| Make
|
Mercedes-Benz |
| Model |
Bionic |
| Concept
year |
2005 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
diesel
engine |
There have been a few cars over the years which have been
partially inspired by fish. The Corvette Stingray is one
example which springs to mind. But usually these cars
are based on fast, powerful and streamlined fish. Not
the bloated shape of boxfish.
But that was the exact influence for the shape of the
Mercedes-Benz Bionic - the yellow boxfish to be exact.
The Mercedes design team chose the shape of the boxfish
due to its square shape (like a car), and its aquadynamic
abilities.
The Mercedes Bionic concept could hardly be described
as a beautiful or graceful looking vehicle. It is what
it is, a car that looks a bit like a fat fish.
However the figures don't lie, and the Mercedes Bionic
had a very low drag coefficient of just 0.19. If you don't
know your drag numbers, that's very, very good. That means
it's more fuel efficient, and can hit a higher top speed
thanks to its slippery shape.
When styling the Mercedes-Benz Bionic, the design team
didn't stop at just making the basic shape in the mold
of the pufferfish. They also took the time to tailor some
of the minor elements of the car to more closely mirror
that of its aquatic influence. For example, the streaked
taillights give the impression of a fish's tail, while
the slightly raised central roof contour mimics the dorsal
fin.
Powering the Mercedes Bionic concept is a direct-injection
diesel engine which produces 140 horsepower. Because of
the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle, the car gets around
70 mpg, can hit 60mph in just 8 seconds, and go on to
a top speed of 118mph.
The end result is a truly unique car, and one which explores
an influence not many have tried before.
Similar and related vehicles:
Mercedes Mojave Runner
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA
Mercedes-Benz F-400
Mercedes-Benz F500 Mind
Mercedes-Benz SLR
Mercedes Ocean Drive
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