For some time now, we’ve all heard reports that Mercedes-Benz would soon be introducing a new line of compact cars that would fit unuder the current C Class and provide a broader portfolio of gas- saving vehicles for the firm as tough new federal standards approach.
Now we can all stop speculating. It’s true and it’s coming.
The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class is slated to make its debut at both the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows later this month, and Mercedes says the car ”previews a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz.”
Mercedes describes the styling of their new little one as “expressive and athletic,” and it’s powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with a dual clutch transmission. It is also equipped with a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.
Mercedes sounds especially proud of the concept A Class’s appearance. A news release says, “ The aggressive appearance of the Concept A-Class, with its long hood, low silhouette and slim side windows, is given depth by the interplay between lines and surfaces. Inspiration was drawn from the wind and the waves, as well as aviation engineering.”
“The front end of the Concept A-Class immediately catches the eye with the Mercedes- Benz star logo surrounded by what looks like a star-filled sky. Where there are usually openings or louvers, the radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver hexagons on black stems. This theme is reflected in the design of the wheels. The headlights of the Concept A-Class continue this design element with innovative full-LED high-performance headlamps repeating the starry sky motif with numerous light points. The daytime running lamps consist of 90 optical fibers with aluminum sleeves which are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp, the news release adds.
The front-wheel drive model is powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine from the new M270 series. It was designed for transverse installation and thanks to direct injection and turbocharging,” offers high performance together with minimal emissions and fuel consumption,” Mercedes officials say.
. The Concept A-Class is equipped with the two liter variant of the new engine, developing 210 hp. This BlueEFFICIENCY engine is mated to the new Mercedes-Benz dual clutch transmission.
As a world first in the compact class, the concept car features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which lowers the risk of rear end collisions. This assistance system gives a visual and acoustic warning to an inattentive driver and prepares Brake Assist for a precise braking response. Braking is initiated as soon as the driver forcefully operates the brake pedal.
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The car’s dashboard is intended to have the shape of an aircraft wing, with a translucent, stretchable fabric lining. Mercedes says that allows the ”bionic, cellular structure of the dashboard” to remain visible.
The shape of the air vents in the dashboard is reminiscent of a jet aircraft. The prominent dials in the instrument cluster are in red, inspired by the afterburner of a jet engine. The center console is designed as a modern flight control panel, with the shift lever designed as a “reverse thrust control”.
A smartphone is fully integrated into the Concept A-Class. All functions are shown in the display as applications, and can be operated using the rotary/push control. The visual presentation of the display screen elements is unique, with a deep, three-dimensional appearance created by laser-like magenta-colored lines.
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