And even though the 221-hp 3.2-L V6 with 232 lb-ft of torque, up only slightly from the 215-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque in the SLK, is comparatively antiquated when measured against the F400 Carving's otherworldly technologies, when considering the roadster's featherweight curb weight the car produces decent acceleration - 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h. Consisting of ultra-strong, lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), the rigid F400 body is 60% lighter than if produced with steel. Likewise the chassis is made of a multiple material mix, steel, aluminum and carbon fiber (CFRP).
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| The 2001 Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA concept shows a progressive pattern in prototype design. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
But if it were just a rolling bed of technology without any thought for aesthetics all would be lost on the majority of car enthusiasts, who are quicker to fall for sexy bodywork over an intelligent personality. Mercedes designers wrapped the high-tech wares in a sleek, almost open-wheel shape with styling inspired by both motorcycle design and the brand's McLaren Formula 1 racecar. Of course there are a few cues pulled from previous concept cars, particularly the Mercedes SLA prototype from last year, and even a little SLK in the grille, but overall the F400 is revolutionary, focusing the traditionally conservative three-pointed star brand in an entirely new provocative direction.
The same goes for interior design. While conventional in layout, with a regular round steering wheel, gauges positioned directly in front of the driver's view, shift lever on the console and ancillary controls, for the most part, where you'd expect to find them, the look is high fashion meets utilitarian functionality. But where some concepts try to future-think their audience beyond reality, Mercedes brings us back to the glory days of an automotive era filled with such simplicities as a bare-metal cast-aluminum transmission bell sitting for all eyes to see within the cockpit and sliding controls for heating and ventilation, a refreshing minimalism. The metal finishes join high quality fabrics, not particularly out of the ordinary in a Mercedes product, but the floating dash panel is not only distinct to the German brand, but rare among concept cars prior to 2002.