Who Designed It?

Where is the best place to look for inspiration when designing a sturdier, more energy efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicle? Well, research and development chief chief for Mercedes Benz, Dr Thomas Weber, looked to the clumsy looking boxfish! Why?



The boxfish can swim fast, covering a distance of up to six times its body length each second. Surprisingly, its cubelike shape actually enhances its aerodynamic qualities! In fact, engineers tested a model of the boxfish in a wind tunnel found that its boxy design slips through the air far more efficiently than compact cars do. Also, its shape stabilized the boxfish when encountering turbulence, and contributes to its maneuverability and protection from injury.

Using the boxfish shape as a model, Mercedes was able to design a prototype vehicle that achieves more than 70 miles per gallon with a four cylinder engine. It also can reach 62 miles per hour in 8.2 seconds. In fact, at a steady 55 mph, it achieves an amazing 84 miles per gallon.

The boxfish is a model of energy efficiency, aerodynamics, and stability. Did it come about by chance, or was it designed?