Mercedes-Benz blitz Los Angeles Design show

The Los Angeles Design Challenge is seeking a spectacular new film car to wow audiences with. With Audi stealing the show in many recent films and BMW using their i8 for the new Mission Impossible film Mercedes-Benz has decided to flex their creative muscle this time round.

Mercedes has created three ‘hero’ cars using its Maybach, Mercedes and Smart brands. The Mercedes ‘Silver Arrow’ battles the forces of evil while the Smart ‘341 parkour’ can climb sheer faces and fly. Finally, the Maybach ‘Berline’ brings a touch of magic into the life of Cindarella.

The designers of the Mercedes creation have developed homage to the Mercedes-Benz history of innovation over the last 125 years. Mercedes has chosen to draw upon two features in their history, safety and their ‘Silver Arrow’ racing cars. The designers have used two crash test dummies called Hans05 and Franz02 who take on an evil adversary to save their Silver Arrow, which is reminiscent of the Uhlenhaut SLR from the 1950’s.

The Smart designers have looked at the project from a completely different angle. They have created a car that is the consummate all-rounder and called it the Parkour after the French sport which involves traversing urban feature as fast as possible using athleticism, strength and speed. The Parkour can climb vertical slopes, drive and even fly. The Smart is Annie Angle’s steed as she reports the disappearance of some high-tech robots.

Maybach has chosen to go back in time for their story line, choosing the 17th century Cinderella fairy tale. Cinderella is forced to develop a prototype carriage, called the Maybach Berline, by her father while her sisters enjoy themselves. However, upon finishing, he allows her to attend a ball,and she travels in the Maybach. The Maybach allows Cinderella to travel in luxury despite her late departure from the party, in part due to a dashing young man who she meets.

The Los Angeles Design Challenge is part of the Los Angeles Design Conference, which is to take place from 16 to 17 November 2011 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The winners of the competition will be announced on 17 November.