Erlkönig discovered in Obersuhl: What secret is behind it?

Erlkönig discovered in Obersuhl: What secret is behind it?

The search for the mysterious mobile vehicle has reached new dimensions in Wildeck-Obersuhl, in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district. The O|N readers were informed on Thursday morning by an attentive reader about the sighting of a so-called “Erlkönig”. These prototypes are camouflaged prototypes of future car models, covered in a striking dazzle pattern to keep their designs secret. The goal of this sophisticated camouflage? The vehicles are tested in traffic without journalists and car enthusiasts being able to see any details about the new models.

What exactly are these “Erlkönigen” all about? This term was originally coined in the 1950s when journalists published unsolicited snapshots of test vehicles in the trade magazine “auto, motor und sport”. The regular reports on unpublished vehicles were very well received and gave the section its name. This not only protects a damaging corporate secret, but also stimulates the thrill of discovery. Anyone who can be the first to identify a new model will enjoy rewards in the form of cash bonuses from automobile magazines, which pay between 50 and 250 euros for photos - and even four-digit amounts for particularly rare models.

Camouflage in detail

The dazzle patterns themselves are an art in themselves. Inspired by the British Royal Navy's World War I camouflage patterns, they use black and white rectangles that serve to make it difficult to estimate the size of the vehicle. This technique has proven to be extremely effective in making it difficult to detect by astute photographers and car enthusiasts. The development community around the automobile manufacturers is constantly experimenting to further optimize the camouflage films. Some prototypes can also be wrapped in vehicle color, which makes them more inconspicuous and requires a good hand in the appearance of camouflage.

But there is news not only in the design of the camouflage films. Innovation and technological developments in smartphone photography have led to calls for automakers to use smart camouflage. In a world where potential enthusiasts can hardly wait several minutes to capture an Erlkönig photographically, sophisticated technologies are required. Some manufacturers even use foam pads to hide the vehicle's distinctive contours.

The fascination of the Erlkönige

The fascination of these prototypes is further enhanced 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 origins in Goethe’s famous poem, which addresses the mysterious and often unreachable aspects of nature. So it's not surprising that these vehicles have a certain mystical flair and create a real spectacle as soon as they are spotted on the road for the first time.

It remains to be seen which model the most recently spotted prototype is and what will surprise the automotive world next. In any case, the streets of Wildeck-Obersuhl are currently an exciting place for all car enthusiasts who don't want to miss the next big thing in the automotive industry.

For many it remains a mystery - but that is exactly what the meaning and purpose of these prototypes is: hidden beauty in camouflage and the anticipation of what may come next. That's the automaker's game - and we're all invited to be part of it.