The V12-powered coupe can be controlled via a joystick.
Name:Mercedes F200 Image
Launched:1996 Paris Motor Show
Specifications:naturally-aspirated 6.0-liter V12 with 394 horsepower (294 Kilowatts), and 570 Newton-meters (405 pound-feet of torque), 5-speed automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive
Why It Matters Now:
Some features we now take for granted are a huge part of the F200 Imagination, which was released 22 years ago. Also, joysticks!
Mercedes began a series of research cars that had an “F” in the names in 1991 with the F100. We discussed this at the beginning. The F200 Imagination was born five years later. It is loaded with a plethora gadgets and it’s a techno geek’s dream. We need to start where?
Engineers fitted the concept with bixenon headlights that had six modules each. This optimizes illumination. The bulbs are turned on and off depending on speed and ahead. These taillights featured an arched neon tube . You can also see them in action in the video below.
The window airbag is perhaps the most relevant feature. It was a first for the car industry. Because the car didn’t have a traditional steering wheel, the airbag for the driver was placed underneath the dashboard.
Most likely, you have already noticed that the Imagination did not come with traditional side mirrors. Mercedes instead installed four cameras at the corners of the roof and on the pillars. A fifth camera was integrated into the rear bumper. All images were shown on the screens inside, including a display mounted high above where you would normally find the regular mirror.
The joysticks were perhaps the most fascinating feature. They were called Sidesticks by the three pointed star company. There were two of them: one in the door panel, and one in the middle console. They all served the same purpose: to control the car using the joystick to move the joystick forward or back to accelerate, brake, turn, left or right, and to stop the car from turning. This unique arrangement made it possible to engineer both right- and left-hand-drive cars.
The F200 was a glimpse into the future of Mercedes technology. It had an active suspension system (Active Body Control), and voice recognition (Linguatronic), all of which were later implemented in production models. Even the doors that make you think of a Kolegg are later adapted to fit the SLR. The Maybach 62 was also equipped with an electro-transparent panoramic roof.
Although the Imagination was not a tech festival, its design served to preview the S-Class (W220), and the CL-Class(C215).