Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving concept (2001)
Concept car · 2001 · Combustion
A rolling laboratory with wheels that lean into corners.
The F400 Carving was a Mercedes research roadster built to explore active camber control. In corners, sensors monitoring speed, steering, acceleration and yaw commanded hydraulic cylinders to tilt the outer wheels inward by up to 20 degrees, exploiting specially designed asymmetric tyres for up to 1.28 g of lateral grip -- around 30 percent more than a fixed-camber setup. All four wheels could also tilt under hard braking to shorten stopping distances.
Key facts
- Engine: 3.2L naturally aspirated V6
- Power: 221 bhp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 315 Nm (3,000-4,800 rpm)
- Key tech: Active camber control (up to 20 deg wheel tilt)
- Max lateral g: 1.28 g
- Construction: Carbon-fibre body on aluminium space frame
Production
- Status: Concept only
- Research concept showcasing camber-adjusting active wheels; never sold.
- Revealed at 2001 Tokyo Motor Show
Source: NetCarShow -- Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving Concept