The luxury automotive manufacturer, Maybach, has just submitted its entry for the 2011 LA Auto Show Design Challenge, putting forth a recreation of the classic Berline carriage into an updated version of Cinderella’s enchanted pumpkin. Among other things, the Maybach Berline is going to be fitted with oversized moulded auto glass panels for the gull-wing doors, a virtual chauffeur centre, and retractable stairs: Cinderella’s ideal fairytale experience, in other words.
The first thing that pops into your head when you see the Maybach Berline is simply awe. The whole thing is gorgeous, and with the huge auto glass doors, looks like something that has popped straight out of a futuristic film. This is in keeping with the theme of the contest: the LA Auto Show Design Challenge is basically a competition for various automakers to see which one can design the next “dream car” for Hollywood.
The Berline is in good standing in the competition. Equipped with only the most luxurious amenities and provided with a teleoperation system that saves occupants of the car from having to deal with the (often intrusive) presence of a driver, the car is perfect for several dozen movie plots that are all takeoffs on the original Cinderella story. Auto enthusiasts, especially those who loved the Mercedes-Benz GL Class, should also find another type of perfection in the car’s lines, as its futuristic look is not without references to some of the most popular cars of old.
The interiors are particularly attractive in the Maybach Berline. One can practically envision all types of film sequences playing out in it due to the tête-à-tête positions of occupants—a return to the old horse-drawn carriages back in the day.
The Berline is going to be in stiff competition, though: also participating in the event are Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Hyundai, and Honda. Mercedes-Benz, which collaborated with Maybach in the creation of the Berline, is actually putting forth two entries from two separate branches, one from N. America and Germany. The former is going to be fielding the Mercedes Silver Arrow, the latter the Smart 341 Parkour. Subaru is going to be submitting the Subaru Horizon, designed by its team in Tokyo. Hyundai is submitting the Stratus Sprinter, a car conceptualised for a vampire movie, and Honda is submitting the Honda Intelligent Horse, a futuristic concept car with striking lines and unusual wheels.
The concept cars all feature some sort of tweak or new technology, whether it is in the type of auto glass used or the very functionalities of the vehicle. The winner of the LA Auto Show Design Challenge this year is going to be announced on the 17th of this month, and car enthusiasts (as well as film-lovers) are already speculating heavily on which vehicle design shall take the prize.
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