New Vision AVTR Concept Oddly Inspired by Avatar Film

Blast from the Past

James Cameron's hit 2009 movie Avatar is unquestionably one of the better films of all-time. But it's also somewhat of a strange place to find inspiration for a concept vehicle. Regardless, that's exactly where Mercedes-Benz claims to have found the inspiration it needed to build this stunning concept, dubbed the Vision AVTR. M-B brought this wild, futuristic nod to the past to the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show, where it most certainly took our breath away.

Photos: Mercedes-Benz

What's In a Name?

That inspiration begins with the concept's name itself. Vision AVTR stands not only for Mercedes' close collaboration in developing the showcar together with the Avatar team but also for Advanced Vehicle Transformation. The concept "embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future." according to the automaker.

Photos: Mercedes-Benz 

>>Join the conversation about the AVTR Concept right here in MBWorld.org

Future Design

Part of that process involved blending the interior and exterior of the AVTR together, rather than designing them as two separate elements. This holistic approach utilizes a distinctive inside-out design structure that combines inside and outside into an emotional whole that was inspired by several creatures from the movie. The AVTR also features a stretched "One Bow" design and organic design language designed to offer a visionary outlook on the design of the future.

Photos: Mercedes-Benz 

>>Join the conversation about the AVTR Concept right here in MBWorld.org

All In the Hands

The Vision AVTR also lacks silly things like a steering wheel. In its place, you'll find a multifunctional control element in the center console. When the driver places their hand on the control unit, the interior comes to life and the vehicle recognizes the driver by his or her heartbeat and breathing. With the lift of a hand, a menu is projected onto the palm, through which the passenger can intuitively choose between different functionalities. 

Photos: Mercedes-Benz 

>>Join the conversation about the AVTR Concept right here in MBWorld.org

Earth Friendly

The AVTR is also quite the green earth-friendly machine, thanks to a battery construction that features graphene-based organic cell chemistry that is completely free of rare materials and metals. All of the battery's materials are compostable and therefore completely recyclable. Additionally, the seats in the Vision AVTR are made from vegan DINAMICA leather, and the floor features Karuun wood that grows very quickly as a natural raw material.

Photos: Mercedes-Benz

>>Join the conversation about the AVTR Concept right here in MBWorld.org

Animal-Like

On the outside, you'll find 33 "bionic flaps" on the back of the Vision AVTR that are reminiscent of a reptile's scales. According to Mercedes, they're capable of communicating with the driver and through the driver with their outside world through naturally flowing movements in subtle gestures. The concept can even reportedly walk "like a crab," moving sideways by roughly 30 degrees while driving the front and rear axles in the same or opposite direction.

Photos: Mercedes-Benz

>>Join the conversation about the AVTR Concept right here in MBWorld.org

Realistic, or No?

The Vision AVTR is powered by four electric motors that combine to offer up 469 horsepower and a rather solid range of 435 miles. Which are things that we'd expect to see in forthcoming M-B models, along with some of the car's styling elements. As far as the crab walking and interactive reptile scales, well, it'll probably be a few more years before that sort of stuff starts showing up on actual production vehicles.

Photos: Mercedes-Benz

>>Join the conversation about the AVTR Concept right here in MBWorld.org

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