Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

One such project that seems to define the tempo itself is the Touch Effect by Marco Sweston of the Munich University of Applied Sciences. Nowadays technology and design are moving ahead at high speeds, thus the designers and engineers have to keep up with the alert rhythm. The whole car was penciled as a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows W25.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

With the digital age in full swing, we no longer have to leave our homes to find new experiences. As powerful as alternative reality may be, by 2030 designer Marco Sweston expects to see a major shift in people’s attitudes, & imagines that many will not only abandon their controllers, but will seek even more extreme thrills than before the digital revolution. The Touch Effect racing event and vehicle is a result of this Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 concept that puts the digitally stimulated user back in the driver’s seat.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

In 2030, the progressive movement of digitalization of life has resulted in people who no longer have to leave their houses to experience something. They will spend their spare time alone at home and social contacts will only take place via online networks. The use of public transport and the simulation of all actions will raise a longing to sit behind a real steering wheel again. They want to really join the race, rather than simulating the trip digitally only on the screen.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

The basic concept of the Touch Effect makes use of these developments. Based on the rental of racing cars for private persons on specially designed tracks the vehicle is used similarly to today's karting as a group activity, pushing them to their limits. The vehicle displays a continuation of the legendary Silver Arrows like the W25, carrying the tradition and the myth of these vehicles into 2030.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

What will we all do for fun in the future when we’re bored with all the digital thrills we have sought indoors? Designer Marco Sweston has the answer: a track racer built from synthetic bone, muscle, and skin that runs in a pack on a custom-designed race course. The Touch Effect concept uses a carbon fiber frame reminiscent of a skeleton, which is surrounded by synthetic muscles that control the suspension, steering, and insulation of the vehicle. Topping it all off is an acrylic glass skin that is transparent to show off the muscles doing their thing underneath. The steering mechanism is an extension of the muscles, which functions like reins.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

Designed as a continuation of the Silver Arrows like W25, the project has been to a large extent inspired by this model of Mercedes Benz. The vehicle thereby designed for this sport car has a light weight main body with a stiff carbon frame that imparts it ruggedness and an overall stability. The other core muscles for the motor-sport vehicle have been made from flexible synthetic that can be deformed using voltage difference.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

These have been covered partially using acrylic glass surfaces on the exterior thereby giving a visual feel of a merger of all parts into one volume. However, the hull has been kept a bit unveiled so as to convey the impression of being light-weight. In addition to the designing part, the vehicle has facilities for automatic ground clearance adjustment as well as a four-wheel steering.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

The Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 exterior acrylic glass surfaces partially surround the muscles. They represent the skin of the concept which merges all parts into one volume and make them visible underneath, showing off their function. All elements combined allow a directed and controlled motion. The two skin surfaces surround the driver like a brace to emphasize the seating position. The transparent hull is unveiled at areas which do not necessarily need a covering. This reduction and the see-trough appearance reflect the idea of lightweight car construction.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

Eventually, the muscles flow into the interior and form a part of the steering. The vehicle is controlled by pulling the muscles - similar to the idea of reins on a horse. The muscles accentuate the shape of the frame and run into the wheels to accentuate their function.