident at first sight. Drag is reduced courtesy of its exterior lines. Distinguished by soft, flowing forms, the design known as ‘Aqua Dynamic’ translated the flow dynamics of a fish into the style of an exceptional car.
A pioneering new engine known as DiesOtto has been introduced into the F 700. This revolutionary 4-cylinder petrol engine has a displacement of just 1,800cc, and yet its controlled auto ignition, direct fuel injection and turbo charging combines the performance of our larger 350 V6 CGI petrol engine found in the CLS-Class with the torque and fuel economy of our 320 CDI V6 diesel unit. It also results in fewer emissions. With controlled auto ignition, hardly any nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced, and CO2 emissions are just 127g/km. While an average fuel consumption of 53.3 mpg is a figure more commonly seen in compact, diesel powered vehicles than in spacious, luxury petrol-fuelled saloons. The 238 hp of the internal combustion engine is assisted by 20 hp from a hybrid electric motor, which together results in 400 Nm of torque, a 0-62 mph sprint time of 7.5 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 125 mph. And in order to combine the individual subsystems into one drive concept, a highly efficient engine management and control system has been implemented.
The exceptional efficiency of the F 700 is evident at first sight. Drag is reduced courtesy of its exterior lines. Distinguished by soft, flowing forms, the design known as ‘Aqua Dynamic’ translated the flow dynamics of a fish into the style of an exceptional car.
Furthermore, the F 700 provides inspiring ideas for the
technological future of Mercedes-Benz – like each of the research cars which
preceded it. It can recognise the condition of the road, anticipating and
levelling out uneven spots with its active Pre-Scan suspension, substantially
improving suspension comfort. And its flexible interior concept interprets comfortable
travel in a completely new way, with its reverse seat at the heart of the new
seating concept. It breaks up the firmly established, traditional seating
arrangements of a saloon and instead permits individual seat and rest
positions, both facing the direction of travel and in the opposite direction.
The technology of tomorrow in a car of today.
source: http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passengercars/home/passenger_cars_world/innovation_new/concept_cars.htmlThe technology of tomorrow in a car of today.
http://www.boscheuropean.com
No comments:
Post a Comment