Mercedes is following the current trend of producing vehicles with retro design cues. The manufacturer in a recent teaser showcased something that has connections to the C 111 concept vehicles it has produced in the past. An apparent remake is in the works, with the German automaker using social media to declare the return of a legendary car with reimagined modern design. The original made its premiere at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show. The brand is being somewhat tight-lipped about the 'new' idea, but they have posted a number of teasers showcasing what seems to be an oval-shaped digital display on the original's tailboard. Hyundai has also just unveiled the N Vision 74, a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell hybrid concept with a 70s throwback design. Two photographs of the upcoming concept were showcased with some oddly coloured digital lights in spherical shapes on Mercedes' social media accounts.
Mercedes-Benz C111 History
In 1969, Mercedes-Benz debuted a concept car to the world dubbed the C 111, a sleek orange sports car. It used a rotary engine, and its successor, the C 111/II, came out in 1970. Even though this is the idea that is most often shown in photographs, the C 111 narrative is not over yet. After constructing a dozen C 111/II prototypes using Wankel engines, the team finally settled on turbo diesels. Afterward, the C 111/III's unique aerodynamic design and more powerful diesel engine allowed it to reach incredible speeds. The C 111/IV, a 1979 concept with a twin-turbo V8 and a peak speed of 402km/h, was the last of the bunch.
Mercedes-Benz C111 Modern take
There is currently no information on when the new C111 will be introduced, but rumours suggest that it will be the latest revival of a retro design from Mercedes-Benz. Hyundai is a strong proponent of this idea and in 2021 they unveiled a Pony concept vehicle to showcase it. The automaker has also unveiled a retro-styled Grandeur idea and an homage to the 1974 Turin Motor Show's Pony Coupe concept, the N Vision 74.
The new 111 is streamlined and aerodynamic, but else there isn't much to see. But instead of a Wankel engine, it will most likely use an electric motor.
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