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Fishy indeed!

This Mercedes-Benz is inspired by Nature

DaimlerChrysler is using a new concept vehicle to examine the potential of bionics for automobile development. The Mercedes-Benz bionic car study will premiere at the DaimlerChrysler Innovation Symposium in Washington, later this year.

To realise the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, their engineers took inspiration from the humble boxfish. Why? Because, despite its boxy, cube-shaped body, this tropical fish is in fact outstandingly streamlined and represents an aerodynamic ideal. Experimenting with an accurately constructed model of the boxfish, engineers in Stuttgart were able to achieve a wind drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.06 in the wind tunnel.

The boxfish also exemplifies rigidity and lightweight. Its skin consists of numerous hexagonal, bony plates, which provide maximum strength with minimal weight and effectively protects the animal from injury.

Lighter, stronger

Daimler Chrysler researchers examined this bionic structure and transferred this principle to the Mercedes-Benz bionic car study with the help of a special calculation process. The process is based on the principles of bone formation and for instance, allows up to 40 percent more rigidity to be achieved in the external door-panels than would be possible with conventional designs. If the entire bodyshell is calculated according to this bionic principle, the total weight is reduced by around one third, with undiminished strength and crash safety.

DaimlerChrysler utilised the findings from this research during the development of the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, a fully functioning and roadworthy compact, with a length of 4.24 metres and space for four occupants plus luggage. With a Cd value of just 0.19, this concept vehicle is among the most aerodynamically efficient in this size category.

In addition to superb aerodynamics and a lightweight construction concept derived from nature, the 140 bhp diesel engine and innovative SCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction) greatly contribute to fuel economy and a further reduction in exhaust emissions. In the European driving cycle, the concept car covered 25 km for every litre of fuel under standard road conditions. That's almost equal to a Hero Honda Karizma.

DaimlerChrysler is currently testing its SCR technology worldwide. By this means, and with the additional operating fluid `AdBlue', the nitrogen oxides emissions of the direct-injection diesel engine can be reduced by up to 80 percent. The Mercedes-Benz bionic car study is also equipped with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.

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