The highlights of the F 500 Mind are: hybrid drive, flexible door concept, central pillar to support the y-shaped roof structure, data line instead of steering column, pedals with a pressure-sensitive surface, freely programmable multivision displays, holographic image projection, high-performance light-emitting diodes for daytime lighting.
The "F" stands for "Forschung" [German for "research"], for "Fascination" and, above all, for "Future". The systems in Mercedes-Benz "F-vehicles" are research projects with promising prospects for implementation in series production. The choice of the name "Mind" as the suffix for the F 500 underlines the fact that it embodies intelligent automotive research.
The drive technology of the F 500 Mind is a powerful, yet economical diesel hybrid system which consumes up to 20 percent less fuel (in the European driving cycle) than a comparable CDI engine. The V8 diesel engine is combined with a powerful electric motor which is switched on and off by an electronic controller in response to traffic conditions and driving style – when moving off, for example, or in stop-and-go traffic where the inherent operating principle of the diesel engine prevents it from running at optimum efficiency. The 300 V lithium-ion battery is located under the passenger compartment and is recharged during braking.
The design of the F 500 Mind was developed with two principal objectives: the provision of significantly more interior space and the integration of the central pillar as a key structural and safety element instead of full-size B-pillars. The interior, with its contrasting seating zones reflects the fact that this is a research vehicle, the right-hand section serving as the work area for a member of the research team.
The doors can be opened in two different ways: either conventionally (the doors open forwards) or from the centre (the "butterfly principle"). In the latter mode, the shortened B-pillar moves backwards with the rear door to provide a wide opening for occupant entry and exit.
A central column, calculated according to the finite element method, efficiently replaces the B-pillars which otherwise continue uninterrupted to the roof and are important for body stability and as protection against side impacts. Located in the central rear sector of the vehicle, this column connects the reinforced floor assembly with the y-shaped roof structure. In addition, the central column houses the ducts for the rear compartment air conditioning as well as special indirect lighting surfaces.
Instead of a steering column, a data line is used to transmit steering commands from the multi-segment steering wheel to two electric motors. These drive the "electric rack-and-pinion" system by means of toothed belts without compromising the characteristic steering feel. The use of electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering gear means that the system does not rely on the combustion engine to deliver hydraulic power.
Pressure-sensitive surfaces on the electronic accelerator and brake pedals transmit the driver's inputs to the engine and brake system in the form of electrical signals. Rear passenger comfort is enhanced by the 120 mm of front footwell space which is freed up by the flat pedal design.
In the cockpit, the innovative multivision display forms the heart of the control and display concept. It consists of high-resolution TFT (thin film transistor) screens and analogue dial-type instruments. The screens form a virtual display area which can show as much information as the driver requires. A semitransparent display, which extends right across the instrument cluster, allows the readings of the dial-type instruments and the images on the displays to be optically superimposed or shown separately.
Rear passengers benefit from holographic image projection. The system consists of a projector between the rear seats and a special projection screen. Unlike the more familiar type of holography, this "Holdis Provision Process" does not provide three-dimensional representations of objects, but makes use of this technology to optimise image projection in high ambient light conditions.
A set of 16 white, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a special lens system for daytime lighting is just one of the notable features of the research vehicle's lighting technology. The rest of the lighting system comprises six powerful xenon projection-beam headlamps for the dipped and main-beam modes as well as two infrared laser headlamps whose light is invisible to oncoming traffic yet illuminates the road for up to 150 metres ahead.
