If we’re to believe '60s futurists, by 2040 we will live in a world where our post is delivered by jetpack-powered mailmen, consume three-course meals via a pill, and holiday in space hotels. But what would we drive? Well, if the '60s are to be believed, flying solar-powered autonomous cars. Even now, that seems a bit far-fetched.
So South Korean designer Minwoong Im has looked into his crystal ball to come up with 2017’s vision of a car from 2040. And it just so happens to be a Mercedes.
It’s a retrofuturistic streamliner influenced by Merc’s 1955 W196R, a car that was influenced by WWII fighter jets. The 2040 Streamliner blends old-fashioned styles with futuristic technology thanks to the flowing, shrink-wrapped '50s lines with suitably ahead of its time, dual jet-powered engines.
That’s about as much information as we have for now. But if the future holds an air-powered, graphene-bodied Mercedes LMP1 car with 3D printed tires in 2030, and a streamliner Silver Arrow in 2040, we don’t want to wait for the future. We want it now.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
