Most Italians would agree that automotive design is a art form, but now the stylisti at Mercedes-Benz have taken that concept to the next level, with a projection display based on the profile of the S-Class sedan.
It's a production in three acts called, rather unimaginatively, Aesthetics S, and it will be on view at the Paris motor show from 27 September to 14 October.
The actual sculpture is a fairly simple relief of a car profile, incorporating elements of of the four previous generations of S-Class - the 189, 108, 126 and 221 - and, says Mercedes-Benz head of design Gorden Wagener, “sets the scene for the development of the new S-Class,” which means this is probably the closest we are going to get a preview of Stuttgart's new flagship
THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORLD
But what brings it to life are three sequences of light projection, constantly changing in colour, shape and intensity, that flow across the sculpted wall, bathing it in cool watery blues one moment and fiery orange the next, each focused on and emphasising one aspect of the S-Class design language.
The light projections create a three-dimensional world, says Wagener, in which the imagination of the designers can be visualised, bringing out the naturally-occurring flowing forms that inspire them.
According to Wagener: “The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always impressed with its timeless design, which has existed for decades and has always pointed the way ahead. The sculpture is a continuation of this, and sets the scene for the development of the new S-Class.”