Mersedes-Benz continues the celebration of its 125-anniversary with the new Mercedes-Benz F125! research vehicle. The futuristic look-like luxury car differs from other first class vehicles as it has the emission-free driving system.
Photo: www.autoblog.com
Presented on the 2011 Frankfurt Moto Show, the F125! Has a lithium-sulphur high-voltage battery with high energy density, a pioneering battery charging by induction as well as a brand new hydrogen storage technology.
Completely emission-free mobility of the car allows a range of up to 1000 km, full day-to-day suitability and superior performance. The bodyshell of lightweight hybrid construction are equipped with gull-wing doors for optimal access, more safety and reduced weight.
Providing total control, e4MATIC-all-wheel drive has four wheel electric motors and individual torque control at each wheel. This accelerates the F 125! to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 220 km/h. Nonetheless, NEDC fuel consumption is only 0.79 kg of hydrogen per 100 km.
Photo: www.autoblog.com
Easy operation due touch, gesture and voice control and ‘@yourCOMAND’ cloud-based infotainment adds more ‘intuitiveness’ to the new model. It reminds of another high-end innovation by Volvo, Concept You.
The new engineering technology of storing hydrogen allows to call the the F125! a visionary car that goes not only one vehicle generation forward but at least to the year 2025. The tank integrated into the floor assembly has a capacity of around 7.5 kg of hydrogen. Compared to the high-pressure tanks in use today, the H2 tank potentially requires less installation space.
«The structural integrated hydrogen composite unit of the F 125! represents a real technological revolution, as it allows the hydrogen tank to be fully integrated into the bodyshell structure for the first time. In the future, vehicles with emission-free fuel cell drive systems could achieve the operating ranges of current diesel models with no loss of interior space,» says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber.
Another 125-years celebration initiative comes from Mercedes-Benz dealers that have launched a contest on Facebook to identify local community service groups doing sustainable work. Within the campaign called ‘Community Stars,’ dealers are donating $125,000 to a select group of charitable organizations across the country.
The contest is designed to bring awareness to local organizations whose efforts are often overshadowed by larger, multinational charitable organizations and NGOs. MB USA fans are encouraged to suggest their favorite charitable organizations as well.
Participants are challenged to create and upload 60-second videos to showcase their organization and exactly how they would use the awarded funds to forward their cause. The contest ends on October 21 and the five Grand Prize Winners will each receive $25,000.
