Mercedes-Benz recently revealed a new electric concept car called the Vision One-Eleven. This car is a nod to both the past and the future, showcasing the brand’s historical and futuristic design prowess. Drawing inspiration from the C111 series of experimental cars first seen in 1969, the Vision One-Eleven mimics the aerodynamic features, roof-hinged gullwing doors, and vivid orange paint of its predecessors. The C111 cars were not just eye-catching showpieces; they were used to test innovative ideas like fiberglass body panels and rotary engines during the 1970s.
Although the Vision One-Eleven retains the supercar aesthetic of the original C111, it’s not a direct replica. It stands only 46 inches tall and is a sleek two-seater with gullwing doors. Modern updates include pixelated lighting elements that resemble the round headlights of the C111, and a more rounded, almost airplane-like body design. Like many of today’s cars, the Vision One-Eleven is notably larger than the original models.
The interior of the Vision One-Eleven mirrors the practicality of the C111 cars but with a modern twist. The seat cushions are mounted directly to the floor and are covered in silver leather, offering a striking contrast to the orange exterior. The steering wheel, wrapped in leather, features a variety of buttons for controlling infotainment functions—capabilities that the designers of the original C111 couldn’t even dream of.
In this new concept car, many functions are managed through augmented reality. This technology highlights points of interest outside the car’s windows and even has an “X-Ray” function that allows the driver to see through roof pillars, doors, or the hood, although this feature currently only works with a Magic Leap 2 AR headset.
While the original C111 prototypes tested several internal-combustion engines, Mercedes believes electric motors are the future. The Vision One-Eleven is equipped with axial-flux motors, which are not only lighter and smaller than conventional motors but also advanced in design. The electric power is supplied by a battery pack developed with insights from Mercedes’ Formula One powertrain engineers.
The Vision One-Eleven is a testament to Mercedes’ cutting-edge technology, much like the C111 cars. However, unlike the Vision EQXX, Mercedes has no plans to turn the Vision One-Eleven into a fully functional vehicle for everyday roads. It’s more of a concept car showcasing futuristic technologies that might eventually appear in Mercedes’ production vehicles, wrapped in a stunning, retro-futuristic design.