MERCEDES-BENZ
AVATAR
VISION AVTR – Inspired by AVATAR
The name of the ground-breaking
concept vehicle stands not only for the close collaboration in developing the
show car together with the AVATAR team but also for Advanced Vehicle Tranformation.
This concept vehicle embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers
and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future.
Confident and Completely without emissions
With its four
high-performance and near-wheel-built electric motors, the Vision Avtr embodies a particularly agile implementation of the
vision of a dynamic luxury saloon. With a combined engine power of more
than 350 kW, the Vision Avtr sets a new benchmark for EQ
Power. Thanks to the intelligent and fully variable torque distribution, the
power of the four fully individually controllable motors is not only managed in
the best possible way in terms of driving dynamics, but above all in a highly
efficient manner. The innovative all-wheel drive with torque vectoring enables
completely new freedoms and guarantees driving dynamics at the highest level while
at the same time providing the best possible active safety. This means that
each wheel can be driven separately and depending on the driving situation. Due
to the possibility to drive the front and rear axles simultaneously or in
opposite ways, the Vision Avtr can move sideways by approx. 30 degrees, in
contrast to conventional vehicles. The so-called “crab movement” gives the concept vehicle a reptile-like appearance
even in its movement.
Organic battery technology
The Vision Avtr was
designed in line with its innovative electric drive. This is based on a
particularly powerful and compact high-voltage battery. For the first time, the
revolutionary battery technology is based on Graphene-based organic cell
chemistry and thus completely eliminates rare, toxic and expensive earths such
as metals. Electromobility thus becomes independent of fossil resources. An
absolute revolution is also the recyclability by composting, which is 100%
recyclable due to the materiality. As a result, Mercedes-Benz underlines the
high relevance of a future circular economy in the raw materials sector.
Exceptional fast charging
capability
In addition to an
exponentially high energy density – compared to today’s battery systems with up
to 1,200 Kh/litre – the technology also impresses with its exceptional
fast charging capability via automated, conductive charging technology. This
means that the battery will be fully recharging in less than 15 minutes. The
innovative technology also allows maximum flexibility with regard to the
construction space: with a local minimum of 94 millimetres, the battery adapts
ideally to the shared space vehicle concept, thus maximising the
multifunctional interior.
With a capacity of
around 110 kWh, the Vision Avtr enables an electric range of more than 700
kilometres. By recuperating during roll-out and braking, the high-voltage
battery can be recharged with a higher efficiency than established systems
while driving and thus contributes to the high energy efficiency of the overall
system.
Masterpiece in terms efficiency
At Mercedes-Benz, the
consideration of efficiency goes far beyond the drive concept, because with
increasing digitalisation, the performance of the large number of so-called
secondary consumers also comes into focus – along with their efficient energy
supply, without negatively affecting the drive power of the vehicle itself.
Energy consumption per computing operation is already a key target in the
development of new computer chips. This trend will continue in the coming years
with the growth of sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the automotive
industry. The neuro-inspired approach of the Vision Avtr, including so-called Neuromorphic
hardware, promises to minimise the energy requirements of sensors, chips and
other components to a few watts. Their energy supply is provided by the cached
current of the integrated solar plates on the back of the Vision Avtr. The 33
multi-directionally movable surface elements act as “Bionic Flaps”.
Interior and exterior merge
For the first time,
Mercedes-Benz has worked with a completely new design approach in the design of
the Vision Avtr. The holistic concept combines the design disciplines interior,
exterior and UX from the first sketch. Man and human perception are the
starting point of a design process from the inside out. The design process
begins with the experience of the passengers and consciously focuses on the
perception and needs of the passengers. The goal was to create a car that
prolongs the perception of its passengers. It was also a matter of creating an
immersive experience space in which passengers connect with each other, with
the vehicle and the surrounding area in a unique way.
Sustainable materials
Large areas such as the
back shell of the seat and the sky are decorated with a colour-changing fabric
inspired by the colour world of the sea. Depending on the light, the textile
changes its colour from dark blue to a subtle light blue. These seats are
refined by the vegan DINAMICA® leather.
DINAMICA® is the first and only microfibre that guarantees
environmental sustainability throughout the entire production cycle.
It is recycled material
made from old clothing, flags and PET plastic bottles. During production,
attention is paid to low pollutant emissions and low energy consumption. Thanks
to its versatility, maximum performance and high
quality, DINAMICA® is suitable for use in luxurious car interiors. It
also guarantees slip resistance for passengers on the seats. The softness of
the material gives the occupants a “welcome home” feeling.
Intuitive control
The Vision Avtr already
responds to the approach of the passengers by visualising the energy and
information flow of the environment with digital neurons that flow through the
grille through the wheels to the rear area. The first interaction in the
interior between man and vehicle happens completely intuitively via the control
unit: by placing the hand on the centre console, the interior comes to life and
the vehicle recognises the driver by his breathing. This is made visible on the
instrument panel and on the user’s hand. The vision Avtr thus establishes a
biometric connection with the driver and increases his awareness of the
environment. The digital neurons flow from the interior into the exterior and
visualise the flow of energy and information. For example, when driving, the
neurons flow over the outside of the vehicle. When changing direction, the
energy flows to the corresponding side of the vehicle.
The vehicle as an immersive
experience space
The visual connection
between passengers and the outside world is created by the curved display
module, which replaces a conventional dashboard. The outside world around the
vehicle and the surrounding area is shown in real-time 3D graphics and at the
same time shows what is happening on the road in front of the vehicle. Combined
with energy lines, these detailed real-time images bring the interior to life
and allow passengers to discover and interact with the environment in a natural
way with different views of the outside world. Three wonders of nature – the
Huangshan Mountains of China, the 115-metre-high Hyperion Tree found in the
United States and the pink salt Lake Hillier from Australia – can be explored
in detail. Passengers become aware of various forces of nature that are not normally
visible to the human eye, such as magnetic fields, bioenergy or ultraviolet
light.
Bionic formal language
When the boundaries
between vehicle and living beings are lifted, Mercedes-Benz combines luxury and
sustainability and works to make the vehicles as resource-saving as possible.
With the Vision Avtr, the brand is now showing how a vehicle can blend
harmoniously into its environment and communicate with it. In the ecosystem of
the future, the ultimate luxury is the fusion of human and nature with the help
of technology. The Vision Avtr is thus an example of sustainable luxury in the
field of design. As soon as you get in, the car becomes an extension of your
own body and a tool to discover the environment much as in the film humans can
use avatars to extend and expand their abilities.
 |
| Click on the image to see the car in action |
Image and Information credits: Mercedes-Benz, Youtube
0 Comments