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See more Merc F-CELL Roadster pics
Ever seen a car more retro-future than this? It’s the work of design students at Mercedes-Benz and draws its inspiration from so many eras of motoring it’s hard to know where to start.
It’s called the F-Cell Roadster and is the latest in a line of Merc F-Series research concepts – this time about training in ‘sustainable motoring’.
So that means it’s powered by a 1.2kW fuel cell system (like the Honda FCX James May drove on the telly) with a range of 217 miles and a heady top speed of 15mph. Even if it’ll go that far flat-out, you’ll need 14.5 hours to do the journey.
It’s controlled by drive-by-wire technology using a joystick that, like the massive spoked wheels, seems vaguely reminiscent of the Benz Patent Car from 1886 (also in the pic above).
And look at those gorgeous carbon-fibre hand-stitched leather seats - ’50s era F1? We reckon the fibreglass nose has a hint of McLaren about it, too, and the body tub definitely echoes the SLR Stirling Moss.
Strangely beautiful, isn’t it?
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
TheNorwegian commented on this article
at 03:13 pm on 26 March 2009
That was, strange...
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AshHorne commented on this article
at 03:56 pm on 26 March 2009
I can't help thinking they've stolen the wheels from a bicycle and a Penny Farthing. Maybe if the wheels didn't look like they'd fall off, it could look pretty impressive. But for now, I don't like it.
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Turbomatic commented on this article
at 04:10 pm on 26 March 2009
So its got carbon fibre seats but only a top speed of 15, this is stupid, anything on how much it would cost cos I wouldn't pay £10 for it!
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Snev commented on this article
at 04:43 pm on 26 March 2009
Hmmm... sounds like a bicycle would be a better option.
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speed-king commented on this article
at 05:22 pm on 26 March 2009
if i were mercedes ill give it a little bit wider wheels (5cm more will make a difference), an engine 2 or 3 times stronger and put it on sale, that will make financial difference
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