Doing is something, Doing it right is a whole different issue
Mercedes-Benz describes its Frankfurt show car as two concepts in one. And that’s because the IAA, which stands for Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile, is a shape shifter in the literal sense. When standing still it’s a perfectly executed visual design exercise, but once it starts rolling and hits 80km/h, the car’s exterior elements realign, resulting in a shape with a drag coefficient of 0.19, which, according to the firm, is on a par with the greatest race cars ever built.
“Fascinating and technically sophisticated cars form the core of Mercedes-Benz. The ‘Concept IAA’ applies intelligent innovations to resolve the conflicting aims of functionality and aesthetics and shows that we still have plenty of ideas on how to achieve further improvements in efficiency,” says Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
It might sound like something from a Transformers movie or like something that is not coming to a real Mercedes any time in the near future. However, the Bugatti Veyron — the world’s fastest production car — also changes shape as it accelerates to better cut through the wind and to maintain grip at the limits. However, the IAA is pushing the idea to the max. The car actually grows in length by some 390mm as its aerodynamic properties change. The front bumper even moves under the car to improve airflow.
All of which allows the 279hp plug-in hybrid to achieve an all-electric range of 66km and CO2 emissions of just 28g/kg. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
And it wouldn’t be a Mercedes if the interior didn’t offer something equally impressive. Despite the car’s huge size — over 5 meters — it’s designed to seat just four people in absolute comfort. There is a clear focus on the finest metals and glass finishes and on technology as a leisure and comfort facilitator. All controls appear and respond like the best tablet or smartphone user experiences, while car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication ensure the vehicle avoids accidents and congestion, is prepared for adverse weather conditions, and always knows what’s coming at the end of a junction.
“Captivatingly sporty lines, fascinating technical solutions: the ‘Concept IAA’ symbolizes the emotional core of Mercedes-Benz: The best or nothing. And it shows in a host of details what our customers can look forward to in future production models,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, summing up the visionary concept.
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