Mercedes G-Class cast in amber
Mercedes have created the world's biggest synthetic resin sculpture to launch the new G-Class at the Detroit Motor Show. The gigantic amber-coloured cube made from over 44 tonnes of synthetic resin sits at the entrance to Cobo Hall in Detroit. Encased in it is a 280 GE G-Class from the first production year, 1979. The installation symbolises the timelessness of the off-road legend and makes a conscious reference to the natural phenomenon of insects preserved in amber. Like their genetic material the DNA of the first G-Class has also been preserved and is handed down from generation to generation. These genes are also in the new G-Class and they are carrying through the characteristic properties of the longest running model from Mercedes into modern times: an iconic design, superiority off road ability and exceptional ride and luxury on the road.
The G-Class is enclosed in the square block in a dynamic position. It gives the impression that it has been engulfed by synthetic resin mid-stream when driving off-road, in its natural habitat, and captured – as insects were by amber millions of years ago. The square block is over 5 metres long, 2.5 metres wide and over 3 metres high, and took 90 days to make.