At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes has unveiled the F 125! concept.
Seen as the future S-class of 2025, the luxury car is a plug-in hybrid fuel-cell electric vehicle which has a 10 kWh lithium-sulphur battery, a hydrogen fuel tank and four electric motors with a peak output of 313 PS (230 kW / 308 hp). This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). Additionally, the F 125! can travel 50 km (31 miles) on electricity alone, before the fuel-cell activates to extend the range up to 1,000 km (621 miles).
While the exterior is not particularly aesthetically appealing, the cabin is a technological playground. Highlights include a 3D instrument cluster, a retractable 17-inch display and a new @yourCOMAND infotainment system which is controlled by speech, touch and hand-gestures. The latter system is highly customizable and offers internet connectivity, cloud-based computing and a Social Community Assistant which lets the driver select who can communicate with them.
Generally a roadster has a long bonnet, a very low profile, and a small boot. Only two people can sit in it. This new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG pretty much fits this definition. Already confirmed as a Frankfurt debutant, the video shows some of the SLS’ abilities on a track and on the road.
A main attraction is the sound trumpeting from the shiny twin tailpipes, urged on by the naturally aspirated 6.3-litre AMG V8 powerplant. You can hear a lot of the sound if you put up the volume as it accelerates into the straight or when cornering.
The V8 produces 571hp, which the driver can access through the 7-speed double clutch gearbox and the round 3-stage ESP knob which changes the suspension’s characteristics from everyday comfort to sharp and sporty.
The SLS will be in the showrooms before the end of the year and compete with supercars like the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Lamborghini Gallardo.
Both Aston Martin and Mercedes are only about 18 months removed from their respective divorces from Ford and Chrysler. Now the two luxury automakers are looking to settle a partnership with one another.
Aston Martin has terrific brand value, but the independent British marquee can’t touch Daimler’s vast cash and engineering might. For that reason, Aston is reportedly interested in Mercedes for its engineering prowess. The next generation S-Class will feature a choice of mild, full, and plug-in hybrid variants, as well as smaller petrol engines to increase efficiency. Those powertrain combos will reportedly end up under the bonnet of the 2010 Rapide sedan, as well as the rumored Lagonda lineup.
A €300 million Aston/Daimler collaboration could wind up being yet another bad idea, but there’s also a good chance this Euro luxury hook-up could result in some good-looking offspring. We may find out sooner than later, too, as the first Lagonda concept is rumored to be unveiled next year, and under that beautiful Aston sheet metal may well be some fine German engineering.
