Prior to the onset of World War II, the grand prix racers of
Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union (today Audi) were dominating race tracks all over
Europe. The cars were referred to as the Silver Arrows, a name Mercedes-Benz
still applies spiritually to its current Formula 1 cars, and one of the most
famous examples was Mercedes' W125 of 1937.
On Friday, Mercedes unveiled the EQ Silver Arrow concept in
Monterey, California as a homage to a particular W125, while at the same time
also providing a halo for the new EQ sub-brand for electric cars. The concept
with its streamlined looks specifically recalls the modified
W125 Silver Arrow that 80 years ago clocked an average speed of 268.8
mph over a stretch of Autobahn. It was a record speed for a car driven on
public roads, a record that stood all the way to 2017 when Koenigsegg's Agera
RS hit 277.9 mph on a
Nevada highway.
The EQ Silver Arrow is a single-seat speedster with looks
inspired by the streamlined W125 as well as the upcoming range of EQ electric
cars, the first of which is the EQC small SUV debuting in September. The
concept stretches 17.4 feet in length and is powered by a purely electric
powertrain rated at 738 horsepower. An 80-kilowatt-hour battery should provide
more than 250 miles of range.
The body is almost entirely made from carbon fiber.
Functional attachment parts are also made from carbon, like the front splitter,
side skirts and rear diffuser. Another highlight is the partially free-standing
multi-spoke wheels. The 168 spokes per wheel are made of lightweight aluminum
and painted a rose gold color, which Mercedes says together with silver and
blue is also a signature hue of the EQ brand.
The concept's interior is adorned with high-quality
materials such as leather, brushed aluminum and solid walnut, while a
highly-futuristic digital cockpit complete with a curved panoramic screen that
projects from behind and a touchscreen integrated into the steering wheel add a
touch of modernity. A touchscreen on the steering wheel can be used to alter
the driving modes selector. Sound settings can also be configured here: choices
include the sound of a current F1 car or an AMG V-8.
One awesome feature is the virtual race function. With the
help of artificial intelligence, it is possible to engage in a virtual race
against historic or present Silver Arrow racing cars. A virtual race track is
superimposed onto the real roadway via the panoramic screen and the driver sees
their opponent either ahead of them or behind them as a "ghost." A
coach function helps one improve driving skills by giving instructions during
the race.
"Over 80 years ago, the historic Silver Arrows
demonstrated that Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer when it came to speed, thanks,
among other things, to their streamlined shape," Mercedes design chief
Gorden Wagener said in a statement. "The EQ Silver Arrow show car draws on
that legacy; intended for acceleration and driving pleasure, it embodies
progressive luxury and provides an insight into the future of our design.
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