Tags: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz Concept Mercedes-Benz Mojave Runner Concept concept cars autoshow Los Angeles Auto Show 2006 Design Challenge LA Adventure
Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
Designer: John Gill
Adventure:
Saving lives in the harsh conditions of the desert.
Mercedes-Benz has a rich history of technological innovation and public service. I chose to design a rescue vehicle for the harsh environment of the Mojave desert. The combination of extreme heat, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather can be challenging for any type of vehicle. The Mojave Runner is designed to thrive under these elements. Off-road racing and medical assistance come together in a uniquely designed vehicle. Night vision, sandstorm radar, and G.P.S. are some of the high-tech sensors that greatly enhance the searching capability. This vehicle is also equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell generator. The generator provides electrical power for tools and rescue equipment along with a secondary water source. The Mojave Runner engine is a mid-mounted 8-cylinder hybrid. A small electrical motor provides extra torque when needed. The strong, lightweight exoskeleton frame is a combination of carbon-fiber and aluminum. The pressurized aluminum frame tubing stores air for pneumatic power tools. Off-road and on-road performance is optimized by intelligent adaptive tires. The tires automatically changes tread depth for best performance. All of these elements (technology, design, an adventure) form a vehicle only Mercedes-Benz can build.
