Gorden Wagener | GIZMODO.cz

A long hooded electric show car by late fashion designer Virgil Abloh intertwines the off-road aesthetics with the luxury of a two-seater coupe. Something only Virgil could think of!

Virgil Abloh left a gaping hole in the fashion design industry last week after his unexpected sad demise due to a rare form of cancer (cardiac angiosarcoma) at the age of 41. And out of the many unparalleled creations by the influential designer, the Project MAYBACH electric concept coupe is another example of his design sense. Created in collaboration with Maybach and Daimler AG chief designer Gorden Wagener, the off-roading coupe is a thumping statement in fashion and automotive design. The two-seater coupe is an undeniable reflection of typical Abloh work with the contrasting line and big proportions. It rides on chunky off-roading wheels and has got underbody paneling to take on any terrain in style. Then there is the sizeable roof rack and high-beam lights to make the off-roading escapade an exciting adventure.

Mercedes-Benz gave Abloh and Wagener complete freedom to go crazy with the 20-foot long Project MAYBACH, and the result is a long hooded electric coupe with circular headlights and chrome vertical grille trim pieces under the spanning light bar. The transparent hood conceals the solar cells underneath which extend its range a bit further. This Maybach was built from the ground up and the straight lines and sharp edges lend it a definitive style quotient aided by the dual-toned (black and tan) paint job. The rear section gives off a peculiar spaceship-like vibe.

The vanguard tan interior of the battery-powered zero-emission show car is dominated by the spartan-like styling with matching tan-colored leather seats. They recline fully flat for relaxing or enjoying the panoramic view courtesy of the all-glass roof flowing to the rear section. There’s plenty of storage on the inside thanks to the storage bins, or the special compartments to stow away tools or other essentials that you’ll carry along on a trip. The cinematic infotainment system on the center of the dashboard folds back into the compartment when not in use.

Mercedes-Benz thanked Virgil Abloh for the relentless inspiration to “explore every day the power of cross-industry dialogue to imagine a better, more inclusive future.” Back in October Virgil said, “The Maybach legacy celebrates exploration, pushing creativity to new places, living outside of the status quo. In this next phase, we’re embracing these ideals and bringing the Mercedes Maybach heritage into the future, inviting the next generation to join in revering this icon.”

To commemorate Virgil’s legacy and appreciate Gorden’s efforts for this design, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the Project MAYBACH at Miami’s Rubell Museum from December 1 to December 2. Exclusive access to local design students will be granted from 11:30 a.m. EST to 12:30 p.m. EST on December 1.

Designer: Mercedes-Benz/Daimler AG

The post Mercedes-Benz reveals Virgil Abloh’s Project MAYBACH coupe off-roader that showcases Virgil’s distinct design sense first appeared on Yanko Design.

Debuted at Pebble Beach just a day ago, the Mercedes Benz EQ Silver Arrow concept is quite a looker. It also bases itself on the design of the Mercedes Benz W125 Rekordwagen from 1938… a car that, 80 years ago, wrote history for traveling down a public road at a jaw-dropping speed of 269 mph; a record that remained unbroken for 79 years, until 2017.

However, I digress. The EQ Silver Arrow bases itself on a car that set a 79-year-old speed record, so it’s no surprise that the Silver Arrow was built for “acceleration and driving pleasure” too, according to design chief Gorden Wagener. Designed to be completely electric, the car comes with a single-seat open cockpit featuring a rather interesting detail wherein the hood lifts upwards, allowing the driver to enter and exit the vehicle. When shut, the driver is enclosed and seated like a Formula 1 driver.

The car’s retro-inspired aerodynamic design comes made entirely out of carbon-fiber, with a coat of Alubeam silver paint. Everything about the car’s aesthetic is a hat-tip to organic designing and aerodynamism, with the low-slung body, pointed tail, and smooth wheel arches. Details either complement, or get integrated into the car’s curvy yet switft body, be it the razor-slim headlight and taillight designs, or the spoiler, that fits into the back, ejecting upwards only when the car hits high speeds.

The renders below are done by Matthias Schenker, sticking to a style that does the car incredible justice. With its achromatic, Daniel Simon-esque style, the renders do a wonderful job of showcasing the car’s gentle curves through carefully placed highlights, making use of colors judiciously, only around the interiors and branding areas. Design Chief Gorden Wagener claims that while the Silver Arrow is just a concept, it also is a glimpse into the future of Mercedes design… and with the company debuting at Formula E next year, maybe we could see a similar looking automobile repeating history on the track…

Designer: Mercedes Benz
Sketches by Matthias Schenker