Photo Gallery, Review & Specifications |
2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept
The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class will make its debut at both the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows later this month. Looking as though it might have come from another planet, the Concept A-Class features an expressive and athletic design. Technical highlights include a new turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, a dual clutch transmission and a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist. (continued below)
2011 A-Class Concept Photo Gallery |
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The Beginning of a New Compact Generation
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Source: Mercedes-Benz | Published: Tue Apr 12, 2011 |
(continued from above)
The aggressive appearance of the Concept A-Class, with its long hood, low
silhouette and slim side windows, is given depth by the interplay between lines
and surfaces. Inspiration was drawn from the wind and the waves, as well as
aviation engineering.
The Concept A-Class previews a new compact class
era at Mercedes-Benz. This front-wheel drive model is powered by a four-cylinder
gasoline engine from the new M270 series. It was designed for transverse
installation and thanks to direct injection and turbocharging, offers high
performance together with minimal emissions and fuel consumption. The Concept
A-Class is equipped with the two-liter variant of the new engine, developing 210
hp. This BlueEFFICIENCY engine is mated to the new Mercedes-Benz dual clutch
transmission.
As a world first in the compact class, the concept car
features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist,
which lowers the risk of rearend collisions. This assistance system gives a
visual and acoustic warning to an inattentive driver and prepares Brake Assist
for a precise braking response. Braking is initiated as soon as the driver
forcefully operates the brake pedal.
The exterior design of the Concept
A-Class features the combination of defined edges and free interplay with the
body surfaces that Mercedes-Benz first showed in the F800 Style. The side view
is structured with three prominent lines: the front structural edge above the
front fender forms a dropping line, while the prominent shoulder muscle above
the rear axle underlines the car's coupe-like character. A further line extends
upwards from the rear wheel arch in a sweeping curve.
The front end of
the Concept A-Class immediately catches the eye with the Mercedes-Benz star
logo surrounded by what looks like a star-filled sky. Where there are usually
openings or louvers, the radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver
hexagons on black stems. This theme is reflected in the design of the wheels.
The headlights of the Concept A-Class continue this design element with
innovative full-LED high-performance headlamps repeating the starry sky motif
with numerous light points. The daytime running lamps consist of 90 optical
fibers with aluminum sleeves which are arranged in a wing-shape within the
headlamp.
In the interior, the eye is immediately drawn to the dashboard
which has the shape of an aircraft wing and a translucent, stretchable fabric
lining. This enables the bionic, cellular structure of the dashboard to remain
visible.
The shape of the air vents in the dashboard is reminiscent of a
jet aircraft. The prominent dials in the instrument cluster are in red, inspired
by the afterburner of a jet engine. The center console is designed as a modern
flight control panel, with the shift lever designed as a "reverse thrust
control".
A smartphone is fully integrated into the Concept A-Class. All
functions are shown in the display as applications, and can be operated using
the rotary/push control. The visual presentation of the display screen elements
is unique, with a deep, three-dimensional appearance created by laser-like
magenta-colored lines.
Specifications |
Key: AT - automatic transmission, MT - manual transmission, F/R/AWD - front/rear/all wheel drive |
Powertrain |
Type |
I4, Turbocharged |
Displacement |
121 cu in (2000 cc) |
Power |
210 hp @ n/a rpm |
Torque |
n/a |
Redline |
n/a |
Driveline |
Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission |
n/a |
Brakes & Tires |
Brakes Front - Rear |
n/a |
Tire Size Front - Rear |
n/a |
Exterior Dimensions & Weight |
Length |
n/a |
Width |
n/a |
Height |
n/a |
Curb Weight |
n/a |
Performance |
0-60 mph |
n/a |
1/4 Mile |
n/a |
60-0 Braking |
n/a |
Top Speed |
n/a |
Fuel Economy |
EPA Fuel Mileage - City/Highway |
n/a |
Origin & Price |
Origin |
Germany |
Base Retail Price (MSRP) |
n/a |