Mercedes-Benz surprised everyone when it launched the dramatic-looking Vision EQ Silver Arrow at Pebble Beach in California. The Vision EQ Silver Arrow show car is a single-seater vehicle, which is a historical nod to the successful record-breaking W125 car from 1937.

With Rudolf Caracciola behind the wheel, the W125 achieved 432,7 km/h on the A5 autobahn between Frankfurt and Darmstadt. This record on public roads stood until November 2017.

Click here to read about Audi’s new concept car also unveiled at Pebble Beach.

The exterior

The exterior design is reminiscent of racers from the 1930s, but manages to look futuristic at the same time. The streamlined silhouette is approximately 5,3-metre long and one metre high. The body has been fashioned from carbon-fibre, which is covered in multiple layers of ‘Alubeam’ silver paint.

Two adjustable rear spoilers act as an air brake by under deceleration and alters the shape for top speed or downforce when conditions require. A rear diffuser adds to the aero grip equation.

The Vision EQ Silver Arrow rides on aluminium wheels – with 168 spokes each – shod with slick Pirelli 255/25 R24 tyres at the front and 305/25 R26 tyres at the rear.

Interior

The cockpit uses traditional, high-quality materials among them saddle brown genuine leather on the seat and steering wheel, polished aluminium throughout the interior and solid walnut wood pinstripes on the floor. This is contrasted by high-tech solutions such as the large projection surface for the panoramic screen.

AIRSCARF neck-level heating is integrated into the seat. A four-point harness inspired by motorsport holds the driver securely in place. The pedals can be adjusted to the driver’s height, with a controller located on the seat for adjusting the pedals.

Powertrain

Vision EQ Silver Arrow has been conceived as an all-electric vehicle. This motor has an output of 550 kW. The thin rechargeable battery in the underbody has a useable capacity of 80 kWh and enables a range of over 400 km. A driver can choose between the sound of a current Formula 1 Silver Arrow or a Mercedes-AMG V8 engine.

In their words

“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 Vision EQ Silver Arrow 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.”

Catch a video of the concept car here.