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Design No.5 – Creating Iconic Luxury

Carlsbad/Stuttgart, June 15, 2023

CreatingIconicLuxury: The Mercedes-Benz brand history is a source of inspiration for the future.

From the three-pointed star to gullwing doors and cab-forward design: over the decades, the Mercedes-Benz design
teams have created and established iconic elements. These are unmistakably associated with the brand,
shaping the Mercedes-Benz myth and creating desire. The Mercedes-Benz design team will continue to
develop the brand’s iconic style to further strengthen this heritage and carry it into the future.

PinnacleOfExclusivity: Exceptional customisation options, one-offs from collaborations, limited collector’s

and special editions, pioneering show cars and research and concept vehicles are the epitome of exclusivity
for Mercedes-Benz.

IDCCarlsbad: The Mercedes-Benz Design Centers provide important impetus for the continuous

development of the design philosophy of sensual purity and for setting trends with new design ideas. At the
International Design Center Carlsbad, the Mercedes-Benz design Team creates show car exteriors, vehicle
studies and mobility concepts for tomorrow and beyond. It does this by picking up on stylistic trends on site,
then analysing and creatively implementing them.

The Californian lifestyle influences the site just as much as
its proximity to Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America. A very special form of creativity
flourishes in Carlsbad, leaving its mark on Mercedes-Benz design and opening up new perspectives.

VisionOneEleven: With the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven, the brand presents a concept sports car that

progressively reinterprets the C 111, a brand icon of the 1970s. Much like its historic predecessor, it
combines stunning design with the most innovative drive technology. The Vision One-Eleven makes use of
axial flux motors from YASA, which have an unmatched power density far beyond comparable radial motors,
while being extremely lightweight.

ExclusiveCollection: Mercedes-Benz is launching the “LIMITED EDITION 1 OF 111” collection along with the

Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven. This is the first time that an iconic design study has been accompanied by
a lifestyle collection consisting of five exclusive pieces. In addition to the striking colour of the concept sports
car, the individual accessories also reflect the vehicle’s characteristic design elements.

AugmentedReality: The Mercedes-Benz design team used augmented reality (AR) to create a visionary user

experience for the premiere of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven and integrated it into a virtual test
model of the Vision One-Eleven interior. The physical vehicle interior and the digital interface merge
seamlessly, so that virtually the entire car becomes a user interface.

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100 Years of the Type 13 Brescia: Quadruple Victory for Bugatti

100 Years of the Type 13 Brescia: Quadruple Victory for Bugatti

With its victory in Brescia, Italy in 1921, Bugatti permanently changed the racing scene.

The event is the Gran Premio delle Vetturette. On the Circuito di Montichiari, race cars zip back and forth between the towns of Montichiari and Brescia. Tires screech, dust is thrown up into the air. There are 60 laps to be completed, each one 17.3 kilometers long. This is a real challenge for both man and machine, and remains a legendary race to this day. Bugatti Type 13 vehicles take the top four spots in the Grand Prix for Voiturettes cementing the French luxury brand’s motorsport expertise.

To mark the round anniversary, the Bugatti Club Italia organized a special event between September 12 and 16: 40 historic Bugatti vehicles, including the Type 13, 22 and 23 from all over the world, celebrated the historic victory on the beautiful routes around Lake Garda. The start and finish of each day’s tour was the legendary city of Brescia. For over 35 years, the Bugatti Club Italia has kept the history of the famous French luxury brand alive – long before the first super sports car of modern times was created with the EB 110 in 1991.

With the Type 13 “Brescia” Bugatti was responsible for a turning point in the history of motorsport in 1921. The first of its kind, the open-top sports car heralded the end of large and heavy race cars just a few years later. From 1921, its light bodywork, superior chassis, and powerful engine allowed the Type 13 to leave its competitors for dust.

As did Ernest Jules Friedrich. The French race car driver and mechanic had been convinced of the Type 13 for some time and had won the famous Le Mans race one year previously. Racing in the Voiturette category in the race in Brescia, he performed lap after lap with great concentration, took corners with precision and speed, and crossed the finishing line first – ahead of his teammates Pierre de Vizcaya, Michel Baccoli, and Pierre Marco.

Voiturettes are lightweight, maneuverable race cars. Bugatti’s Type 13 is just such a vehicle – a mere 490 kilograms in weight and a 1.45-liter four-cylinder engine that initially offers 40 PS, and later 50 PS. The open-top two-seater hits a top speed of 150 km/h and can take corners at a pace thanks to its lightweight construction and precise chassis. With the Type 13, which went into production in 1910, Ettore Bugatti brought together his ideas, continued to refine the technology over the subsequent years steadily, and focused systematically on lightweight construction and high-quality workmanship.

First four-valve engine in a car

From 1914, the engine boasted a displacement of 1.35 liters, and from 1919, it featured the first four-valve cylinder head for faster gas exchange, allowing the four-cylinder engine to deliver 30 PS. Bugatti also introduced white metal for the crankshaft bearings and pistons for higher revs as well as a fuel pump and a pump that sprayed oil onto specific components. Easy-shift four-speed transmission made it easier for the driver to change gears frequently.

In 1921, Bugatti increased the displacement to 1.45 liters, while new ball bearings for the crankshaft, which were even lighter and more smooth-running, were introduced for the later race car. At the same time, Bugatti increased the engine’s compression ratio and the carburetor flow rate, opting for a dual magneto ignition for two spark plugs per combustion chamber. As a result, the racing engine delivered powerful combustion at high revs of up to 4,500 rpm. Light wire-spoked wheels that replaced heavy wooden wheels reduced the unsprung masses and increase the vehicle’s agility further still. The Type 13 essentially set the benchmark in motorsport. It was powerful, fast, and sinewy, like a racy thoroughbred; a “pur sang.”

In the 1920s, the Bugatti vehicles won virtually every competition they entered. The lightweight, powerful and reliable sports cars from Molsheim were superior on tough road races and hill climbs in particular, making them close to unbeatable.

Following its quadruple victory in Brescia, the French atelier sold 711 Type 13 Brescia vehicles with a four-valve head as well as 388 vehicles with engines featuring an easy-turn crankshaft with ball bearings. All the subsequent four-valve vehicles even officially bore the name “Brescia” in memory of this unique success. Bugatti also applied the Type 13 concept with other vehicle lengths like the Type 15, Type 17, Type 22, and Type 23. The Type 13 was produced in Molsheim until 1926, with Bugatti selling a total of approximately 2,000 units of the model.

Bugatti Type 35 furthers the racing success

The staff began to assemble Type 35 vehicles in 1925. This vehicle furthered Bugatti’s run of success – in the subsequent years, it became the most successful race car of all time, having clocked up more than 2,000 wins. Among these wins were five consecutive victories in the Targa Florio in Sicily between 1925 and 1929, one of the toughest races of its time. With this impressive success story, the Type 35 therefore followed in the footsteps of its successful predecessor a few years previously in Brescia.

www.bugatti.com

 

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Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin
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Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Two German design icons sought and found each other: Berlin-based eyewear manufacturer ic! berlin and Mercedes-Benz are jointly launching a sunglass collection. The Designers of both brands have worked hand in hand to develop a design language that goes far beyond a pure logo cooperation. It combines the essential expressive features of both worlds. The result is five new exclusive eyewear models, which are based on design elements of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles and are crafted in the ic! berlin manufactory in Berlin-Marzahn.

Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Dynamic shapes, exclusive materials, colour accents in lacquer and excellent wearing comfort characterize the new Capsule 2021. The Puristic design, typical of ic! berlin, meets the avantgarde spirit of Mercedes-Benz and interprets the vehicle design in each model in a special way. Stainless steel frames, high-performance ZEISS lenses, soft silicone nose pads and high-quality temple hinges ensure that every pair of eyewear remain an expression of individual lifestyle for a long time. In addition to the classic Mercedes-Benz logo, the new Mercedes-Benz pattern is lasered onto the temples as stylish branding.

The Mercedes-AMG model AMG 02 for men is a masculine and a sporty reinterpretation of the pilot shape design. They are available in four colour variations. The frame of the AMG 02 shows a powerful edge with its straight lines and underlines the extroverted appearance with accents in the three paint colours; red, yellow and blue. These colours were also developed in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG designers. The hand-applied varnish adorns the thin-connecting brow arch over the bridge and the front upper sides of the temples.

The AMG 02 is available in the following colour variations:

  • Storm Grey and Gun Metal / Yellow – grey-blue frame, grey glass with colour gradient, yellow lacquer accents
  • Ultra Beam and Chrome / Blue – frame and temples in chrome, mirrored glass, blue colour accents
  • Nightfall and Black/ Red – black frame and temple, dark grey lenses, red accents
  • Black to Grey and Black – black frame and bracket, black glass with a gradient, no colour accents

The Mercedes-Benz variant, MB Shield 02, is a unisex model with a futuristic look. The simple mono disc is held in place by a stainless steel half frame, which is accentuated by a Plotic Clip in the area of the bridge. This is painted in the colour variant Ultra Beam and Fashion Silver as a contrast to the mirrored glasses and the silver frame in iconic Lemon Verbena. The Plotic Clip is black in the colour variant Night Shadow and Electric Light Blue with dark blue lenses with a colour gradient and light blue frame. In addition to the clean version, the Night Shadow glass is also available with a striking Mercedes-Benz pattern.

“The collection proves how our design philosophy of ‘sensual clarity’ can be expressed in different styles – from classic and elegant to sporty and futuristic – in the form of eyewear. For me, it was important to develop a wide range of formal interpretations, analogous to the range of our vehicles, in order to appeal to different customers. The high aesthetic standards, which include the continual reinterpretation of stylistic elements which create the identity of both partners, form a convincing product with the goal of maximum functionality. This goal is also inherent in both companies,” says Martin Bremer, Head of Creation Corporate Design at Mercedes-Benz.

The MB 04 is a unisex model with sporty elegance and a real flyweight at only 17 g. The trapezoidal glasses with bevelled sides are held by a discreet stainless steel frame. Here, too, the design highlight is the lacquer accent on the brow-bones and on the temples – in colour variants:

Black to Clear and Graphite / White in white
Night Fall and Black / Red versions in red
The MB 04 Blueberry Fade and Electric Light Blue, on the other hand, achieved their colour brilliance through the blue-violet glasses with a colour gradient in the light blue frame.

A reinterpretation of the iconic trapezoidal shape is the men’s MB 05 model. The sophistication of the MB 05 lies in its cool simplicity. It is offered in the colour combinations:
Storm Grey and Gun Metal / Yellow
Ultra Beam and Electric Light Blue / Off White
as well as Nightfall and Black / Red.
On this straight frame, the subtle lacquer application on the middle brow arch sets the colour accent.

The women’s model of the collection, MB 06, is a fashion statement. Oversized in the shape of a butterfly and with an accentuated frame on the side, these sunglasses combine trendy retro chic with luxurious style. The combination of ocean fade and rose gold is particularly striking. The colour gradient of the lenses change from dark blue to a delicate shade of purple, which the frame, with the widened side sections and the bridge in rose gold, take up again. The model in Sunset Boulevard and Aubergine with brownish-purple lens is a little less playful and yet very feminine. The classic colour combination Black to Grey and Black has a delicate mauve stripe along the upper edge as a design element.

“With our new Capsule Collection, we want to show that something very special can arise in the eyewear segment when two design-savvy brands as ic! berlin and Mercedes-Benz team up,” explains Harry Skinner, Lead Designer ic! berlin.

About ic! berlin

The eyewear manufacturer ic! berlin was founded in Berlin in 1996. It manufactures innovative eyewear made in Berlin by hand. ic! berlin models are extremely light, flexible and are characterized in particular by a screwless joint solution that is unique worldwide. Each collection line stands for its own unique form language and represents a part of the company’s own design identity. By now, eyewear from ic! berlin is sold in over 60 countries around the world. The company has its headquarters in Berlin and currently employs more than 180 people.  www.ic-berlin.de

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‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY
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‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

  • Bentley sets out five step diversity and inclusion plan under Beyond100 strategy
  • Efforts will focus on enhancing diversity and inclusion across the business and driving progress towards long term business goals, with a target of 30 per cent diversity at management level by 2025
  • As internal engagement kicks off, Bentley has revealed the unique Unifying Spur – a Flying Spur wrapped in an artist’s design capturing the themes of love, progress and unity.
  • Start of a global calendar of external events and activities involving the car

(Crewe, 27 May 2021) Bentley Motors has today set out further details of its diversity and inclusion strategy. A uniquely-designed Flying Spur embodies this company focus as European Diversity month draws to a close, and Pride celebrations begin around the world.

‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

The 101-year old company is going through unparalleled change on its journey towards a climate-positive future. Recognising the fundamental importance of diverse experiences and perspectives to drive creativity and innovation, Bentley aims to become the most diverse luxury car manufacturer. To this end it has set a target of increasing diversity in management to 30 per cent by 2025.

Bentley’s five step strategy focuses on outreach, recruitment, succession planning, culture and development. Early careers talent acquisition will be over-indexed towards organisations with diverse intakes, while the recruitment of established hires will explore new talent pools. To ensure that all talent within the business is supported, succession planning will be reviewed to ensure early identification of diverse talent within the business. Development programmes will ensure that colleagues from all walks of life are able to grow and achieve their full potential. This will be underpinned by measurable KPIs and targets, and Board-led engagement to drive a positive culture and remove unconscious bias. The recently-launched colleague network groups will also help drive engagement within the business through a series of strategic events and activities.

‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

To mark the launch of the strategy, a challenge was set to the Bentley Design team to create an automotive artwork that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Designer Rich Morris, who paints and sculpts in his spare time, rose to the challenge by creating a piece of four-wheeled art using the nine colours of the Progress flag. His design joins the words “Love is Love” through a single, unbroken line, that traces faces, dancing figures and shapes – representing the unifying power of humanity, regardless of race, creed or sexuality. The Unifying Spur will be revealed to colleagues at Bentley’s Crewe factory before embarking upon a programme of external activities in the coming months.

‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

‘UNIFYING SPUR’ EMBEDS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF BENTLEY’S BEYOND100 STRATEGY

Dr. Astrid Fontaine, Bentley’s Member of the Board for People, Digitalisation and IT, explains:

“We know that diversity drives success, by bringing a greater range of experience, creativity as well as inclusion allows co-operation to play in business strategy, innovation and decision-making. We also want our our business to reflect our global customer base and most importantly of all, to ensure that we all work in an environment where everyone feels safe to bring their true self to work and valued for who they are and what they can do.

“That is why diversity and inclusion are profoundly important to us and as part of our Beyond100 programme we have therefore set ourselves the challenge to become the most diverse luxury car manufacturer. For us this means ensuring there are colleagues from all walks of life in our management structure.

“This goes hand in hand with our ethos that a rich and inclusive culture, where everyone is supported to achieve their full potential, is what will help to drive our business forward for the next one hundred years.

“Through the reveal of the Unifying Spur, the internal activities that it will support – and the external engagements we are planning for it in 2021 – we aim to celebrate the individual talents and idiosyncracies that make us all unique as – whilst at the same time as highlighting the key themes that unite and bring us together.”

Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Bentayga. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

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