Erlkönig discovered in Obersuhl: What secret is behind it?

Erlkönig discovered in Obersuhl: What secret is behind it?

Wildeck-Obersuhl, Deutschland - The search for the mysterious mobile pedestal has achieved new dimensions in Wildeck-Obersuhl, in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district. On Thursday morning, the readers of the O | N were informed by an attentive reader about the viewing of a so -called "Erlkönig". These Erlkönigen are disguised prototypes of future car models that are covered with a striking dazzle pattern to keep their designs secret. The goal of this sophisticated camouflage? The vehicles are tested in road traffic without journalists and car lovers to recognize Details about the new models.

What exactly is these "Erlkönigen" all about? This term was originally shaped in the 1950s when journalists published snapshots of test vehicles in the journal "Auto, Motor und Sport" without being asked. The regular reports of unpublished vehicles were very well received and gave the section their names. This not only maintains a harmful secret of companies, but also the thrill of discovery. Because if you can be the first to identify a new model, you can enjoy rewards in the form of cash premiums of automotive magazines that pay between 50 and 250 euros for photos - for particularly rare models, also four -digit amounts.

camouflage in detail

The dazzle patterns themselves are an art in themselves. Inspired by the camouflage patterns of the British Royal Navy from the First World War, they use black and white rectangles that serve to make the vehicle assessment difficult. This technology has proven to be extremely effective in order to make recognition from attentive photographers and car lovers difficult. The developer community around the automobile manufacturers is constantly experimenting to further optimize the camouflages. Some prototypes can also be foiled in vehicle color, which makes them more inconspicuous and requires a good knack in the optics of camouflage.

But not only in the design of the camouflage films there is news. Innovation urge and technological developments in smartphone photography have meant that car manufacturers are asked to use intelligent camouflages. In a world in which potential enthusiasts can hardly wait several minutes to photograph a Erlkönig, sophisticated technologies are required. Some producers even use foam documents to hide the characteristic vehicle contours.

The fascination of the Erlkönige

The fascination of these prototypes is reinforced by the myth that exists around them. The name "Erlkönig" not only refers to the secret testing of the test cars, but also has its origin in Goethe's famous poem, in which the mysterious and often unattainable aspects of nature are addressed. It is therefore not surprising that these vehicles have a certain mystical flair and cause a real spectacle as soon as they are spotted on the street for the first time.

It remains to be seen which model is the last king of Erlkönig and what the automotive world will surprise next. In any case, the streets of Wileck-Obersuhl are currently an exciting place for all Car enthusiasts who do not want to miss the next big throw in the automotive industry.

It remains a mystery to many - but that is exactly what makes the meaning and purpose of this Erlkönige: hidden beauty in camouflage and the anticipation of what may come. This is how the car manufacturer's game is - and we are all invited to be part of it.