Watch Mercedes’ Concept IAA Morph Into An Aerodynamic Missile

Bodywork that changes to reduce aerodynamic drag (or to increase downforce) — like an adaptive rear spoiler — is nothing new. But the level in which Mercedes has taken this concept with its IAA, debuting today at the Frankfurt auto show, most definitely is. What begins as a slippery sedan with a drag coefficient number of a solid 0.25 (a Chevy Volt manages 0.28) morphs into one with an eel-like 0.19 — a feat Mercedes claims makes the Concept IAA the most aerodynamic four-door, four seater in the world.

Or rather it would be. If it ever actually made it.

The transformation to super sleek occurs at the touch of a button, or when the car surpasses 50 mph. At that point the flaps in the front bumper extend by one inch, the profile of the wheels alter to prevent disrupting the air flow and the front louvres recess by 2.4 inches. Most impressive, however, is the 15.4 inch extension to the rear tail, which makes the IAA look sort of like a reversing catfish.

It’s not clear how long it takes for these aerodynamic modifications to take effect, but watch the video below to get a clearer sense of exactly what’s occurring during the shift.