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[ The CAR ]
TECHNO-DECO
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Its exterior recalls the elegant stylistic features typical of the 1920s and 30s, and inside it displays a jaw-dropping elegance. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is imposing, powerful and zero-emission – with a touch of refined yachting style by Diego Tamone
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[ The CAR ]
“A
n exhibition open to all industrialists whose products are artistic in character and embody modern trends”. This was the philosophy behind the Exposition internationale des Arts
Décoratifs et industriels modernes in Paris in 1925. The event officially marked the transition
from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, a movement bursting with an unprecedented abundance of design trends. Art Deco immediately had a tremendous impact on the auto industry, and cars were suddenly transformed from square-bodied, coach-built vehicles into streamlined fourwheeled beauties where for the first time aesthetic appeal played the leading role in their creation – and the result was the quintessence of luxury in a futuristic form. Almost a century later this revolutionary approach has once again been adopted by the creativity and style studios at Mercedes-Benz, the manufacturer that more than any other was able to interpret the new aesthetic dictates of design in the 1920s and 30s, creating a series of motorised masterpieces. And it’s still in their blood – the new Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet, developed under the artistic guidance of Gorden Wagener, Daimler AG’s head of design, deliberately looked to the style elements, classic proportions and shapes typical of the Art Deco period. Low-slung lines, sports configuration and huge bonnet. For the moment it remains a concept car, like all the Vison designs by Mercedes, and as befits such creations of pure excellence it was launched not at
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The ultra-refined Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet has low, sinuous lines expressing a sleek purity. Opening, the high-tech, psychedelic crystal white padded leather with buttons backlit in blue. Fibre optic cables flow through the transparent central tunnel
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[ The CAR ]
The interior’s Nautical Blue Metallic colour is set off by rose gold fabric hood. The front storage space provides enough room for several accessories, including a set of bespoke luggage. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is powered by four electric motors with a power output of 750 hp
a car show but at one of the most prestigious international events dedicated to “haute couture” car enthusiasts – the Monterey Car Week, which traditionally ends with the Pebble beach Concours d’Elegance. The event attracts the greatest experts and acclaimed luminaries in the field – and they have deep pockets. It’s here that it soon becomes clear whether or not the entrants have what it takes. The fabric of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet’s hood (the only place this material appears on the car) is woven with a rose gold thread, creating a striking contrast with the bodywork in “nautical blue metallic” colour, as the brand’s style office has named it, but harmonising perfectly with bright white of the nappa leather interior. It is padded like the finest Chesterfield, but with some futuristic touches – for example, every single button is emphasised by a backlit Mercedes star in blue. The innovative techno theme is also taken up by the glass fascia-display embracing the entire cabin, and a transparent central tunnel where blue fibre optic cables simulate the flow of electricity feeding the 750 hp engine – because this is, in fact, an electric car. A high performance one. The designers have also taken their cue from the yachtbuilding world, like the open-pore elm flooring with aluminium inlays – a first for the industry – the handrail-inspired exterior chrome mouldings and the sloping boat-tail rear. Unique and exclusive in form and substance. www.mercedes-benz.it
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