Fuel Cell - Powered
Concept Car to Debut at Tokyo Motor Show
Photo: DC
MONTVALE, N.J. - The
Mercedes-Benz F600 HYGENIUS concept car will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show
next week and is the latest in a long line of research vehicles from the
Stuttgart-based manufacturer brimming with innovative features. The
concept is powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive capable of producing
85kW/114 hp and consumes the equivalent of 2.9 liters of fuel per 100
kilometers (81 mpg) giving it an operating range of 400 km (250 miles). In
addition, the research vehicle showcases a user interface with virtual
displays, innovative seating options and other pioneering technologies
designed to enhance safety and passenger comfort.
Feature Frenzy
Fuel cells use the
chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power
in a process that produces no emissions. As well as generating clean
energy for powering the F600 HYGENIUS concept car, the fuel cell can also
serve as a mobile power source, as its 66 kW of power would be enough to
keep several houses supplied with power.
Despite the vehicle's
compact length, the level of spaciousness and versatility of the seating
is impressive even by luxury car standards. The front passenger seat and
the individual seats in the rear incorporate a new technology allowing the
backrest to be used either way around. The backrests can be swung forwards
and reversed in such a way that ISOFIX child seats can be locked into
place on the seat cushions in a rearward-facing position. The face-to-face
seating improves safety while making it easier to attend to young children
en route. The two-piece tailgate can be opened with minimal arc space and
maximum ease of loading and unloading.
Video cameras integrated
into the housings of the exterior mirrors keep an eye on traffic to the
side of and behind the vehicle, even when parked. Doors are briefly and
automatically disabled if a bicycle or another car is approaching from
behind to avoid a possible collision. Blind spots are monitored on the
open road and the driver is alerted if an attempt is made to switch lanes
when a vehicle is approaching from the rear.
