Described as "an ornate automobile sculpture", this artistic creation provides a sneak peek at Mercedes' evolving design direction.
Appearing as though a glossy silver cloth is draped over a top secret Benz, the exhibit at the 2010 Detroit motor show is in actual fact a clay sculpture. Try lifting the 'veil' and you'll end with grubby hands while being led off in handcuffs by the Detroit security corps.
Mercedes-Benz says the intention behind the sculpture is not just "art for art's sake" which has led to speculation that the design could be based on an upcoming model. The second generation CLS-Class would fit the mould, so to speak, with images clearly showing the sculpture has a similar profile to the current CLS, with a long sleek bonnet, a low roofline and short boot.
In a media statement, the German car maker explained that "the basic proportions challenge the onlooker to interpret the shape of the future, real product that may be nearing the end of its flowing design process."
The Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Prof. Gorden Wagener reasoned that car design is more than just utilitarian: "To us, automobile design means artistic, aesthetically and sensuously oriented creation.
"Mercedes-Benz designers translate their artistic inspiration into the modern idiom of Mercedes-Benz automobile design, which combines dramatic details with harmony, style and passion. Mercedes-Benz design is clear, calm and consistent, but yet emotional and highly sensuous. Mercedes-Benz is the brand best able to present automobile design as an art form in an authentic way."
The sculpture is meant to display the "cultural feeling and creativeness of its designers" who span all five of Mercedes-Benz international design studios (Germany, Italy, the USA, Japan and China), creating a truly international piece.
"Many of our designers come from artistic families, carry artistic ambitions in their genes, so to speak, and found their way into automobile design via their artistic talent," says Prof. Wagener.
Of course if the sculpture does prove to be a preview of the new generation CLS-Class from Merecedes, it is one work of art that bears an even greater chance of captivating the masses.
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