A stroke of HYGENIUS
Powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive with an output of 115 hp, the compact-class, family-friendly Mercedes F 600 HYGENIUS consumes the equivalent of 2.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, over its operating range of 400 km.
The F 600 HYGENIUS achieves a maximum power output of 115 hp combined with a peak torque of 258 lbs.ft. The fuel cell drive alone generates a constant power output of 82 hp and 184 lbs.ft of torque.
"This represents a major step towards bringing the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity, a goal that we aim to achieve some time between 2012 and 2015," comments Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler AG Board Member for Research & Technology and Head of Development at the Mercedes Car Group. "By developing the fuel cell, we are creating a new basis for supplying energy in tomorrow's vehicles which will make a further lasting improvement to their environmental compatibility."
"Despite being around 40 per cent more compact than previously, the fuel cell in the F 600 HYGENIUS now runs more efficiently than ever and is notable for its good cold-start capabilities," said Professor Herbert Kohler, Director of Vehicle Body and Drive Research at DaimlerChrysler. "This has been achieved through innovations such as the redesigned fuel stacks, the electric turbocharger for supplying air and an all-new humidification and dehumidification system."
With surplus energy stored in a lithium-ion battery (a first for a Mercedes fuel-cell vehicle), the system acts in a similar fashion to today's hybrid systems, selecting the best power source to use depending on the driving situation.
During parking manoeuvres, for instance, the electric motor draws its power from the battery alone, while both fuel cell and battery feed it with energy in unison when the vehicle is accelerating. The electric motor doubles as a generator that charges the battery during vehicle braking (regenerative braking).
The drive technology, the high-voltage battery and the hydrogen tank have all been housed in a space-saving manner beneath the cabin, while the high-torque electric motor – which is also a new development from Mercedes-Benz – has been integrated into the rear-axle.
Fuel cells use the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power in a process that produces no emissions. In addition to generating clean energy to drive the vehicle, the fuel cell can also serve as a mobile power source, with its 66 kW capable of sufficiently powering several detached houses.
The research vehicle also showcases a novel operating concept with virtual displays and new-style seats, along with other pioneering technologies to enhance safety and passenger comfort.
Passengers aboard the F 600 HYGENIUS also stand to benefit from its extraordinary energy reserves: cupholders use electrical power from the fuel cell to keep drinks chilled or hot, and electrical devices can be operated anywhere at the standard voltage level, following onboard conversion.
The 4-door F 600 HYGENIUS also makes a mark for itself when it comes to comfort and versatility. Despite the body's compact dimensions, the interior space is up to luxury-class standards.
Alternative design solutions make the F 600 HYGENIUS an ideal family mover thanks to a front passenger seat and individual rear seats whose backrests can face either way. That means that ISOFIX child seats can be locked into place on the rear seat cushions in a rearwards-facing position.
Not to be ignored, the driver's seat features a 2-piece backrest whose height, width and tilt can be adjusted though electric motors to fit the contours of the occupant's body for a particularly high level of support. The backrest itself has a flexible mounting that allows it to follow the driver's body movements and minimise strain.
The F 600 HYGENIUS features a 2-piece tailgate that offers maximum practicality in tight confines. At the push of a button, the tailgate opens with a much smaller arc, with the lower section folding inwards. As the same time, the rear bumper drops down, pulling out the floor plate of the luggage compartment in order to make it easier to load up.
Similarly, the front doors swing upwards at a slant, meaning that require less space to the side when opening than conventional car doors. Gas-filled struts are able to hold the door open in any position.
Cameras in the exterior mirrors keep an eye on traffic to the side of and behind the vehicle, even when it is parked. If the system detects another vehicle approaching from the rear, it automatically disables the doors for a brief period to avoid the risk of a collision if they were to be opened. A warning signal sounds at the same time and a red danger symbol shows in the mirror glass.
During everyday driving, the video system monitors the blind spot of both exterior mirrors and warns drivers about to change a lane if a vehicle is approaching from behind.
Other technological advancements include the COMAND central dash control centre for radio and heating/ventilation (developed for the new S-Class) that can automatically detect whether it is being used by the driver or front passenger, and adjust personal settings accordingly. Also the colour screens in the dash are double-mirrored to appear 1.4 metres (about 4.5 feet) farther away from the driver, in order to require less eye adjustment (and decrease the fatigue factor).
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