The Mercedes-Benz F 200 "Imagination" coupe is a concept study by then Daimler-Benz unveiled at the 1996 Paris Motor Show. The goal was to show off innovations in control, design, and comfort in passenger cars. The car's exterior design was in part based on the, then, upcoming S-Class. This 2-door coupe also previewed the CL-Class coupe, which debuted in 1999.[1]

Mercedes-Benz F 200 Imagination
Overview
Manufacturer
Body and chassis
ClassConcept car
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutFront mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
DoorsDihedral
Related
Powertrain
Engine6.0 L M120 V12
Transmission5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
Rear-side view, very similar to CL-Class C215

Innovations

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One of the unique innovations was the implementation of "Sidesticks". Sidesticks were a drive by joystick design (rather than the conventional steering wheel and gas/brake pedals) that could be toggled between the driver and passenger. Other innovations included:[2]

Urban legend fame

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In the early 2000s, the F 200 gained popularity as pictures of it were being mass mailed out under the subject of "The New Benz - very different... really different!". Many of the emails incorrectly claimed the car to be the new "SCL600". The intent of the email was to draw sarcasm from the radical designs of the car and its Sidesticks control system.

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References

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  1. ^ "F 200 Imagination | Daimler > Technology & Innovation > Insights into Research & Development > Research Vehicles". Archived from the original on 2015-01-06. Retrieved 2015-01-06. F 200 Imagination (1996)
  2. ^ "1996 Mercedes-Benz F 200 Imagination Concept".