My Advice To Mercedes About The Vision 111...

World renowned designer, Frank Stephenson, reacts to the Vision 111 - the modern reinterpretation of one of his all-time favourite cars; the C111.
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Hey all,
It's a pleasure to be able to talk about a new car that has actually grabbed my attention. I know these types of videos are few and far between, but so is the inspiration to comment on the current state of the industry. Alas, today we have something of value to discuss.
Enjoy,
Thank you.
FS
#frankstephenson #mercedes #vision111

[@StudioMotors]

The amount I’ve learned from watching your videos is crazy.

[@richsackett3423]

Leatning how much there is to learn is awesome.

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

Your being sarcastic right? This guy is a rank amateur, a complete novice, and has a very very loose grip on what he is talking about. He uses the wrong terminology on a regular basis, he makes design changes that aren't functional, he talks about how we're diffuser has too many wings, and how this one's better because it doesn't have them, when a) they're not even called wings and b) that's what a diffuser needs to work as a diffuser. He basically says this diffuser is better than most diffusers because it doesn't diffuse! I won't go so far as to call an idiot, but he definitely doesn't know what he's talking about, so if you're learning shit from him, you need to go somewhere else and learn shit from some other people.

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

​@@richsackett3423Your being sarcastic right? This guy is a rank amateur, a complete novice, and has a very very loose grip on what he is talking about. He uses the wrong terminology on a regular basis, he makes design changes that aren't functional, he talks about how we're diffuser has too many wings, and how this one's better because it doesn't have them, when a) they're not even called wings and b) that's what a diffuser needs to work as a diffuser. He basically says this diffuser is better than most diffusers because it doesn't diffuse! I won't go so far as to call an idiot, but he definitely doesn't know what he's talking about, so if you're learning shit from him, you need to go somewhere else and learn shit from some other people.

[@wile123456]

Good to see you back in a studio. The 3D greenscreen stuff was interesting but it never quite fit you i feel. Your style looks best with the classic, grounded and real look, highlighting your past and great works through history, but with the new technology, LEDs and modern elements in the studio shows you are looking forward and always expanding your design inspiration. Keep up the great work Frank, your channel is a breath of fresh air on this website.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks and much appreciated Wile! 👍

[@poplaurentiu4148]

@@FrankStephensondesign Hat-off sir this lesson felt like i was teleported right in a proper design school class.. tanks a lot ! please do more of these (when you can of course) we simply need more such cool design opinion debacles shared in order to understand better the old ways adapted in modern era.. Big love from Europe !

[@gtv6chuck]

I always wonder how much of a smile it brings to a car designer's face when their design gets the "Stephenson Stamp of Approval". I finally got to see a Mercedes C111 at the Colorado Grand a few years back, and it didn't disappoint. Love this new one.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Great to hear that Chuck! 👍

[@JimmyFoxhound]

Your little tweak of the design @ 12:04 shows the difference between a great designer and a legendary designer! It's such a small touch but you're absolutely correct, that little bit just finishes the design for me! Great review and that's one nice looking car!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Jimmy! 👍

[@P.Aether]

I can imagine car design university is like this, which makes this channel free master classes in car design

[@andoletube]

This is the first car from Mercedes to pique my interest in a very long time. It's a stunning design. I agree with you, Frank, about the flying buttress. The first thing I looked for when I saw this modern revision was the flying buttress - I was disappointed that it wasn't there! Nevertheless, it's a stunning car.

[@berkkarsi]

Another amazing video Mr. Frank Stephenson. I really like the new background. I also love that bit of redesign at 12:04. Beautiful car, both the old one and the new one

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you like it Berk! 👍

[@ihabiano]

What a Time to be alive. Being able to watch this legend, for free, sharing a ridiculous amount of valuable info at the tips of our fingers! Thank you so much for this education!!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ihabiano]

@@FrankStephensondesign ALWAYS! Your content isn't jist amazing, but some of them really crack me up! All your videos are in my must-watch priority.

[@thefearhawk8805]

We missed you pal. This car has sure is beautiful. Its like modern supercar proportions, but with the curves of a 60s sportscar. As if they merged the original C111 with an alfa tipo 33 stradale from 68'...

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Cheers buddy! 👍

[@davidstout402]

I am ashamed to say now that as a nine year old I actually stole a few pennies out of my mothers purse and ran down to the local toy shop to buy the Matchbox version of the Mercedes C111 released in 1969 ... the design impacted me that much. Wonderful video Frank ... big production values, interesting and insightful. I look forward to more in the future. Take care.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Totally understand! And thanks!

[@jamesengland7461]

Great to hear from you again, Frank! Yes, BUILD IT!

[@young6423]

Holy cow, I love watching those explanation videos, so calming, waiting for more

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you like them Young! 👍

[@Alex-cw3rz]

The front end gives me Maserati vibes.

[@amjan]

Indeed :)

[@mura0]

Perfection that is. The super concentric hugging wheel well is very reminiscing of the Koenigseggs which is the feature I love the most on those eggs. Great video Mr Stephenson.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you Mura! 👍

[@lindaoffenbach]

Wow, they've certainly nailed the feeling of the C111, although the treatment between the B and C pillars (either open or closed) seems to have been omitted in the Vision 111 (V111). I'm not keen on EVs but this is about the design which is indeed breathtakingly well done 💓 Happy to see you back analyzing a car design.

[@marinedrive5484]

It also has bits of the De Tomaso P72 in it - the nose and tail, which takes its cue from the Mangusta, another wonderfully aggressive design. The Sauber-Mercedes C11 also has a similar nose treatment. Would be great to see a road-going version go into production. The buttresses have always been somewhat controversial - love them, or nah, not so much.

[@TheJcman72]

I think this is one of the few cars that doesn't require any explanation. You just look at it, and even if you're not a fan of the brand, and you get hypnotized!

[@EugenioHertz]

the pixelated lights on front and back lights added a great contrast to the fine lines of the body

[@briteize136]

Good to have you back! Keep the masterclasses coming!

[@Ecko20XX]

The thing looks absolutely awesome. My only gripe with it is that the diffuser is what I consider fake, since it doesn't actually stretch under the car to the front and instead just hangs at the back. If it had an actual underfloor that developed into the diffuser it would look so much better. Aslo, I think you should do reviews for Ferrari's one off project, specifically the p80/c and the recently revealed KC23. I personally think that both of those cars look awesome and would like to see what you have to say about them. Again, awesome video and keep up the great work😁

[@zcat1006]

Frank, I could watch your design analysis every day. I was drawing cars as a kid, and ended up being a designer and children's books author and illustrator. Unfortunately, not an automotive designer. But I love that most of the comments seem like they are talking to you, and not just random bantering about. That tells me you are connecting to real people and you are very approachable. Rare? Oh, and this design is great and refreshing as well. I agree with you on the "C" pillar/flying buttress critique. One thing I would change are the 80's digital graphic on the front and rear lamps. too Hyundai for me, and I would rather see a lot more interest injected into these simple shapes. Thank you!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Definitely agree with you z, digital pixelisation does seem out of synch with future tech displays where very high def resolution is the goal.

[@zcat1006]

@@FrankStephensondesign I hope great design, which is creative interest with purpose, never stops being a valuable asset.

[@stephenhare7369]

I love that when you added the flying buttress you also made the A pillar one smooth line with the door too!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Great eye Stephen! 👍

[@stephenhare7369]

🫡

[@kicker7955]

I didn't know why I didn't like this at first. It is what we are told to be beautiful, clean, simple, organic, almost self reflecting - it shows us what we know to be beautiful in a car. But then as you mentioned it being electric, and that the designer had total freedom to design it - it hit me. This is like minimalist architecture and interior design. When a designer has complete freedom - they default to basics, safe, boring. And this is true the more successful a designer is. See, when there's no physical limits to a project - the only limits that remain are the corporate limits, the tastes and views of mostly aesthetically uneducated bosses, stakeholders and why not even the public. It's a real shame - especially when working on concept work which' whole point is to explore and expand upon the existing understanding of what is beautiful or appropriate. This is why the retro-future work from Nismo feels so good, so fresh, so unbelievable. It has purpose, it has intent. This is just a paperweight from Ali Express. This can, and probably was designed with computers and algos. Something intentional, a work of vision like the Nismo - has something profoundly human. It was made that way, precisely because a human wanted it to be made that way.

[@sick-days]

It's great to see you back and inspired by a new design - your videos are such a unique and valuable resource. I thought of you when watching the new Mission Impossible last weekend - that Fiat 500 chase was the highlight of film! How incredible it must be to see your iconic work appear in all these different situations and environments!

[@stanvelchoxx]

Thank you for this wonderful video, Frank! I always appreciate seeing the Maestro and learning from him!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you enjoyed it Stan!

[@elamefrancis7036]

This is probably one of the best and most interesting design review video I've watched. Mercedes Benz needs to watch this and give it a 👍🏿

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LeeviKapembe]

Great digest Frank. When I follow your videos, I am in class learning. As you explained, I get a feel of how aesthetics are brought into the design, blended with physics, especially around aerodynamics. Adopting the predecessor genes into the newborn is well captured and the importance is well understood. Thank you so much. Looking through your lenses at designs is very rewarding.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Great to hear Leevi! 👍

[@ThomasKrul]

I waited all day for my work meetings to be over, to watch this video! It was worth every second waiting: I love discovering what history and design language details make us lust after these glorious concept cars... and what can be done to improve even them. I kind of wish they'd tried to cover the rear wheels... the original C111 was ground-breaking, but I feel that the exposed rear wheels is a little too conservative.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Thomas! 👍

[@Rom3_29]

That new 111 is beautiful stunning design. Not over done. My dad worked at local main Benz import dealership. We went to and tried to get close that school bus yellow 111 Mercedes at the yearly auto show. I saw little bit of the yellow roof. People were tightly packed looking at it next to the blue 600. I was 7 or 8. I remember as a kid that Mercedes would build it. There was private German (BB, I think) fabricators build one. Calling it 112. But it wasn’t as nice as 111. Jay Leno years ago did a test drive of older 111.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yep! I remember that BB too! 👍

[@MrGreenAKAguci00]

Every single time I come back to this channel the production value is upgraded. I'm so glad you decided to make this channel. I never thought I'd be seeing cars from this perspective. Thanks.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you enjoy it Mr Green!

[@Alexgudmusic]

Yay! I'm always looking forward to another video by you. 👍

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yay! Thank you!

[@NLBassist]

So nice to see you back! I know it's hard to make all those vids, but with a lot of new cars I think: what would Frank say about it? I already start to think a bit like you haha.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks and nice to hear that NLB! 👍

[@StayHardened]

Love your explanations that I know intuitively but that I could never consciously articulate myself... Hearing you describe what design principles are at play is extremely helpful... cheers to you sir, and thank you.

[@StayHardened]

Also, I've never seen the original Mercedes car in the video until today.... but the refreshed version looks amazing

[@FrankStephensondesign]

My pleasure Stay! 👍

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

Yeah, the cars new design does absolutely capture the essence of the C111. It's got a great profile, I'll tell you that!

[@riaz8783]

Always love these breakdowns, we just don't appreciate the level of skill and craft required to make these beautiful designs. Great video as always.

[@Seelingfahne]

Even if the wheels are somewhat understated, the visual mass of them really emphasizes how important they are as part of the car. I think the “turbine” look is emulating the look of cooling fins, or those are actually the cooling fins for the motors! Hub motors might become the new standard packaging for EV powertrains, due to the recent advances in hub motor technology. Really fits the character of the car as a testbed for new motors. Thanks for the great analysis, always learn a lot watching your vids.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Jon!

[@OLH3rd]

I remember seeing a very large RC car version in the early 70's with working lights. The shape and the color were iconic! This is a STUNNING reinterpretation!

[@heiner71]

I don't think there were RC cars available in the early 70's. I owned a C111 toy car in the early 70's which had a remote cable control. You had a control box which housed a few D cell batteries, a steering wheel and a forward and a backward button. The steering was mechanical through the cable like a bicycle brake

[@OLH3rd]

@heiner71 Well this was about 1974 and overseas. Wireless RC cars go back to the sixties but were primarily for the rich -- which this family was. But again, almost 50 years ago so specifics are fuzzy.

[@andreapicchi990]

This car is a future Villa d'este's concorso d'eleganza Winner!!! A Stunning Masterpiece that would be even better with the Maestro's touch. Mr. Stephenson, as always, add the "ciliegina sulla torta" (an italian expression meaning that you're adding the missing ingredient to make the perfect cake) with his taste and his hand. To have the chance of learn and listen from a giant of design like Frank, It's always an absolute pleasure and privilege. Thank you.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Grazie Andrea e piacere! 👍

[@jcfp692]

It has some of the enigma factor of the Stratos and the tension of the De tomaso Pantera. Sure the final product will be stunning... Great Masterclass.. Many thanks!!

[@WONMARK]

Dear Mercedes, if you need to be told twice, build that car. Lap the Ring upload the video for those of us that wont be able to afford the car. But build it first... Thank you Frank Stephenson for the video.

[@pathslesstrampled9906]

High front-end view of the C111 looks amazingly like a mid-70s Corvette

[@tedmarakas2626]

Build it? What for? who's going to buy it? Everyday driving, ergonomics, visibility, cost, This thing would be a giant and expensive paper weight. However, this is a great video, the gentleman knows what he's talking about.

[@olivierdevries01]

Great video, Frank! And as always, very informative. They should definitely build this car! On a side note, I had a matchbox size C111 when I was a kid. Mine was blue. I had no idea that the car was never put into production.....

[@slowikftw]

Love the new format and production value! Lighting is great, edit is great, music is nice, the whole thing is pleasent to watch and easy to focus on the as usuall top notch content! Great job!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Awesome, thank you!

[@barc0deblankblank]

Reminds me of the Avus Quattro more than the C-111 in terms of shape. Mainly, due to the front of the car being truncated into the windshield - changes the profile's visual balance, pushing the driver more to the front of the car.

[@MikePhilbin1966]

00:10:30 great idea... unify the line. Build it now. Make it real. Agree 100%. But did you really like the super-low underskirts like that? For me, they detract from the upper half of the car. I realise 'air management' but... not a fan.

[@Benson_Benjo_official]

This is phenomenal ! I always love @FrankStephensonDesign

[@adamsteinhardt6393]

I love watching these, because you point out so many things that are obvious but which id have never noticed or understood on my own. To a layman it almost feels like you are a magician, revealing things that are in front of my eyes but invisible. It’s a testament to your prowess as a icon of design. PS the P1 is one of if not the absolute best hypercars of all time.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Adam, great to hear you like them! 👍

[@onsokumaru4663]

The bumper less front design looks very unique. The car looks like something that comes out of a sci-fi film, though the wheels makes this stunning car to be stuck in the past . I envision the future having spokelesss wheels/rims. Bikes are already experimenting with hubless wheels but car wheels are not moving forward with futuristic design.

[@markbuckley4152]

Your videos are so informative, I recommended them to the art teachers at the high school where I work.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dcsbeemer]

Very cool, reminds me a lot of the Maserati Birdcage 75th concept for some reason.

[@WalkingGoose]

I absolutely agree. It looks so perfect and smooth the the right proportions. Elegant and sport at the same time. Thank you for the review Frank.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you liked it! 👍

[@chrispybaked]

Love this format! Keep it up!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks! Will do!

[@krampus3814]

I could tell you almost got emotional while talking about all the design choices that went into this prototype, I can tell designing cars isn't just a job for you, it is real burning passion.

[@AndyMiron]

So glad you dodged that “metaverse” bs styling. Back to premium oldschood feel 👌

[@leadsolo2751]

I could watch & listen to Ur Vids forever

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks lead!

[@popsfreshenmeyer7607]

Stunning Concept.

[@nooneyouknow7036]

Yes! It is beautiful. I like the congruency between the front and the rear with the light area. It would really add excitement to MB's efforts with electrification. It would go a long way towards overcoming the resistance towards MB EVs.

[@James-ld2jc]

Very interesting video. I think it's time to watch some more...

[@amjan]

It gives me some Vector vibes. The front screen being at a flatter angle then the front bonnet is not something I would myself ever design, but it looks acceptable here. The front and the rear are beautiful. It's cool how the rear diffusor looks as if it were a classic bumber, and also how it is a continuation of the line created by the side winglet. I would like the side of the car have have some straight line(s) going along it to anchor that oblong shape to something.

[@johanwejedaldesign]

I absolutely love the Vision One-11 and fully agree with you - build this now, Mercedes!

[@mikediazArtist]

Really love this design and agree they should pursue building it. However, I can foresee possible homologation challenges. It doesn't have side mirrors and the headlights look too low to be road legal. Perhaps there is something else we didnt see where the headlights appear from the car similar to the older version. Not sure if there are more of these little things, but I imagine changing the design slightly would mess up the great lines it has that make it timeless.

[@donmacquarrie9161]

definitely a rightful successor - just as gorgeous and startling as the original

[@FrankStephensondesign]

👍

[@edmontontangobar4991]

C111 was my dream car when i was a kid.

[@kamaukinyanjui8739]

It's Definitely worthwhile I agree 👍

[@Dotherightthing832]

Great to see You back Frank.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Cheers! 👍

[@blackmancer]

Frank! good to see you, spot on review

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks bm! 👍

[@-www.chapters.video-]

00:00 Introduction to the Mercedes-Benz c-111 02:28 The spiritual successor of the c-111: the Vision 111 13:03 Clean profile and light airflow in the rear diffuser 14:31 Summary and conclusion of the Mercedes-Benz Vision 111 design

[@CrossGuitarWorks]

From this rendering to the real one will be a sea of difference. Especially interpreting the doors/glass

[@YourMajestyTheKing]

Love the back. I think that Frank also see some updated Countach tail on this.

[@notonlyhuman6073]

One of the best modern designs I’ve seen in a while! This thing is gorgeous

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you like it too noh! 👍

[@kutenkovpro]

Great! Thanks Frank!

[@dnhug]

Great video once again Frank! Best regards

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Many thanks dn! 👍

[@pauln0371]

Stunning looking concept...

[@animeshmeshram5997]

Always informative to watch these. Would love to hear your words on Caterham Project V.

[@ethanbowie3050]

I LOVE THIS RETRO VIDEOS FROM THE GLORIOUS PAST...........................THE MASTER CLASS MR FRANK.♠♠♠♠♠

[@FrankStephensondesign]

👍

[@maximiliantyrot4788]

another amazing video! Love the Vission 111's design, the only thing that doesn't sit right with me if the pixilated lights. They feel a bit to much Hyundai would love to see it with some clean and smooth light's instead with sharp edges otherwise love it!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yeah I agree Max!

[@gianninoriega9305]

This man is unstoppable

[@SuperLuckyCat7]

I'd say it's not only a well worthy sucessor to the C 111, it's also an amazing design in it's own right. Slippery, no trinkets, purposeful and clean. Buttresses would though have completed the C 111 hommage vibe, i agree with You on that. Thxalot for sharing Your thoughts and skills ❤

[@OnlyStRikER]

finally a video!!! i have been waiting for ages

[@user-ec6kt2fg7m]

Man I had to stop Goodwood for this and boy am I glad.

[@MercuriusORG]

Looks a stunning prototype. Hope they do start making it soon. And similar concepts too. 2023 is agood time to start the future.

[@MyAkikan]

thanks for your analysis, its nice to hear your vision about this new concept car. I found a little bit sad that Mercedes forget to make an hommage to the beautiful rear pillar with the integrated grilles which is really iconic from the C 111. A lot of things looks good on the Vision 111 but the point with the iconic rear pillar make me crazy xD

[@arsenakopian4478]

i saw this design in pirest and i did loved it i was like wow that color that fender lines something about this car look very suspecious and very agressive i like it

[@DingoAteMeBaby]

Really great take on the buttress, Frank

[@roadxrunner8]

One other note I appreciate your tasteful additional promps sculptures whiskey etc. adds an additional interest to the videos and if not for my wife I’d be spending a load of money on those nice things

[@SellusionStar]

Would have loved a review of the AMG One! ❤

[@yammt3148]

Hey Frank, check out Porsche's "917 Living Legend" concept if you haven't already. The fact they haven't done a limited run is beyond heresy.

[@sundarworldTV]

Get some mesh in that diffuser already! Just kidding Frank. Lovely to see this concept, shares a lot of it's language with the EQS concept they did that was then normalised a lot. Seen the Caterham Project V?

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Yep! 👍

[@diego432hz]

This car is exceptionally beautiful. The video is too. Thank you

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you too! 👍

[@kfh123]

The One-Bow-Design works in this case. With the current EQS/EQE it does not (giant computer mouse). Thank you for this analysis Frank.

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Thank You,Sir,So Much.

[@Retroscoop]

I also would have added pop up headlights. Except for that, I agree, it's a great design. While the original was very "Bertone-ish" this one is very "Pinin Farina-ish", very fluid, very curvaceous. Completely agree on the silly blue lights, no added value, on the contrary. Love to see this car completely in blue however....

[@richardike2342]

Thanks for another great tutorial, Frank. This Mercedes (retro) concept car is indeed beautiful. I am the biggest fan of retro designs. However, it is easy to nail proportion with mechanical shapes. But it is very difficult to nail proportion with organic shapes, and this car nails it. All your accessments & modifications were excellent. Thank you again. By the way, l have never seen you this excited about a Car. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FrankStephensondesign]

My pleasure Richard and thanks for your comments! 👍

[@richardike2342]

@@FrankStephensondesign You are welcome Frank. It's been a while.

[@niki7040]

Really agree, build it, now! The original and this one are great designs.

[@donelmediterraneo8626]

The Vision One Eleven is the concept that announces AMG’s future electric supercar and previews AMG’s own technology axial-flux electric engines

[@richardhunt809]

Absolutely stunning!

[@sjsheridan1]

Great piece. Frank please bring us your analysis of the new BMW 5er

[@aussiebloke609]

This reminds me strongly of the Stratos Zero concept, especially the side view. 👍

[@FrankStephensondesign]

It does!

[@rickyalphonse]

Frank, what about the Ferrari KC23, Buggati Bolide, Aston Martin Valkyrie, Lamborghini Revuelto, Aston Martin Valor.... And this one... yes, build it!