Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off an electric concept car that speaks to its future EQ electric mobility brand as well as the auto maker’s legendary history in motorsports. The EQ Silver Arrow is an EV that incorporates styling themes from the famous W 125 racer from 1937.
Dubbed the Silver Arrow for dispensing of the traditional German white paint scheme in Grand Prix racing as a weight saving move, the W 125 featured polished aluminum body panels. The new concept, however, uses Alubeam Silver paintwork to recreate that effect.
Single seater
Like the race car, the EQ Silver Arrow has a single seat and an interior outfitted in such traditional materials as brushed aluminum, leather and solid walnut. At the same time, it sports a high-tech digital cockpit with a curved panoramic screen as well as a secondary touchscreen integrated into the steering wheel.
"Over 80 years ago, the historic Silver Arrows demonstrated that Mercedes- Benz was a pioneer when it came to speed, thanks, among other things, to their streamlined shape," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. "The EQ Silver Arrow show car draws on that legacy. Intended for acceleration and driving pleasure, it embodies progressive luxury and provides an insight into the future of our design. As a result, the show car drives the design idiom of our new EQ product and technology brand to the top."
Carbon fiber construction
While the original Silver Arrow featured an aluminum body, the EQ version uses lightweight carbon fiber for the body structure. The rear diffuser is made of the same material and has two extendible rear spoilers that act as air brakes when deployed.
The EQ Silver Arrow rides on tires from Pirelli that measure 255/25 R 24 at the front and 305/25 R 26 at the rear. The tires also have Mercedes’ three-pointed star embossed in the tread.
The rear diffuser is reminiscent of motorsports with two extendible rear spoilers that act as an air brake by increasing the wind resistance when deceleration is desired.
The EQ Silver Arrow boasts an output of 738 hp using a thin battery pack incorporated into the underbody rated at 80 kWh with a range in excess of 250 miles.
