Mercedes-Benz Previews F600 HYGENIUS Concept

Fuel Cell - Powered Concept Car to Debut at Tokyo Motor Show

MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 17 -- The Mercedes-Benz F600 HYGENIUS concept car will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show next week and is the latest in a long line of research vehicles from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer brimming with innovative features. The concept is powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive capable of producing 85kW/114 hp and consumes the equivalent of 2.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (81 mpg) giving it an operating range of 400 km (250 miles). In addition, the research vehicle showcases a user interface with virtual displays, innovative seating options and other pioneering technologies designed to enhance safety and passenger comfort.

Feature Frenzy

Fuel cells use the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power in a process that produces no emissions. As well as generating clean energy for powering the F600 HYGENIUS concept car, the fuel cell can also serve as a mobile power source, as its 66 kW of power would be enough to keep several houses supplied with power.

Despite the vehicle's compact length, the level of spaciousness and versatility of the seating is impressive even by luxury car standards. The front passenger seat and the individual seats in the rear incorporate a new technology allowing the backrest to be used either way around. The backrests can be swung forwards and reversed in such a way that ISOFIX child seats can be locked into place on the seat cushions in a rearward-facing position. The face-to-face seating improves safety while making it easier to attend to young children en route. The two-piece tailgate can be opened with minimal arc space and maximum ease of loading and unloading.

Video cameras integrated into the housings of the exterior mirrors keep an eye on traffic to the side of and behind the vehicle, even when parked. Doors are briefly and automatically disabled if a bicycle or another car is approaching from behind to avoid a possible collision. Blind spots are monitored on the open road and the driver is alerted if an attempt is made to switch lanes when a vehicle is approaching from the rear.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 11 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.