Mercedes-Benz plans to show up at this month’s Shanghai Auto Show with a brand new concept for a spectacular looking A-Class model. While the Concept A-Class is just what its name says it is – a prototype study - it’s also a very good indication of where the company plans to take its BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 rival with the presentation of the next generation model that is scheduled to go on sale in 2012.
For starters, Mercedes is giving up the minivan-like silhouette of the current A-Class for a more dramatic and sporty looking two-box profile with a long bonnet and a low roof-line. The concept’s exterior design details are heavily influenced by Stuttgart’s most recent prototypes such as the CLS Shooting Brake and especially the F800.
Aside from the new nose with a prominent Mercedes grille, the three-door Concept A-Class also features concave surfaces with sweeping lines throughout the body.
Even though it is certain that next year’s production model will drop many of the striking details (just how many remains to be seen) and lose the aggressive proportions of the concept car, the general shape will be maintained.
Inside, the Concept A-Class has individual seating for four and an overly futuristic styling, which of course, will not pass into production. However, certain design elements such as the shape of the air-vents, steering wheel and instruments will inspire the road-going model, which will most likely be offered with a five-seat layout.
Underneath the sheetmetal, the Concept A-Class rides on a new front-wheel drive platform codenamed MFA, which is believed to stand for “Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture”. The prototype is powered by a four-cylinder gasoline unit from Mercedes’ new M270 engine series and combines both direct-injection and turbocharging technology. The Concept A-Class is equipped with the 2.0-litre variant of the new engine, developing 210 hp, with power being transferred to the front wheels through Mercedes-Benz' new dual clutch transmission.
Other technical highlights include a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist and the daytime running lamps that consist of 90 optical fibres with aluminum sleeves, and are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp.
Along with the three-door hatchback previewed by this here concept, Mercedes-Benz officials recently said that the company is planning at least three more variants based on the A-Class' MFA architecture.
16 Comments:
I've never wanted/ considered a Mercedes in my life, but if you make this staying faithful to the concept ( like say, the Camaro) and give it a AMG version, I'm telling you right now, I will buy it.
looks like a Merc-hyundai to me which is great. keep it the way it is and release it.
I thought this was a beefed-up Opel Astra for a second.
This Mercedes looks like a BMW. Its a lot more "aggressive" than "cute". People usually like their tiny cars to be more cute. I like how it looks different.
Of course it is a concept, so it will be blanded up a lot for production.
sfsamperi.blogspot.com
please bring it to the states as is!
PLEASE!
Awesome car!I will buy it.
I agree, it looks very much like the new Astra GTC, all those sweeping lines, sideview, rearview and more importantly the C pillar and the rear fenders.
rear looks audi/lexus to me
Love it! I think that Merc should have a car that rivalize with A3 and 1 series, and that car must look agressive. I Love this concept
grotesque..
back light etc-lexus ct 200, profil-astra gtc
The best grill work I can remember on any concept or car. Those radiating rod ends are just so beautifully done.
-Dallas
Am I the only one who sees a lot of Seat design in this?
It will be sell really well eventhough the design is really busy . They are tired of seeing Bmw 1-series and Audi A3 everywhere.they want their piece of the cake....
Ok... So the side looks to be a direct copy of BMW's previous 'flame surfaced' Z4, and the overall shape is very similar to the current VW Scirocco, which itself looks like nothing more than a chop-top 1994 Honda Civic hatchback.
How Utterly (un) Original.
Finally, the Scirocco I can't have is the Mercedes I never knew I'd want. Please bring a AMG version of this as close to concept as possible and I'll bring my checkbook day 1 of offering.
I meant to add 4matic to my wish list also.
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