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Wood, aluminium, smoked glass, a refrigerator, humidor and binoculars – all in the boot of a car? It’s possible with the
ConceptFASCINATION design study, which Mercedes-Benz is to showcase at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
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Mercedes-Benz is out to underline the claim that it builds
the world’s most desirable coupés and the design study
represents an exciting and intelligent combination of sporty
and elegant design with stylish practicality. |
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The objectives of ConceptFASCINATION are to provide a high level of practical usability and to create a coupé which appeals to
the heart with fast, thrilling lines. In developing this design study, Mercedes-Benz has given fresh impetus to the long-established
(although now rarely seen) “shooting brake”, a vehicle category with its own distinctive charisma. Freed from the constraints of a
specifications book, the designers have created an automotive sculpture with great aesthetic appeal which once again demonstrates
Mercedes-Benz’s high level of design expertise.
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The centre of the load compartment is occupied by a folding smoked glass table which rises out of the floor at the touch of a button
to reveal a compartment housing a humidor. The table can also be pulled to the rear for easier access from outside. Doing so provides
access to a refrigerated compartment for drinks and champagne flutes. The smoked glass can then be folded up at left and right to allow
the vehicle occupants to enjoy a picnic in a stylish and refined ambience.
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A world-class athlete
But back to the car… The distinctive front section of this gracefully built athlete is a picture of self-assurance. It remains loyal to
the dual headlamp face, but interprets it in a more contemporary way. The rhomboid headlamps reveal the fascinating technical details of
the light units, which feature the latest LED technology, as well as C-shaped fibre-optic inserts, which serve as discreet running lights.
With its new, sharper eyes and the surrounding lines and surfaces, the “face” of the ConceptFASCINATION vehicle is both exciting and forceful.
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A large panoramic glass roof and the arc created by the uninterrupted side-window line bring a sense of light to the interior, and help it to
merge with the exterior. Fine materials, such as leather, wood and aluminium, as well as high-quality woven fabrics and many carefully crafted
details ensure that the sporty and stylish character of the show vehicle is also underlined on the interior.
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The exquisite range of materials is inspired by the equestrian world. Recalling the look and feel of a saddle, thick, dark leather covers the
aluminium centre console which, like a bridge extending from the front to the rear, spans the space between the four sporty individual seats.
Contrast is provided by light, fine nubuck leather which is used for the other surfaces and the four individual seats as well as by the deep-pile
carpet with heavy fibres.
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