By Dan Trent
02 October 2008 22:08:18

Paris: Mercedes unveils Fascination concept

It’s the job of a motor show concept car to turn heads but the one on the Mercedes stand is attracting more attention than most. Officially called the ConceptFASCINATION, it’s certainly imposing enough. But what else does it tell us?
Mercedes Fascination (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Mercedes Fascination: click images to enlarge
Well, concept car designers love their crossover cars and the Fascination (no more daft capitals here, thank you very  much) follows the mould by blending elements of coupe, SUV and estate car into one striking looking blend. Based on the traditional shooting brake look, the Fascination aims to prove coupes can be as practical as they are fun.
 
It also offers hints at Mercedes’ future front-end styling, specifically that of the new E-Class which we’ll see next year. A further refinement of the facelifted SL’s rather odd square-to-round headlight design, it separates the main and secondary lights with smaller, squarer units next to the large grille. 
 
Mercedes Fascination (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Mercedes Fascination
And despite the futuristic looks the Fascination maintains Mercedes coupe traditions, such as the large, grille-mounted star and fully retractable frameless windows. Under the bonnet is an all-new 2.2-litre diesel engine too, developing a mighty 201bhp with 369lb ft of torque and fitted with Bluetec exhaust purification technology.
 
This isn’t pie in the sky stuff either – this engine features in the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY you can also see on the stand and due on sale in some markets next year. We’ll get a version later in 2009 too. The Maybach Landaulet, an S400 hybrid, SLR cabrio, and BlueEFFICENCY versions of the A- and B-Class (with start-stop) complete the diverse line up.
Mercedes
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,