At the League of Legends World Championship 2022, Mercedes-Benz has just presented its virtual concept vehicle. The event will now take place at Arena Esports Stadium at Artz Pedregal in Mexico City. While not intended for production, we can all hope that will be the case. However, the general shape and features could be. But things like the transparent tires and a few design liberties couldn’t.
Could Mercedes really produce this concept?
Lacquer technology already allows designers to configure it to glow. Even the blue linings are possible. But it wouldn’t be necessary to be on a production vehicle. League of Legends gamers and car enthusiasts alike got their first look at the wild coupe. You can also see it driving on the Golden Gate Bridge in the League of Legends World Anthem. This is the official soundtrack of the event, sung by Lil Nas X.
For the digital design, Mercedes-Benz worked with League of Legends game developer Riot Games. The company also announced that the virtual concept coupe is just one of three surprises it is unveiling at the World Championship.
In addition to the virtual concept, Mercedes-Benz has two other announcements
In addition, Mercedes-Benz is showing design elements from the League of Legends that are used in the digital display of the EQS MBUX infotainment system. You can see that at the final World of Champions in San Francisco starting November 3rd. The third is the all-electric SUV, bringing the 2023 Summoner’s Cup to locations of other tournaments.
The design itself features a very fluid theme with an emphasis on the big wheels. They were pulled out to the extreme corners of the form. And the organic body slims down between the wheel centerlines to visually brighten the shape and add further emphasis to the wheels. The entire body bulges to encase the wheels. Additionally, with no front and rear overhangs and raised underbody, we can see this being used in off-road applications.
With realistic tires and wheels and appropriately larger A, B and C pillars, the virtual design becomes a realistic vehicle. It can definitely be an inspiration for a pretty wild electric vehicle. We hope that Mercedes-Benz will continue to research.
How is this concept car helping Mercedes-Benz and Riot Games?
According to Mercedes, the design process for a virtual toy vehicle combines automotive design and animation. Because these vehicles are virtual, Mercedes can “push the boundaries and give our creativity scope for the unexpected. The result is something unique, the first purely virtual show cars from Mercedes-Benz.”
Naz Aletaha, Global Head of League of Legends Esports at Riot Games, said the combined result gives Mercedes-Benz an opportunity to celebrate its sports car expertise and Riot Games’ gaming and competitive strength. And it amplifies both companies’ immersive experiences for gaming fans and car enthusiasts.
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