Hybrid Concept Car From Daimler Benz.

Hybrid Concept Car From Daimler Benz.

A really interesting and unique, Hybrid, fuel cell concept car from Mercedes Benz. New technology, with the classic lines of the old. This car was a design project for trainees of the Sindelfingen Daimler AG plant, more than 150 of whom were involved. There is not much in the way of technical specification available, which is understandable, other than the power plant is a 1.2KW hybrid drive, powered by a fuel cell. It has a top speed of 25kmh, and a range of 350km, and has a totally drive by wire system, with joy stick steering.

As a design project this allowed the Daimler Benz trainees to get to grips with new technology, and work as a team, designing a concept vehicle they can be truly proud of.

The YouTube video and official press release below, do a better job of explaining the intricacies of the car, and the sense of uplift and achievement felt by the trainees involved. So well done, all you young Daimler Benz engineers.





OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster – trainees build a car of the future

* Young people unite high tech and tradition

* Alternative drive systems as a training topic

In a hitherto unique project bridging various fields of profession, the trainees of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz plant have built a Roadster with fuel cell drive. For about a year, more than 150 trainees and dual education system students worked on the overall concept, development, assembly, and completion of the F-CELL Roadster. This project involved junior employees from the fields of automotive mechatronics, model-building, electronics, coating technology, manufacturing mechanics, product design, and interior appointments. The prime objective of the project was to integrate the topic of alternative drive systems into training with hands-on experience.

“This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training,” said Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig. “I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project.”

Tradition meets the future

The F-CELL Roadster uniquely combines state-of-the-art technologies with the history of vehicle construction. As an allusion to the Benz Patent Motor Car from 1886, the vehicle is fitted with large spoked wheels. Moreover, the F-CELL Roadster incorporates stylistic elements from diverse eras of automotive history, such as the carbon-fiber bucket seats with hand-stitched leather covers and the distinctively styled fiberglass front section, based on the component from the Formula One racing bolides.

The F-CELL Roadster is controlled with drive-by-wire technology, and a joystick takes the place of a conventional steering wheel. The vehicle is powered by the emission-free fuel cell system located at the rear. With a power rating of 1.2 kW the F-CELL Roadster reaches a top speed of 25 km/h and has an operating range of up to 350 km.

Copyright © 2009, Daimler AG