Mercedes-Benz F125 Concept Car @CES 2012
The F125! Is built primarily from a mixture of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), aluminum, and high-strength steel in order to keep weight low. Mercedes-Benz says the entire body shell tips the scales at 551 pounds, which is reportedly 40 percent less than a contemporary S350. Daimler built the sedan largely as an extended-range electric vehicle. A lithium-sulfur battery pack provides a pure electric range of 31 miles, perfect for jaunts within urban environments. For longer trips, a hydrogen fuel cell comes online to serve as a generator, charging the battery while simultaneously powering the car.
Four electric motors — one for each wheel — physically propel the F125!, albeit in a novel manner. By pairing more powerful motors with the rear wheels, engineers biased power to the rear wheels. Front motors are rated at 67 hp and 55 lb-ft of torque, while those fitted in back provide 134 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes’ so-called e4Matic system promises to provide electronic control over each motor’s output; on slippery surfaces, power will only be provided motors and wheels that have the most traction.
