The dashboard concept (a creation of the Como Italy design studio-the exterior was styled in Japan) abandons convention with a top section that appears to be suspended. Between the front seats is a sophisticated command controller that can differentiate between the two front occupants: recognition is based on electrical signals transmitted from the skin, after which, pre-set preferences can be applied (temperature, seat adjustment, etc.). The command screen can also be swiveled to give the front passenger a better view and prevent the driver from being distracted. Virtual displays divert and enlarge images projected to a point 55 inches ahead of the driver (no need to refocus from distance viewing to close-up).
The fact that Toyota announced that its future hybrids and fuel cells will not feature lithium-ion batteries has raised eyebrows. Rosario Berretta, manager of M-B's fuel cell fleet, explains: "We conducted all the necessary safety tests and there is no reason to postpone the use of lithium-ion batteries. We would not introduce them had we any kind of question."
Pricing is still unknown, but engineers and marketers are aware that it will most likely flop if it costs more than 20 percent over the retail price of an identical car with an internal combustion engine. Aside from the infrastructure and hydrogen supply issues, the vehicle still faces a major technical challenge: system durability is currently at 2,000 hours/62,000 miles (peaking at 3,000 hours/93,000 miles under controlled conditions). But Mercedes knows that, in order to match a standard vehicle's longevity, it will need to reach around 4,000 hours/124,000 miles.