Mercedes F500 Mind
Mercedes unveiled the F500 Mind concept as a showcase for future technology. The engine, for example, is a diesel hybrid, which combines the 250-bhp 4.0-liter V8 from the S-Class with a 50kW electric motor. The latter is used in stop-start driving and is automatically recharged during braking. Mercedes' technicians claim the system improves fuel efficiency by 20%, when compared with a conventional diesel.
The throttle, brakes and steering are all electronically controlled, and the F500 employs "pressure sensitive surfaces" in place of conventional pedals. This liberates an extra 120mm of legroom in the front footwell. The dashboard has also been replaced with a multivision display system, which allows drivers to select the information they require. It's complemented by a separate touch screen, which controls in-car functions such as the climate control, stereo and sat nav. This could be Mercedes' answer to BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI.
The switches and keys in the F500 feature special sensors, which can detect the occupant's hand approaching, even if it's several centimeters away. The relevant function is then automatically displayed on the control screen. An ultra sound system allows information, such as route guidance, to be "targeted" at the driver, so that only they can hear it and passengers are not disturbed.
Mercedes' night vision system also features here. Two laser headlights can "see" up to 150m. The light from objects in the road ahead is reflected back into a camera, which projects a black-and-white image onto the multivision display. Traditional headlights have a range of just 40m.
History suggests that many of these gadgets will reach production. The Mind's forerunner, the F100 of 1991, debuted proximity radars, voice control and an automatic emergency call facility. All are now available on production models.
The F500 also offered another insight into Mercedes' future design direction. The nose, for example, may be replicated in the next S-Class. What is unlikely to be copied, though, is the bulbous rear end. The fastback shape with its large rear overhang looks clumsy and ungainly. Nor are we likely to see the Mind's novel rear doors, which are hinged at both the front and rear. After a couple of fine-looking Mercedes concepts, this was a shape to forget.
Gemballa Cayenne Biturbo RV-GTR 600
Gemballa has increased the capacity of the Cayenne Turbo's 4.5-liter engine to 5.5 liters, and it now produces 600 bhp and 663 lb-ft of torque. To cope with the extra thrust, Gemballa has reworked the Cayenne's air suspension and uprated the brakes. It rides on ContiSportContact 285/30ZR22 tires, which are fitted to the company's own 22-in. rims.
Gemballa Biturbo R-GTR 500
The R-GTR 500 is based on the Boxster S but features an enlarged, 3.4-liter engine fitted with two K24 KKK turbochargers. It generates 500 bhp and 368 lb-ft of torque. The suspension has been tuned for track use, while the aero package was designed to mimic the Carrera GT.
Gemballa Biturbo T-GT 650 Evolution
The T-GT 650 Evolution is a tuned version of the 996 Turbo. The 3.6-liter engine features twin K24 KKK turbos, which boost the power output to 650 bhp and the torque to 619 lb-ft. To handle this pull, the clutch has been uprated, while the gearbox has been reinforced and equipped with an independent cooling system. A carbon-fiber rear wing and bonnet help to reduce the mass.