The cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz's Frankfurt introductions is the F700 Research Car, a rolling bed of Mercedes' latest technology. Painted in sleek ALUBEAM metallic paint, the F700's unique drivetain allows it to be shorter than the current LWB S-Class, but with a short front overhang that lets it have a wheelbase over an inch longer.
That powerplant would be the DIESOTTO engine, a four cylinder, direct-injected, sequentially-turbocharged 1.8-liter gas engine that can alternate between conventional spark ignition and extremely high pressure compression ignition. The name itself hints at this - DIESOTTO is a mashup of Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, and Nicolaus Otto, who thought of the four-stroke spark-ignition cycle. Connected to a hybrid starter/generator which is integrated into its seven-speed transmission, the DIESOTTO powerplant is said to push the F700 to 62mph in 7.5 seconds.
The suspension of the F700 is Mercedes-Benz's active-damping system that's been fitted with two front-mounted LIDAR sensors, which "read" the upcoming road surface and dynamically adjusts the system to compensate.
The F700 also marks the first use of Mercedes' SERVO-HMI "Human-Machine Interface", which shows data from the instrument cluster on a display at the base of the windshield and given a false perspective to appear farther away. The idea, which Mercedes claims is backed by scientific studies, is to reduce eye strain from having to refocus from near to far every time the dashboard is glanced - which is said to alleviate driver fatigue.<br />
It's a friggin' research car. What does it have to do with badgewhoring ?
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Looks like a queen hornet laden with a belly full of little buzzing bastard eggs.
The above is an excerpt from the best selling book Band of Boozers, a heroic tale of ordinary alcoholics thrown together in an extraordinary time. Experience this harrowing Wino War II tale as only those that drank it can slurr.
That is truly one of the ugliest automobiles of the post-WWII era.
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The F700 also marks the first use of Mercedes' SERVO-HMI "Human-Machine Interface", which shows data from the instrument cluster on a display at the base of the windshield and given a false perspective to appear farther away. The idea, which Mercedes claims is backed by scientific studies, is to reduce eye strain from having to refocus from near to far every time the dashboard is glanced - which is said to alleviate driver fatigue.
How exactly is this any different than the heads up display that the Corvette has had for 10 years?
- Looks very hybrid-y. Not necessarily a bad thing, mind you. That side window shape is actually rather sweet. Lots of visibility. I bet it's hell of arresting when you see it in person.
- That DiesOtto engine is a goddamned miracle.
- Whatever wood they're using on the interior is absolutely friggin' gorgeous. That in combination with the patterned lacquer panels is really sweet. Car interior design has lagged behind furniture and architectural design for a long time, and this is one of the first honest stabs at bringing the cutting edge of furniture design to a car.
- The tailing edge cut of the rear door is one of the most graceless panel lines I've ever seen. SHINK straight through an organic curve. Nasty. That fauxhawk antenna is also pretty objectionable.
The above is an excerpt from the best selling book Band of Boozers, a heroic tale of ordinary alcoholics thrown together in an extraordinary time. Experience this harrowing Wino War II tale as only those that drank it can slurr.
I'm thinking the MBz designers are getting mighty tired of the stodgy, conservative, and mildly attractive designs they've become known for. Rather, they'd prefer to have a similar stomach-content emptying reflex that Chris Bangle's BMW designs inspire.
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I think that's the unwritten rule of the Car Lounge. Most of what is said here is ass-based --ATL-Av8r
The vast majority of the exterior styling is hideous.
Though I do see Lamborghini Diablo in the way the beltline takes a nosedive (the shape of the front side windows).
I agree that the DiesOtto engine is amazing if they'll let you run straight biodiesel without voiding your warranty. (Yes, I know this is just a research car.)
The wood is rather odd.. it looks as though it's unfinished, giving it a very natural look. However, I think it seems to clash a bit with the leather, which is treated to make it soft. I can understand using untreated wood in a hybrid (or any other green car, for that matter), but in a luxury car, I think it seems out of place.
I also find it very odd that the designers put patterns on the seats. In my opinion, the patterns compete with the sleek forms used for the dash, seats, etc.
Another odd feature is that the rear right side door opens rearward, while that on the left side of the car opens more conventionally towards the front. I can't see the practical use of it, but it does add interest.
*shudders at thought of trailing edge cut on rear door*, completely agree with Turbiodiesel!
I agree that the DiesOtto engine is amazing if they'll let you run straight biodiesel without voiding your warranty. (Yes, I know this is just a research car.)
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I cant believe that no one mentioned that its a 1.8T.
In the time that I read the article and re-browsed the gallery, it grew on me. Theres a few lines that I like, some I dont, but this + the VOLT are two of the most innovative cars I've ever seen.
Quote, originally posted by Turbiodiesel! »
Well, they're not exactly building it for you. They're building it for their customer base, who all wanted a little more height and a little more rear seat room. They're not buying the ***** so that people who have no intention of actually buying one can approve of them while rolling by in their VW's
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The above is an excerpt from the best selling book Band of Boozers, a heroic tale of ordinary alcoholics thrown together in an extraordinary time. Experience this harrowing Wino War II tale as only those that drank it can slurr.
