The car industry is in the midst of its most
significant period of change since the invention of the automobile. With electric, hybrid, and
hydrogen powertrain technology leading the charge, the car of the future
promises to be an ultra-efficient vehicle that drives itself and is virtually
impervious to accidents. This Mercedes-Benz concept, dubbed the ‘Nostalgia’,
offers a look at what such a vehicle from the German automaker could look like.
The car presented comes from the mind of designer
Sehoon Hans Kim and takes inspiration from recent Mercedes-Benz concepts while
also making use of future technologies. The first thing to note about the
concept is that it looks unlike any current model with the Three-Pointed Star.
For example, there are single lines of LEDs that make up the headlights and
taillights. Additionally, there are limited body panel gaps across the exterior
and the concept looks like it could cut through the air unlike any other sedan
to come before it.
Some inspiration appears to have been taken from the
Mercedes Concept IAA from a few years ago. That vehicle, just like the
Nostalgia, features an area of the rear end that extends outwards to improve
aerodynamics, helping to boost top speed and efficiency. The Nostalgia combines
this feature with aerodynamic fins on the rear wheel arches, an elongated
decklid, and a tiny rear window split in two by a fin that reminds us of the
Bugatti Chiron’s rear.
Although it’s very possible that there will never be
a road-going Mercedes that remotely resembles this concept, there’s a good
chance certain aspects of the concept, such as that extending tail, will find
their way into mass-production vehicles in the coming decades.