Former Mercedes Chief Designer Unveils Secret Red Pig Concept
Former Mercedes-Benz Chief Designer Gorden Wagener has unveiled his own interpretation of the legendary 300 SEL ‘Red Pig’ (Rote Sau) racing sedan. He called the concept an ‘unseen show car’, created as a modern rethinking of the historical model.
What is known
The project uses current brand stylistic solutions. Instead of traditional ‘layered’ headlights, three-pointed stars are installed, and at the front, there is a large chrome Iconic Grille, debuted on the Vision Iconic and the new GLC. The concept also features modern aerodynamic elements: a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser.
The angular lines of the original 300 SEL have been replaced with smoother forms. The silhouette is closer to the 1950s Ponton series sedans.
The body design references the car participating in the ‘Spa 24 Hours’ race of 1971, but the real sponsors are replaced with fictional ones. For example, Castrol was replaced by Carlsbad — the name of a Californian city where the Mercedes design center is located.
The concept is unlikely to become a herald of a new model but, alongside the Vision Iconic, demonstrates the designers' desire to highlight the brand's historical heritage.
Previously, Wagener noted that Mercedes' new design language will be built around the idea of respect, to avoid a sea of identical cars.
Wagener left the company last month, ending a 28-year career at Mercedes. His successor is Bastian Baudy, who previously headed design at Mercedes-AMG.
Source: Autocar
