# Shape-Shifting Cars The Mercedes Concept IAA Changes Shape at High Speeds for Fuel Efficiently By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-09-17 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-concept References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/mercedes-concept-iaa-frankfurt/39405/) & [benzinsider](http://www.benzinsider.com/2015/09/mercedes-benz-concept-iaa-shapeshifting-car/) This elegant car titled the '[Mercedes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-eqs) Concept IAA' (Aerodynamic Automobile) adjusts its shape for better fuel efficiency. The car is shaped like a teardrop so it can move at lightning speeds. While the car appears to have an average aesthetic when parked, this completely changes once it picks up enough speed. When the vehicle hit 50 miles per hour, the rear extends using eight segments that each enhance its length by 15 inches. Additionally, front bumper flaps extend, allowing for the airflow around the front wheels to improve. Even the tire rims change as speed increases. Each rim goes from just over 2 inches to a flattened surface, meaning that the Mercedes Concept IAA "is able to bring the [drag coefficient](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-a6-sedan) down from 0.25 to just 0.19.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Shape-shifting Cars for Energy Efficiency:** Opportunity for automakers to innovate on vehicle design that adjusts to improve fuel efficiency at high speeds - **Aerodynamic Automotives:** Opportunity for disruptive innovations that enhance aerodynamic designs in automobiles for improved fuel efficiency at high speeds - **Smart Car Technology:** Opportunity to develop smart car technology that adjusts car parts to streamline airflow and improve fuel efficiency ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive Industry:** Automakers can leverage innovative designs and smart car technology to make vehicles more fuel efficient and eco-friendly - **Transportation Industry:** The transportation industry can benefit from better fuel efficiency to reduce costs and improve sustainability - **Sustainable Energy Industry:** Smart car technology and aerodynamic designs in vehicles help reduce carbon emissions, creating an opportunity for growth in the sustainable energy industry ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-imobility.md) - [Stylish Concept Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concept-cla.md) - [Automatic Color-Changing Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-ix-flow.md) - [Ultra-Futuristic Modern Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedesbenz-vision-oneeleven.md) - [Lounge-Like Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audi-concept-vehicle.md) - [Plane-Inspired Vehicle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedesbenz-concept-vehicle.md) - [Car Color-Changing Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-color-changing-technology.md) - [Transforming Commuter Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audi-vista-roadster.md) - [Color-Changing Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-i-vision-dee.md)