September 14, 2007, 8:05 am
Frankfurt Motor Show: A Look Back at Tomorrow’s Engine Technology
By Nick Kurczewski
Tags: engineering, Frankfurt, history, Mercedes Benz, motorwagen
MotorwagenAt the dawn of the 20th century, the future of the automobile appeared just as likely to be motivated by steam or electricity as it did gasoline. (Photo by Frank Rumpenhorst/European Pressphoto Agency)
With all the new engine technology on display at the Frankfurt motor show, I needed a break from the bustling press conferences to get back to my automotive roots. Mercedes-Benz brought several replicas of Karl Benz’s original Motorwagen to the Frankfurt show.
Remember, it was back in 1885 when Mr. Benz patented what would become the blueprint for every automobile made since. But the Benz Motorwagen was not only the first automobile, it set a precedent that gasoline power was the best choice for these new horseless carriages.
SJK: Thanks Mr. Benz; you IDIOT! Gasoline was the WRONG choice.
Other technology certainly gave these early gas-guzzlers a run for their money. At the dawn of the 20th century, the future of the automobile appeared just as likely to be motivated by steam or electricity as it did gasoline. Gas was dangerous. It was also inconvenient to buy. Early fillups took place at the local pharmacy, where gasoline was sold as a cleaning agent. Forget a fuel pump; these automotive pioneers relied on a bucket, a funnel, and a steady hand to refuel their pride and joy.
Hmm, a new fuel, lack of distribution and infrastructure… starting to sound familiar?
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