Photo: Martin Chatelier
There's no question about the quality available at the Mercedes-Benz design department, but this race car created by an independent pencil-man Martin Chatelier is at least up there - if not better - with anything we've seen coming out of Stuttgart lately, concepts included.
At first, it looks like it has absolutely zero in common with the Mercedes-Benz design language. That's because the LMP cars usually have to play by the rules of aerodynamics, so they end up looking more or less the same, regardless of their manufacturer. However, since his proposal won't actually have to take part in a race, he had a lot more freedom of expression, so he managed to squeeze in a few details seen on recent Mercedes-Benz concepts.
Take the "headlights," for example. If they look familiar, it's because this styling has been used on cars such as the F015 Luxury in Motion or, more recently, on the IAA Concept Car. Apart from that, though, take the three-pointed star away and this car could present itself with any other badge out there, no questions asked.
But there's more to the Mercedes-Benz DTW concept than just its looks. The race car also hides a host of innovative technologies that, Martin thinks, would help this futuristic silver arrow win the 24-hour race in 2030. That means they're all aimed at improving its performances while also ensuring they offer maximum reliability.
Naturally, the car has electric propulsion, but the real novelty is what's providing the charge on the go. Instead of using an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine, the DTW concept has a Tesla Turbine, with two compressed air tanks providing the necessary fuel. The car also comes with an Aerodynamic Energy Recovery System - or AERS - that sees four flaps deploy to capture the air and compress it naturally to be later used for powering the turbine.
The four flaps also work as air brakes, and even though Martin doesn't specify this, we'd imagine that since there are two of them on each side, they could also be used during cornering for increased stability. The chassis and body of the car are made out of graphene, which means the vehicle is extremely lightweight and, since this wonder material is transparent, also offers a very large field of view to the driver.
But the most ridiculous feature of the Mercedes-Benz DTW has got to be the Michelin 3D Tire Print system. As the name suggests, the 2030 silver arrow would be able to print its tires on the fly, quickly changing from soft to hard or medium depending on the conditions without the need of stopping in the pits. The driver would be able to select one of the two rubber types available and the actual tire profile, and a set of nozzles mounted close to each wheel would spray the compound onto the surface of the tire.
Of course, this would only work after set intervals since the tire would have to wear out a little before spraying a new layer could begin. Otherwise, by the end of the race, the DTW would end up looking like a monster truck. But before you judge Martin's extreme idea, you should probably know that the Mercedes-Benz DTW was created as an entry for a contest organized by the French tire manufacturer, so that might explain it. Anyway, have a look at the pictures and pray the 2030 Le Mans race cars will look this good.
Take the "headlights," for example. If they look familiar, it's because this styling has been used on cars such as the F015 Luxury in Motion or, more recently, on the IAA Concept Car. Apart from that, though, take the three-pointed star away and this car could present itself with any other badge out there, no questions asked.
But there's more to the Mercedes-Benz DTW concept than just its looks. The race car also hides a host of innovative technologies that, Martin thinks, would help this futuristic silver arrow win the 24-hour race in 2030. That means they're all aimed at improving its performances while also ensuring they offer maximum reliability.
Naturally, the car has electric propulsion, but the real novelty is what's providing the charge on the go. Instead of using an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine, the DTW concept has a Tesla Turbine, with two compressed air tanks providing the necessary fuel. The car also comes with an Aerodynamic Energy Recovery System - or AERS - that sees four flaps deploy to capture the air and compress it naturally to be later used for powering the turbine.
The four flaps also work as air brakes, and even though Martin doesn't specify this, we'd imagine that since there are two of them on each side, they could also be used during cornering for increased stability. The chassis and body of the car are made out of graphene, which means the vehicle is extremely lightweight and, since this wonder material is transparent, also offers a very large field of view to the driver.
But the most ridiculous feature of the Mercedes-Benz DTW has got to be the Michelin 3D Tire Print system. As the name suggests, the 2030 silver arrow would be able to print its tires on the fly, quickly changing from soft to hard or medium depending on the conditions without the need of stopping in the pits. The driver would be able to select one of the two rubber types available and the actual tire profile, and a set of nozzles mounted close to each wheel would spray the compound onto the surface of the tire.
Of course, this would only work after set intervals since the tire would have to wear out a little before spraying a new layer could begin. Otherwise, by the end of the race, the DTW would end up looking like a monster truck. But before you judge Martin's extreme idea, you should probably know that the Mercedes-Benz DTW was created as an entry for a contest organized by the French tire manufacturer, so that might explain it. Anyway, have a look at the pictures and pray the 2030 Le Mans race cars will look this good.
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