Mercedes Red Pig Concept Unveiled by Former Design Chief
Gorden Wagener’s parting gift to Mercedes‑Benz is an “unseen show car” that reimagines the legendary 300 SEL “Red Pig” for today’s design language.

Mercedes Red Pig Concept Revealed – Design Secrets from Gorden Wagener
Image: Mercedes Red Pig Concept Revealed – Design Secrets from Gorden Wagener – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The new Red Pig drops the classic stacked headlights and replaces them with three‑pointed stars, a nod to Wagener’s own star motif. A chrome‑finished version of the “Iconic Grille” – first seen on the Vision Iconic concept and the new GLC – sits proudly at the front. Modern aerodynamic aids such as a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser give the car a sporty stance, while round running lights wrap around the front and rear for a futuristic touch.
Wagener also softened the blocky roofline of the original 300 SEL, giving it a curvier silhouette that mirrors the 1950s Ponton saloon. The livery references the 1971 Spa 24‑Hours Red Pig, but sponsors are swapped for playful stand‑ins – for example, “Carlsbad” replaces Castrol, hinting at Mercedes’ California design studio.
Performance & Mileage
As a pure design exercise, the Red Pig does not have a working power‑train, so there are no official figures for engine output, fuel consumption, or range. The concept’s purpose is to showcase how Mercedes can blend heritage with the brand’s current design cues, not to launch a production‑ready vehicle.
Price & Rivals
Because it is a show car, no price has been announced. However, the project signals Mercedes’ intention to differentiate its future models from the influx of new Chinese competitors that often rely on similar styling tricks. By celebrating the brand’s historic race car, Wagener hopes to give Mercedes a distinct, respect‑driven identity.
| Engine | Concept – none |
|---|---|
| Mileage | Not applicable |
| Price | Concept – no price |
| Top Features |
|
FAQ
- What is the Mercedes Red Pig concept? It is a design‑focused reinterpretation of the 1971 300 SEL race car, unveiled by former design chief Gorden Wagener as an “unseen show car”.
- Will the Red Pig become a production car? Mercedes has said the project is a concept only, intended to showcase design direction rather than launch a road‑ready model.
- How does the Red Pig differ from the original 300 SEL? It features modern star‑shaped headlights, a chrome Iconic Grille, aerodynamic aids, and a curvier roofline, while keeping the historic red livery.
What do you think of Mercedes’ heritage‑driven design move? Leave a comment below!
Source: Read Official News







