Mercedes C111 reborn as futuristic EV

Bold '70s prototype is reimagined as a wild hypercar shaped by cutting-edge tech

- GREG KABLE

Mercedes-Benz's striking new Vision One-Eleven concept is a "progressive interpretation of a '70s brand icon".

The new two-seat hypercar - which sports a dramatic monolithic exterior design, gullwing doors and a flamboyant cockpit with silver upholstery - has been created as a one-off tribute to the firm's C111 experimental prototype. Just 16 examples of the C111 were produced over two generations for various test and development programmes during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Vision One-Eleven also provides clues to the EV drivetrain developments Mercedes has earmarked for its upcoming electric sports cars. It has been conceived with two rear-mounted axial-flux electric motors from British firm Yasa and a battery with liquid-cooled cylindrical cells and novel cell chemistry developed for use by Mercedes-AMG's UK-based Formula 1 division.

Mercedes has not released any power or range claims for its latest design-led concept but says the uniquely configured drivetrain has "the potential to take electric mobility to a new level of performance and efficiency".

Chief technology officer Markus Schäfer said: "The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven explores new paths for the future of performance. It offers a motorsport-like power output."

The car's styling combines clean-surfaced forms and a flush-fitting glass canopy with advanced aerodynamic functions and details that draw heavily on those of the C111.

A low-set front end mimics the look of Mercedes' 54-year-old prototype, with a bluff nose section that incorporates two round driving lights within a pixelated grille that is underscored by a large black carbonfibre splitter.