Apparently Mercedes is so excited about their F-800 hybrid concept, that they just had to get it out there for public consumption.
And I can see why.
I’ve never been much of a fan of Mercedes automobiles, unless we are talking about the turbo-diesel boxes from the 1980′s. Those cars refuse to die. But beyond that, I just shrug my shoulders at most Mercedes for being, well, boring looking. But the F-800 concept may just change my mind.
Cited as the future of the CLS class of Mercedes cars, the F-800 is a hotbed of future technology wrapped up in some sexy sheetmetal that causes the eyes to wander to the naughty bits. The F-800 has a decidedly coupe-like roof line, lots and lots of angles, and a grill that reminds one of an AMG model, Mercedes in-house tuner. This is a very aggressive concept, one that looks as though you’ll cut yourself on it if you get too close.
Among the many nifty features in this concept are the slide-away doors, much like a mini-van. I’ve always thought the front-hinged door was a bit outdated, especially at a time when it seems cars are still getting bigger, and parking spaces are getting smaller. Another feature that would be cooler if it were more practical is the Distonic Plus Traffic Jam Assistant, which is a fancy name for an advanced cruise control system. The system can actually steer your car through long corners as long as it is driving under 25 mph. The Pre-Safe 360 system is another future technology that can detect when a rear-end collision is imminent, and apply the brakes to prevent a chain reaction accident. While I worry such features might make people become a bit too reliant on the car to drive itself, it is hard to deny that these features would make life easier, and maybe even safer.
Mercedes is touting the F-800 as a plug-in hybrid, with an all-electric range of 18 miles. Not exactly record breaking, but enough for short jaunts around town. The hybrid system features a 300 horsepower V6 engine and a 109 horsepower electric motor module for a combined output of over 400 horsepower. Now that is my kinda hybrid! With a 0-60 sprint of 4.7 seconds and a 155 mph top speed, it is as much a sports car as it is a hybrid. Despite this impressive (proposed, it is still a concept) performance figures, the F-800 supposedly emits just 68 grams of CO2 per kilometer and gets 81 mpg after the battery is drained.
Mercedes also says another powertrain option—a fuel cell/electric system—might also be available… some day. Mercedes has put a lot of work into fuel cells, but it is still highly unlikely we’ll be buying them off the showroom floor anytime soon.
Maybe one day, I’ll be able to afford a car based on the F-800, but for now, I’ll join the rest of you in drooling over these pictures.
Source: Mercedes
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