Mercedes-Benz has partnered up with ESPN to design a podcast filming studio on wheels. Dubbed ‘Sprinter Labs’, it is already attending American football events and broadcasting from them.
The base model is a Sprinter Cargo 4WD. According to ESPN, the idea was to build a mobile studio that would double as a fan meeting area. The interior looks rather understated, with dim lighting, quilted fabric upholstery, and an illuminated shelf with a pair of helmets and a football. Immersive red backlight adds to the atmosphere.
Other images reveal microphones, swiveling seats, a camera system and a display. Wi-Fi equipment on board lets the hosts broadcast shows straight from the spot in a pleasant and quiet environment – solid noise proofing all around ensures that. The rear end of the van has quite a bit of free space left for storage, while the roof is occupied by solar panels.
Mercedes says it intends to turn the Sprinter Labs into a project spanning several years. Each season, the automaker plans to join forces with ESPN to update the van to meet the demands of the project.