Daimler Unveils Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster With Hybrid Drive Posted March 25, 2009 At 8:15 PM CST by T. Philips Daimler today has unveiled the F-CELL Roadster, the latest in their line of "F-Series" concept vehicles (past Mercedes research models can be seen here), and as you'll see, it draws its inspiration from a diverse variety of automotive eras. From a functional standpoint, it's a roadster fitted with a 1.2 kW hybrid drive – one that allows the F-CELL to reach a top speed of 15 mph and achieve an operating range of 217 miles. From a design standpoint, however, is where the F-CELL Roadster truly shines, as it manages to blend the overall aura of the original Benz patent motor car with seating and a fiberglass front section both drawn from elements of Formula One racing. As for who was responsible for creating the unique F-CELL Roadster, that honor goes to the trainees of of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen plant, with more than 150 trainees and dual education system students working for about a year on the overall concept, development, assembly, and completion of the hybrid model. According to Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig: "This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training. I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project." To see more of the Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster along with its full details, keep scrolling for the photo gallery (click any picture to enlarge) and the official press release. Enjoy ladies and gentlemen. 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
Brillant, they turned out the ugliest concept family in the world to one of the cooloest by doing this
Agreed, love the seats too... They should also supply with covers over the wheels like a bicycle because there would be a lot of dirt and mud being kicked up into the driver.
MB are on a roll, BMW and Audi hasn't showcased creativity of this kind. The car needs larger rims though, 32 inches aren't good enough for me.
There is nothing stopping anyone from fitting much much larger wheels. Brabus could easily fit 40 inchers
