We find this concept particularly interesting because it reinterprets the Mercedes-Benz brand image in an original way, with a front-end design that reminds of the past and an overall aggressive look that builds on the values expressed by the current CLS model and aims at competing against future US-made muscle cars.

The Design

The concept is a race version of future Mercedes-Benz, called CLR, with a 5.6 liter V8 unit tuned by AMG to get a 600bhp performance.

As Mark Hsieh explains, "The overall styling hints M-Benz will look more sinister in the near future according to the current CLS styling."

"The long, slender bonnet which accommodates the monstrous V8 is thought to be the symbol of class muscle car.

"Therefore the front wheel arch was given an agressive thrust in order to echo the bonnet in an old school way."

The design of the front face is simple yet clear, accentuating the Mercedes badge, again in an old school way. This is the new interpretation of the new era Mercedes.

"To sum up, this rendering could give a glimpse to both Mercedes designers and customers of what they could try and expect in the next few years!"

About the author

• Mark Hsieh is a Coventry graduate in Automotive Design (MA, 2003)
• He is currently project designer and freelance automotive illustrator, and teaches car design courses in Taipei.
• He runs an automotive-related weblog called "The Motor Utopia", with information available in Chinese language.
• email: cviskayak@hotmail.com

(Images copyright by Mark Hsieh)