Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 27

Thread: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION 2008

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Delft
    Posts
    4,487

    Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION 2008

    Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION study showcases new design idiom


    Sense and sensuousness – a compelling interpretation of a coupé concept
    Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz builds the world’s most desirable coupés – a claim which the Stuttgart-based car maker is underlining at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with its ConceptFASCINATION design study. This unique vehicle, whose innovative and unconventional proportions interpret the emotional appeal of a coupé in a new way, represent an exciting and intelligent combination of sporty and elegant design with stylish practicality. Wood, aluminium and smoked glass give a particularly exclusive look and feel to the luggage compartment which incorporates a refrigerated compartment and a humidor as well as offering a large load space. These attributes embody the two objectives of ConceptFASCINATION – to provide a high level of practical usability and to create a coupé which appeals to the heart with fast, thrilling lines. In developing this design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established (although now rarely seen) “shooting brake”, a vehicle category with its own distinctive charisma. Freed from the constraints of a specifications book, the designers have created an automotive sculpture with great aesthetic appeal which once again demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s high level of design expertise.

    ConceptFASCINATION is a unique jewel of compelling automotive design which is distinguished by its irresistibly dynamic lines yet still offers the benefits of a large luggage compartment. A particularly notable feature of the design is that the practical load space develops organically from the exciting and elegant lines of this lifestyle coupé, giving it its special charisma. Inside, the tone is set by fine, exceptional materials hand-crafted to the highest standard. Absolute perfection and attention to detail make this design study an incomparable gem which conveys a sense of sporty forward movement and at the same time elegance, savoir-vivre and exclusivity of the highest level.

    Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: “This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally appealing lines, ConceptFASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupé. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and meticulously crafted detail ensure that this study meets the highest design standards."

    Taut, sharply contoured lines and finely sculpted surfaces

    The design study’s elongated body is dominated by the dynamic front-to-rear sweep of its lines which gives it a dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary. This impression is emphasised by the long, frameless, side-window line which creates a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also creating the impression of length and a remarkable sense of light. The side windows can be lowered completely – one of the fundamental genetic markers of every Mercedes-Benz coupé – to provide an uninterrupted view of the stylish way in which fine materials have been used inside the vehicle.

    A sense of forward-flowing energy is created by the wedge-shaped profile of the design study whose sides are structured by taut, clearly defined lines which grow out of the surfaces organically and disappear back into them in the same subtle way. Sensitively sculpted surfaces, alternately concave and convex, are defined by the shoulder line and undercut feature line with an additional line to form a gentle, yet pronounced linear flow complemented by an intriguing interplay of light effects. In short, flowing surfaces and arching structures create compelling forms.

    The wheel arches are powerfully sculpted. In the rear wings in particular, the rounded treatment of the flared wheel arches is characterised by a degree of almost sensual exuberance – a classic Mercedes-Benz design element of the past – which is taken to an elegant conclusion in the lines of the rear. In order to maintain the flow of the surfaces and edges, the door handles are visually extended rearward of the doors into the sides of the vehicle.

    A self-assured front section with a new take on the dual headlamp face
    The distinctive front section of this gracefully built athlete is a picture of self-assurance. It remains loyal to the dual headlamp face, but interprets it in a more contemporary way. The now rhomboid headlamps which are set against a grey background reveal the fascinating technical details of the light units which feature the latest LED technology as well as C-shaped fibre-optic inserts which serve as discreet running lights. With its new, sharper eyes and the surrounding lines and surfaces, the “face” of the ConceptFASCINATION vehicle is both exciting and forceful.

    The bonnet of the design study has pronounced contours with a central ridge which picks up the V-shape of the front end and continues it along the vehicle body. Powerfully framed, the single-louvre radiator grille with the central Mercedes star makes a very dominant and expressive statement of the brand identity.

    A distinctive front apron with a small double-wing assembly at the base gives this design gem a wide, confident stance.

    The great attention to detail, which can be sensed in the assurance of every line and the graceful sweep of every surface, is exemplified to perfection by a special touch in the front apron: a fine chrome trim strip runs all round the lower body of the vehicle and at the front, LED fog lamps are set into this strip.

    Forward-sloping rear with pronounced V-shape

    The forward-sloping rear also has a pronounced V-shape and features a spoiler, below which the third brake light is reflected in the rear window. Flat, horizontal LED lights which extend around the back, linking it visually with the sides, emphasise the width. In a styling move which is both clever and extremely harmonious, the undercut surround of the redesigned tail lights flows into the rear wings, serving as yet another example of the attention to detail made by the Mercedes-Benz designers. As at the front, the rear is completed by a small additional wing framed by four exhaust tailpipes.
    Exquisite range of materials from the world of equestrianism

    A large panoramic glass roof and the arc described by the uninterrupted side-window line bring a sense of light to the interior, and help it to merge with the exterior. Fine materials, such as leather, wood and aluminium, as well as high-quality woven fabrics and many carefully crafted details ensure that the sporty and stylish character of the show vehicle is also underlined on the interior.

    The exquisite range of materials is inspired by the world of equestrianism and satisfies the most discerning tastes. Recalling the look and feel of a saddle, thick, dark leather covers the aluminium centre console which, like a bridge extending from the front to the rear, spans the space between the four sporty individual seats and translates the taut lines of the exterior to the interior of the vehicle with minimalist elements. Strong and natural, this leather also covers the upper section of the dashboard while its supple, flowing character means that it also lends itself to enhancing the look and feel of the door armrests.

    Contrast is provided by light, fine nubuck leather which is used for the other surfaces and the four individual seats as well as by the deep-pile carpet with heavy fibres. The seat centre panels are covered in strong, high-quality fabric. Trim strips in American walnut with a fine chrome surround complete the portfolio of materials.

    The characteristic V-shape of the exterior is picked up by the dashboard whose styling evokes a dynamic wing and which features an instrument cluster with five tubes and silver dials.

    Luxurious load compartment with stylish details
    Carefully crafted details give the load compartment a particularly luxurious and surprising character. The floor of the load compartment, which measures approximately one metre square, is made of wood with brushed aluminium protective rails. Folding up the floor at the left and right sides reveals two compartments containing two sets of binoculars as well as a high-quality digital camera with interchangeable Leica lenses – the perfect equipment for a day at the races.

    The centre of the load compartment is occupied by a folding smoked glass table which rises out of the floor at the touch of a button to reveal a compartment housing a humidor. The table can also be pulled to the rear for easier access from outside. Doing so provides access to a refrigerated compartment for drinks and champagne flutes. The smoked glass can then be folded up at left and right to allow the vehicle occupants to enjoy a picnic in a stylish and refined ambience.

    Driven by new, powerful and economical four-cylinder diesel engine

    Not content with just indulging the senses, the ConceptFASCINATION design study impresses with its technical underpinnings, too. These are drawn from the future E-Class Coupé and include the new four-cylinder diesel engine which features BlueTEC and AdBlue technology and develops 204 hp from a displacement of 2.2 litres.

    The ConceptFASCINATION study was not created merely to arouse interest in a new and unusual design concept. It is much more a matter of giving designers the opportunity to play around with unconventional topics, to look at things in a new way and to explore new ideas. Design studies also serve to stimulate a closer dialogue with customers and to gauge the public reaction to new ideas for cars. They help Mercedes-Benz designers to get a feel for future styling trends and to develop new design idioms.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Delft
    Posts
    4,487
    Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION #2

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489
    As a concept it reminds me a lot of the old Beta HPE.

    I like it. If only it made it into production...
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    385
    The 5th pic makes it look like a stretched astra
    I want to die in my sleep like my Grandma, not screaming like the other 3 people in her car.

    There are 10 types of people in this world. People who understand binary and people who don't.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    └A & Connecticlump
    Posts
    5,367
    I looks like the abominable R-class, glad it wont be produced.
    thanks for the pix duell
    "Kimi, can you improve on your [race] finish?"
    "No. My Finnish is fine; I am from Finland. Do you have any water?"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    North-East of Italy
    Posts
    167
    When I saw on various car magazines Photoshopped pics of the future E-Class, with those square headlight, I thought "Please. God. No.".

    ...but to be honest I quite like this prototype (especially the 2nd pic, 1st post). Not sure about the whole body, though, it looks waaay better in the last sketch.

    Oh, and this might be the first Mercedes I quite like after years... (-> CLS the last one).

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Modena
    Posts
    9,826
    Quote Originally Posted by acfsambo View Post
    The 5th pic makes it look like a stretched astra
    true

    I think I don't like, I find it kinda inexpressive, something wrong especially in a concept car.
    But I have to admit those square headlights are better then what I though looking at the prototypes.
    KFL Racing Enterprises - Kicking your ass since 2008

    *cough* http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/ *cough*

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    UAE
    Posts
    1,217
    i quite like the styling. i hope they dont change the wheels and bumper in the next E-class. the headlights in the first pic remind me of the Lexus GS.
    If you want to do something wrong, do it right

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Porto - Portugal
    Posts
    2,755
    The front is probably the new E-Class, the back will probably be on it to, but it looks very Opel. Not really caring, the E-Class was never a spots example for anyone.
    "Religious belief is the “path of least resistance”, says Boyer, while disbelief requires effort."

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    brisbane - sub-tropical land of mangoes
    Posts
    16,251
    post 2 pic 2; looks like someone folded the pic and left the crease right down the centre of the image/car
    Andreas Preuninger, Manager of Porsche High Performance Cars: "Grandmas can use paddles. They aren't challenging."

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489
    Quote Originally Posted by ruim20 View Post
    The front is probably the new E-Class
    Without the "probably".

    I wouldn't be suprised if this actually previewed some of the E-class Estate details as well.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    East Coast of the United States
    Posts
    11,994
    I don't know what to make of it. It's alright I guess, but I think it's a little too high off the ground and not long enough?

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Spain
    Posts
    985

    Mercedes-Benz Concept FASCINATION

    Mercedes-Benz Concept FASCINATION
    2008 Paris Show

    Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz builds the world’s most desirable coupés – a claim which the Stuttgart-based car maker is underlining at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with its Concept FASCINATION design study. This unique vehicle, whose innovative and unconventional proportions interpret the emotional appeal of a coupé in a new way, represents an exciting and intelligent combination of sporty and elegant design with stylish practicality. Wood, aluminium and smoked glass give a particularly exclusive look and feel to the luggage compartment which incorporates a refrigerated compartment and a humidor as well as offering a large load space. These attributes embody the two objectives of Concept FASCINATION – to provide a high level of practical usability and to create a coupé which appeals to the heart with fast, thrilling lines. In developing this design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established (although now rarely seen) “shooting brake”, a vehicle category with its own distinctive charisma. Freed from the constraints of a specifications book, the designers have created an automotive sculpture with great aesthetic appeal which once again demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s high level of design expertise.
    Concept FASCINATION is a unique jewel of compelling automotive design which is distinguished by its irresistibly dynamic lines yet still offers the benefits of a large luggage compartment. A particularly notable feature of the design is that the practical load space develops organically from the exciting and elegant lines of this lifestyle coupé, giving it its special charisma. Inside, the tone is set by fine, exceptional materials hand-crafted to the highest standard. Absolute perfection and attention to detail make this design study an incomparable gem which conveys at one and the same time a sense of sporty forward movement and elegance, savoir-vivre and exclusivity of the highest level.
    Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, commented: “This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style. With its emotionally appealing lines, Concept FASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupé. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and painstakingly crafted details ensure that this study meets the highest design standards.“
    Attached Images Attached Images

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Spain
    Posts
    985
    Driven by a new, powerful and economical four-cylinder diesel engine
    Not content with just indulging the senses, the Concept FASCINATION design study impresses with its technical underpinnings, too. These are drawn from the new E-Class and include the new four-cylinder diesel engine which features BlueTEC technology and develops 150 kW/ 204 hp from a displacement of 2.2 litres.
    Dr Thomas Weber, Daimler AG board member with responsibility for Research and Development at Mercedes Benz Cars, said: “The show car not only demonstrates a fascinating, new design idiom, but - with our new, high-performance and economical diesel drive system using BlueTEC technology - shows that Mercedes-Benz vehicles will also set standards in the future in terms of sustainability as well as emotional appeal, driving pleasure and comfort.”

    Taut, sharply contoured lines and finely sculpted surfaces
    The design study’s elongated body is dominated by the dynamic front-to-rear sweep of its lines which gives it a dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary. This impression is emphasised by the long, frameless, side-window line which describes a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also increasing the impression of length and creating a remarkable sense of lightness. The side windows can be lowered completely – one of the fundamental genetic markers of every Mercedes-Benz coupé – to provide an uninterrupted view of the stylish way in which fine materials have been used inside the vehicle.
    A sense of forward-flowing energy is created by the wedge-shaped profile of the design study whose sides are structured by taut, clearly defined lines which grow out of the surfaces organically and disappear back into them in the same subtle way. Sensitively sculpted surfaces, alternately concave and convex, are defined by the shoulder line, undercut feature line and an additional line to form a gentle, yet pronounced linear flow complemented by an intriguing interplay of light effects. In short, flowing surfaces and arching structures create compelling forms.
    The wheel arches are powerfully sculpted. In the rear wings in particular, the rounded treatment of the flared wheel arches is characterised by a degree of almost sensual exuberance – a classic Mercedes-Benz design element of the past – which is taken to an elegant conclusion in the lines of the rear. In order to maintain the flow of the surfaces and edges, the door handles are visually extended rearward of the doors into the sides of the vehicle.

    A self-assured front section with a new take on the dual headlamp face
    The distinctive front section of this gracefully built athlete is a picture of self-assurance. It remains loyal to the dual headlamp face, but interprets it in a more contemporary way. The now rhomboid headlamps, which are set against a grey background reveal the fascinating technical details of the light units which feature the latest LED technology as well as C-shaped fibre-optic inserts which serve as discreet running lights. With its new, sharper eyes and the surrounding lines and surfaces, the “face” of the Concept FASCINATION vehicle is both exciting and forceful.
    The bonnet of the design study has pronounced contours with a central ridge which picks up the V-shape of the front end and continues it along the vehicle body. Powerfully framed, the single-louvre radiator grille with the central Mercedes star makes a very dominant and expressive statement of the brand identity.
    A distinctive front apron with a small double-wing assembly at the base gives this design gem a wide, confident stance.
    The great attention to detail, which can be sensed in the assurance of every line and the graceful sweep of every surface, is exemplified to perfection by a special touch in the front apron: a fine chrome trim strip runs all round the lower body of the vehicle; at the front, LED fog lamps are set into this strip – turning it into a sparkling piece of jewellery.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Spain
    Posts
    985
    Forward-sloping rear with pronounced V-shape
    The forward-sloping rear also has a pronounced V-shape and features a spoiler, below which the third brake light is reflected in the rear window. Flat, horizontal LED lights which extend around the back, linking it visually with the sides, emphasise the width. In a styling move which is both clever and extremely harmonious, the undercut surround of the redesigned tail lights flows into the rear wings, serving as yet another example of the painstaking attention to detail by the Mercedes-Benz designers. As at the front, the rear is completed by a small additional wing framed by four exhaust tailpipes.

    Exquisite range of materials from the world of equestrianism
    A large panoramic glass roof and the arc described by the uninterrupted side-window line bring a sense of visual lightness to the interior, too, and help it to merge with the exterior. Fine materials, such as leather, wood and aluminium, as well as high-quality woven fabrics and many carefully crafted details ensure that the sporty and stylish character of the show vehicle is also underlined by the interior.
    The exquisite range of materials is inspired by the world of equestrianism and satisfies the most discerning tastes. Recalling the look and feel of a saddle, thick, dark leather covers the aluminium centre console which, like a bridge extending from the front to the rear, spans the space between the four sporty individual seats and translates the taut lines of the exterior to the interior of the vehicle with minimalist elements. Strong and natural, this leather also covers the upper section of the dashboard while its supple, flowing character means that it also lends itself to enhancing the look and feel of the door armrests.
    Contrast is provided by light, fine nubuck leather used for the other surfaces and the four individual seats as well as by the deep-pile carpet with heavy fibres. The seat centre panels are covered in strong, high-quality fabric. Trim strips in American walnut with a fine chrome surround complete the portfolio of materials.
    The characteristic V-shape of the exterior is picked up by the dashboard whose styling evokes a dynamic wing and which features an instrument cluster with five tubes and silver dials.

    Luxurious load compartment with stylish details
    Painstakingly crafted details give the load compartment a particularly luxurious and surprising character. The floor of the load compartment, which measures approximately one metre square, is made of wood with brushed aluminium protective rails. Folding up the floor at the left and right sides reveals two compartments containing two sets of binoculars as well as a high-quality digital camera with interchangeable Leica lenses – the perfect equipment for a day at the races, for example.
    The centre of the load compartment is occupied by a folding smoked glass table which rises out of the floor at the touch of a button to reveal a compartment housing a humidor. The table can also be pulled to the rear for easier access from outside. Doing so provides access to a refrigerated compartment for drinks and champagne flutes. The smoked glass can then be folded up at left and right to allow the vehicle occupants to enjoy a picnic in a stylish and refined ambience.

    Driven by new, powerful and economical four-cylinder diesel engine
    Not content with just indulging the senses, the Concept FASCINATION design study impresses with its technical underpinnings, too. These are drawn from the future E-Class Coupé and include the new four-cylinder diesel engine which features BlueTEC and AdBlue technology and develops 150 kW / 204 hp from a displacement of 2.2 litres.

    Mercedes-Benz design studies look to future styling trends
    The Concept FASCINATION study was not created merely to arouse interest in a new and unusual design concept. It is much more a matter of giving designers the opportunity to play around with unconventional topics, to look at things in a new way and to explore new ideas. Design studies also serve to stimulate a closer dialogue with customers and to gauge the public reaction to new ideas for cars. They help Mercedes-Benz designers to get a feel for future styling trends and to develop new design idioms.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by 90ft; 12-19-2008 at 05:30 AM.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule
    By DanicaFan in forum Racing forums
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-31-2007, 05:06 AM
  2. Mercedes Benz E63 AMG vs. BMW M5
    By Prius in forum Car comparison
    Replies: 52
    Last Post: 03-12-2007, 10:49 AM
  3. 2006 Mercedes Benz S-Class w221
    By Swissbeatz in forum General Automotive
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: 11-24-2006, 03:08 AM
  4. Spied: 2008 Mercedes MLK/GLK-Class
    By 6'bore in forum General Automotive
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 04-20-2006, 05:58 PM
  5. 2008 Mercedes C Class!
    By Manik in forum General Automotive
    Replies: 26
    Last Post: 02-27-2006, 10:25 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •