Mercedes-Benz took that Instagram on Tuesday to get a first look at a modern C111 supercar.
A couple of teaser photos and a video show the design elements, including pixel LEDs in the taillights. The LEDs can be arranged to display the script of the car’s name ‘ONE ELEVEN’.
Mercedes included phrases like “an icon reloaded” and “are you ready for an icon reimagined?” in his posts referring to a relationship with the original C111.
The C111 is actually not a single model, but a collection of technology demonstrations, of which there are more than a dozen, all of which are still in the hands of Mercedes.
The first C111 was unveiled at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show and featured new design and technology, including a rotary engine, aerodynamically shaped bodywork and lightweight construction.
Mercedes continued to improve the design with each iteration, eventually replacing the rotary engine with a more efficient diesel unit. Some later C111s were used to set several records during high-speed tests at the Nardo test track in Italy. The last of the original C111s, the C111/IV featured a gas-powered 4.8-liter V-8 rated at 493 horsepower. During testing in 1979, it managed to reach a top speed of 251 mph.
Given the spirit of the earlier C111s, the modern iteration is unlikely to be production-bound. Mercedes will likely use it to showcase new technology, including no doubt next-generation battery and electric motor technology. It can also be used to preview the new design language of future Mercedes electric cars.
Mercedes has not announced when it will present its modern C111.
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This article was originally published by Motor Authorityeditorial partner ClassicCars.com
