Mercedes-Benz
Concept IAA
The Mercedes-Benz "Concept IAA" (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile)
is a shape-shifting concept car designed to be extremely aerodynamic,
while also being a stylish four-door coupe.
The car shifts between its two forms automatically when the vehicle
hits 50 mph (80 km/h). At that magic number an array of aerodynamic
measures alter the shape of the concept to reduce drag an increase
efficiency.
The changes include flaps in the front bumper which extend by 25 mm
to the front and 20 mm to the rear, improving the air flow around
the front end and the front wheel arches; the Active Rims alter their
cupping from 55 mm to zero; and the louvre in the front bumper moves
60 mm to the rear, improving the underbody air flow. Perhaps most
impressively though, the car increases its overall length by 390 mm
(15 inches) thanks to eight segments which extend from the rear.
The overall shape of the Mercedes Concept IAA, in both forms, was
honed by computer modeling to simulate airflow around the vehicle.
Inside, the bright white cabin debuts a variety of tech that could
filter down to production models. Gesture control pads on the dashboard
allow the driver to control in-car functions by hovering their finger
above the pad and moving it directionally.
The Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA is 5040 millimetres long (5430 mm in
aerodynamic mode), 1995 mm wide and 1305 mm high. Its wheelbase measures
2975 mm, and the front/rear track widths are 1710 and 1770 mm respectively.
Powering the car is a a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid drive with
a total output of 279 hp. This provides it with a top speed of 155
mph (electronically limited). CO2 emissions and electric range depend
on the mode in which the vehicle is tested: in aerodynamic mode the
"Concept IAA" manages an all-electric range of 66 kilometres and emits
28 g CO2 per km. In design mode the range stands at 62 km and CO2
emissions at 31 g per km.
| Make |
Mercedes-Benz |
| Model |
Concept IAA |
| Concept Year |
2015 |
| Engine / Drivetrain |
Hybrid, gasoline/electric |
|
