share on BufferThe exterior features dynamic lines with sculpted and muscular surfaces, while the interior is inspired by the world of equestrianism and features wood, aluminium and smoked glass finishes.
The powertrain of the Fascination Concept is derived from the new E-Class and includes the new four-cylinder 2.2 liter diesel engine with BlueTEC technology which develops 150 kW/ 204 hp.
Concept
One of the goals of the Concept Fascination, scheduled to debut at th 2008 Paris Motor Show, was to give 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 designers to get a feel for future styling trends and to develop new design idioms."
Exterior Design
The 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 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 into the sides of the vehicle.
The distinctive front section features the dual headlamp face, reinterpreted 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 with 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 hood 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.
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.
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As at the front, the rear end is completed by a small additional wing framed by four exhaust tailpipes.
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.
Interior
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.
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.
(Source: Mercedes-Benz)
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