With seemingly most of the automotive world focused on the Monterey Peninsula at this time of the year, automakers are introducing some of their latest innovations at or near the Pebble Beach Concours.
Mercedes-Benz is the latest to do with its new EQ Silver Arrow concept car.The one-seater EQ Silver Arrow is an homage to the successful record-breaking W 125 car from 1937.
Although the company has no real plans to roll out a new version of the Arrow, the company does described the concept as an “emotional signpost to the future of design.” So as is often the case for the Monterey Car Week concepts, expect to see some of what makes the concept so impressive to show up in some form in the EQ electric brand Mercedes plans to bring to market in the next year or so.
“Over 80 years ago, the historic Silver Arrows demonstrated that Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer when it came to speed, thanks, among other things, to their streamlined shape,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG.
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“The EQ Silver Arrow show car draws on that legacy. Intended for acceleration and driving pleasure, it embodies progressive luxury and provides an insight into the future of our design. As a result, the show car drives the design idiom of our new EQ product and technology brand to the top.”
The early examples of EQ vehicles display “avant-garde” design aesthetics that are aimed a mixing form and function with perhaps more than a touch of luxury. However, nothing from the EQ Silver Arrow has been confirmed to be tied to a specific future EQ model. For now, it’s simply a vehicle from which Mercedes design team should draw inspiration from.
The 5.3-meter long exterior is all carbon fiber with Alubeam Silver paintwork reminiscent of the historic Silver Arrows which, for weight reasons, did not have a white paint layer, according to Mercedes.
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The interior is adorned with traditional, high-quality materials such as genuine leather, brushed aluminum and solid walnut. The highly-futuristic digital cockpit includes a curved panoramic screen that projects from behind and a touchscreen integrated into the steering wheel.
The driver of the EQ Silver Arrow is enveloped by a large panoramic screen on which a 3D image of the surroundings is projected from behind. As an indicator of future possible charging technologies, the lane of the roadway on which inductive charging is possible is superimposed onto the screen, Mercedes notes.
With the help of artificial intelligence, it is possible to engage in a virtual race against historic or present Silver Arrow racing cars. A virtual racetrack is superimposed onto the real roadway via the panoramic screen and the driver sees their opponent either ahead of them or behind them as a “ghost.” The Virtual Race Coach assistance function helps one improve driving skills by giving instructions during the race.
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The EQ Silver Arrow is conceived as an electric vehicle with an output of 738 horsepower. The rechargeable battery in the underbody has a useable capacity of approximately 80 kWh and enables an approximate range of more than 250 mph. Side air vents help to cool the battery.
