Mercedes-Benz F500 Mind

In 2003, the experimental F-series of the Mercedes-Benz automobile brand was replenished with the new F500 Mind concept car presented at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show .

The objectives of the research work were the development and testing of a hybrid electro-diesel engine, a new concept of doors and the interior of the cabin, the design of an electronic driver information system ^[1] . The main idea of ​​the company was to create an extremely economical, but at the same time powerful propulsion system, and minimize harmful exhaust emissions into the atmosphere.

Representative four-door hatchback Mercedes-Benz F500 Mind is a testing laboratory for the study of a number of the latest solutions and systems, some of which will be introduced into production. The project has developed more than a dozen technical ideas to improve the safety, dynamics and driving comfort of future Mercedes-Benz cars ^[1] .

The unique 4-door body of more than 5 meters in length is devoid of the usual side central pillars. The glass roof is supported as well as a powerful power element of the body. It is the only interior saloon resting on the console. The functions of the pedals are performed by designated sections of the floor with load cells , according to the signals of which the computer gives control commands to the engine and the brake system. This innovation eliminates injury to the driver's legs during a frontal impact ^[1] . The brake system is equipped with SBC technology.

The car is equipped with a special folding table with a computer that allows you to control and manage various vehicle systems during test drives ^[1] .

Exterior

Mercedes-Benz engineers carried out work to improve the usability of the car. The concept doors were designed to open both in the classical way and in the opposite direction (in accordance with the so-called “butterfly principle”). The sophisticated mechanism for opening the rear doors allows them to be opened both in the direction and in the direction of travel, while in the first case the support of the door hinges are cantilevered half-posts fixed on the thresholds. The kinematics of the rear left door are arranged so that it reclines to an angle of up to 90 degrees.

Interior

In the cabin, which is absolutely not mechanically connected with the under-hood space, there is no familiar round steering wheel. Instead, a handle is installed that looks like an aircraft control stick. With it, the driver sends electronic pulses to the systems. To feel the feedback, the joystick resists due to the force created by either a mechanical spring or a servo-electric motor. The maximum steering angle of the electronic steering wheel is 180 °, while the steering characteristics provide excellent handling. A wide multi-function display in front of the driver’s eyes imitates not only the traditional instrument dials, but also displays other information useful to the driver in the form of various graphics ^[1] .

On the large dashboard, at the request of the driver, a tachometer, speedometer, navigation and other devices may appear. What exactly to highlight at the moment is decided by the person, manipulating the switch on the center console. Moreover, the sensor reacts to the command even when the driver’s palm approaches it at a distance of 5 centimeters.

Engine

The power unit is a hybrid power plant consisting of a 4-liter V8 diesel engine (borrowed from the S-class serial limousine) with a capacity of 184 kW (250 hp) and a torque of 560 N · m , as well as an electric motor with a capacity of 50 kW (68 hp) and a torque of 300 Nm . Together they develop a power of 234 kW (318 hp) and a torque of 860 N · m ^{[1] [2]} .

An electric motor powered by a 300-volt battery can move the car by itself (without the participation of a diesel unit) at low speeds in the stop & go mode ^[2] .

The result of the work done by the engineers is increased fuel economy - up to 20%, especially in urban traffic - and a significantly reduced level of emissions of harmful pollutants in comparison with conventional engines ^[1] .

Night Vision System

In the dark or in conditions of insufficient visibility, an innovative night vision system manifests itself on the right display of the car dashboard. It consists of two infrared laser sensors, whose invisible light illuminates the road ahead for 150 meters. The camera in the windshield captures the light reflected by the headlights of other cars, cyclists or pedestrians, and converts the signals into an unambiguous black and white image, which is displayed on the display. Thus, the driver becomes aware of potentially dangerous objects much earlier than they get into his field of vision (standard dipped headlights illuminate about 40 meters of the road in front of the car) ^[1] .

As part of the work on the F500 Mind concept car, the following technologies and systems were developed and tested ^[1] :

• Hybrid engine (diesel + electric motor)
• Flexible door concept with the ability to open them in any direction
• Electronic accelerator and brake pedal
• Electronically controlled steering wheel - launched under the name STEER CONTROL in 2005 with the T245 B- Series
• New display and control concept
• Information system for the driver based on ultrasound technology
• Folding table with computer for monitoring various car systems
• Infrared Night Vision System - Launched in 2005 with the W221 S-Class

• A 1:43 model is produced by Spark ^[3] .

•  

  Side view

•  

  Back view

•  

  View from above

• F500 at www.emercedesbenz.com