Mercedes Teases Modern-Day Take on Classic C111 Concept
Mercedes is teasing a modern-day take on the classic C111 concept, which debuted at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show. The automaker has released a series of teasers on social media, referring to the new concept as an “icon reloaded,” a “legendary triumph,” and a “reimagined icon.” While there is not much information available about the new C111, the teasers show that the rear end will feature an oval-like digital display reminiscent of the original, as well as circular, pixelated taillights. The new concept has a sleek shape and an aerodynamic design, but it is expected to feature an electric powertrain instead of a Wankel engine.
The C111 was a series of concepts produced by Mercedes in the 1960s and 70s, known for their extreme aerodynamics. One of the concepts hit 200 mph (322 km/h) in 1978. While there is no word on when the new C111 will be unveiled, it will be the latest recreation of a classic concept, following in the footsteps of Hyundai’s Pony concept, retro-inspired Grandeur concept, and N Vision 74 concept.
Mercedes’ Classic C111 Concept
The original C111 concept was a two-seater sports car that featured gull-wing doors and a fiberglass body. It was powered by a three-rotor Wankel engine that produced 280 horsepower and could reach a top speed of 161 mph (259 km/h). The C111 was also notable for its aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of just 0.36.
Over the years, Mercedes produced several iterations of the C111, each with different engines and designs. The C111-II featured a four-rotor Wankel engine that produced 370 horsepower and could reach a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h). The C111-III was powered by a turbocharged diesel engine that produced 190 horsepower and set several endurance records.
Mercedes’ Teasers for the New C111
Mercedes has released several teasers for the new C111, showing off its sleek shape and aerodynamic design. The teasers also reveal that the rear end of the new concept will feature an oval-like digital display that references the back of the original C111. The circular, pixelated taillights are also reminiscent of those found on the classic concept.
While Mercedes has not revealed much about the new C111, it is expected to feature an electric powertrain instead of a Wankel engine. This would be in line with Mercedes’ recent push towards electrification, with the company aiming to have electric vehicles make up more than half of its sales by 2030.
Hyundai’s Classic Concept Recreations
Hyundai has been a big proponent of recreating classic concepts, with several recent examples. The Pony concept, which debuted in 2021, is a modern take on Hyundai’s first production car, the Pony, which was introduced in 1975. The retro-inspired Grandeur concept pays tribute to the first-generation Grandeur, which was introduced in 1986. The N Vision 74 concept is a tribute to the Pony Coupe concept that originally debuted at the 1974 Turin Motor Show.
These classic concept recreations are part of Hyundai’s efforts to showcase its design heritage and highlight its evolution as a brand. By revisiting these classic designs and updating them for modern times, Hyundai is able to connect with customers who appreciate the company’s history and design language.
Conclusion
Mercedes is teasing a modern-day take on the classic C111 concept, which is expected to feature an electric powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic design. While there is not much information available about the new concept, the teasers show that it will reference the original C111’s oval-like digital display and circular, pixelated taillights. This new concept follows in the footsteps of Hyundai’s recent classic concept recreations, which have been well-received by customers and enthusiasts alike. As automakers continue to explore their design heritage and push towards electrification, we can expect to see more classic concept recreations in the future.