Mercedes-Benz One-Eleven concept unveiled
Bold new hypercar pays tribute to the German automaker’s C111 experimental prototype with a dramatic design and advanced axial-flux electric motor.
German car-maker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the bold electric-powered Vision One-Eleven concept at its Carlsbad design studio in California, describing it as a ‘progressive interpretation of a ‘70s brand icon’.
The new two-seat hypercar, sporting a dramatic monolith-style exterior design painted in a combination of metallic orange and black, gullwing style doors and a flamboyant cockpit featuring silver-coloured upholstery, has been created as a one-off design tribute to the German car maker’s C111 experimental prototype, of which 16 examples were produced over two generations for various test and development purposes carried out by Mercedes-Benz during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Conceived with two rear axle-mounted axial-flux electric motors from British firm Yasa and a battery that uses liquid-cooled cylindrical cells and novel cell chemistry developed for use in F1 by Mercedes-AMG’s UK-based High Performance Powertrain division, the Vision One-Eleven also provides clues to sort of electric drivetrain developments Mercedes-Benz has earmarked for its future performance-based road cars.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released any power or range claims for its latest design-led concept. However, it says its uniquely configured drivetrain has ‘the potential to take electric mobility to a new level of performance and efficiency’.
Mercedes-Benz’s 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 styling of the One-Eleven combines clean surfaced body forms and a flush-fitting glass canopy with a series of advanced aerodynamic functions and details that draw heavily on those of the C111.
A low-set front end mimics the look of Mercedes-Benz’s 54-year-old developmental prototype with a bluff nose section that incorporates two round driving lamps within a pixelated grille that is underscored by a large black carbon fibre splitter element.
Further back, the One-Eleven receives three air vents within each of the front corners, together with twin air vents ahead of a windscreen that is raked at an angle of 70 degrees and extends back to form the front section of the roof.
The smooth surfacing of the body is combined with heavily rounded forms, including those of the prominent wheel arches, which house 275/35 profile front and 315/30 profile 22-inch wheels, and the new Mercedes-Benz concept’s side panels, which are integrated into the lengthy gullwing doors and lift high to provide uninterrupted access to the interior.
The side windows receive an opaque treatment as well as a pixelated pattern.
Wide carbon fibre sills are housed within the wheelbase. Supported by so-called blades, they channel cooling air towards electric motors at the rear.
Additional air vents are incorporated behind the doors, as is a deep rear window.
The rear of the One-Eleven is dominated by a large spoiler that extends out to increase downforce. A pixelated section mirrors the look at the front, with an extravagant diffuser featuring lower down.
Mercedes-Benz’s chief design officer, Gorden Wagner, likens the arched silhouette of the 4600mm concept to the one-bow design of the company’s EQE and EQS saloon models.
“The element of surprise comes from its clean, purist and, at the same time, extremely muscular proportions,” he says.
Inside, the One-Eleven receives a two-seat layout. The squabs of each seat are integrated into the floor. The pedals, leather-bound F1-style steering wheel and seat backs adjust to allow the driver to strike a suitable driving position.
The pixelated graphic evident within the front and rear of the exterior is incorporated into the dashboard within a brushed aluminium surround, while driver information is housed within a central MBUX display that can be extended with augmented reality functions.
The silver upholstery of the seats is combined with white fabric and orange leather to give the new Mercedes-Benz concept a distinctive colour combination.
The compact housing of the electric motors at the rear also frees up space in the rear for a sizeable luggage shelf.
The axial-flux units are being developed for large-scale production by Mercedes-Benz and Yasa. As well as boasting superior power and torque density than existing radial-flux electric motors, they also feature major packaging advantages due to their narrow design.
Additionally, Yasa says the weight of their axial-flux electric motor is just one-third of that of the radial flux electric motors used by Mercedes-Benz in its various EQ-badged electric models.
“Axial-flux motors are significantly lighter and more compact, yet more powerful than comparable radial-flux motors. In an axial-flux motor, the electromagnetic flow runs parallel to the motor’s rotational axis. Compared to radial-flux motors, they have considerably higher and more enduring power reserves, which delivers a whole new level of performance,” says Yasa founder and chief technology officer, Tim Woolmer.
Based in Oxford, Yasa has been a 100-per cent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz since 2021.
The performance potential of Yasa’s axial-flux electric motor technology was showcased as long ago as 2015 when the Oxford-based company teamed up with Latvian engineering firm Drive eO to develop the eO PP03, which was driven to victory in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb by Rhys Millen.
Using six Yasa 400 axial-flux motors and 50kWh lithium-ion battery, the 1150kg eO PP03 developed a claimed 1020kW and 2160Nm of torque.
At the unveiling of the One-Eleven, Mercedes-Benz confirmed axial-flux electric motors for future production cars will be manufactured at its Berlin-Marienfelde plant in Germany.
To celebrate its latest concept, Mercedes-Benz has created a series of One-Eleven accessories, including a weekender bag, sunglasses, hoody, cap and smartphone case – all bearing ‘Limited Edition 1 of 111’ lettering.
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