Not sure about the rear end greenhouse, but I like it. But then again, I like big German wagon-y things.
After the effects of the ‘70s oil crisis, Mercedes-Benz wanted to make a more efficient vehicle designed for the upcoming new millennium. So, naturally, they made a giant lift-back sedan concept and called it the Auto 2000.
That size was important, however, as the car was designed to hold four people with a payload capacity of over 800 pounds.
How exactly did they make the 2000 efficient? Mercedes-Benz offered three different potential power sources: a 3.3-liter turbodiesel V6, a 3.8-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation (pretty advanced tech for the time) and even a gas turbine engine. Those, coupled with the car’s reported 0.28 drag coefficient, was intended to get more than 20 mpg—in 1981.
There is no official word at if the Auto 2000 succeeded at its lofty goals, but it did at least leave us with an interesting-looking concept from Mercedes-Benz.
Was the Auto 2000 a good sign of things to come from Mercedes-Benz, or was it just another odd German design study?
Like what you're reading? We rely on your financial support. For as little as $3, you can support Grassroots Motorsports by becoming a Patron today.
Not sure about the rear end greenhouse, but I like it. But then again, I like big German wagon-y things.
Woody (Forum Supportum) said:That looks like they made about 15 years after the 70's oil crisis.
1981.
Definitely looks late 80s
BMW: "Ve Leik dis... Bvarracuda? Shark-muskle car?"
Chrysler: "Uh, thanks? Yeah, it's pretty-"
BMW: "Excellvent. Ve require twelve for study. Ve vill make... bvetter."
I see plenty of influence that went forward to the W126. I'm mostly surprised that they were working on a V6 turbo diesel that early.
Displaying 1-10 of 14 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.