The Mercedes-Benz Concept A is a stylized version of the upcoming 2012 A-Class. Falling in line with the rest of the family, its squared-off nose is aggressive and wears the Tri-Star emblem well. From the side, the Concept A shows hints of the CLS and even the R-Class.
A front-wheel-drive Benz, the Concept A benefits from both turbocharging and direct-injection. A BlueEFFICIENCY 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is fitted under the hood, and produces 210-horsepower. That four-banger is paired with a dual-clutch transmission.
More than a styling and propulsion exercise, the Concept A aims to add first-rate features to luxury compact segment. A radar-based collision-detection system will be the first of its kind in this segment and, when paired with Adaptive Brake Assist, can help lower the risk of having someone rear-end your 2012 A-Class.
The car’s dashboard, meanwhile, has “the shape of an aircraft wing and a translucent, stretchable textile lining” allowing “the bionic, cellular structure of the component to remain visible.” The aircraft theme continues with the air vents, which have been modelled to look like jet engines, while the central control unit is based on a modern flight panel – even the gearlever takes the form of a “reverse thrust control”.
The Concept A-class will appear at the Shanghai motor show from April 21-28 and gives pointers to how the new production A-class will look.
[benzinsider]
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