There's a new Mercedes-Benz SL coming
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Before the year is out, Mercedes-Benz will present a completely
redeveloped SL Roadster. It will be made, for the first time, almost entirely from aluminium. The full aluminium body
shell of this newly developed vehicle weighs around 110 kilogrammes less than a comparable body shell constructed with
the technology used for its predecessor. It, therefore, reduces the overall weight of the new SL by 140 kilogrammes
compared to its predecessor. At the same time, the new generation of this luxury sport car can be converted into an
open or a closed concert hall. This is thanks to the new body shell structure which makes possible the FrontBass
system, unique in the world and also celebrating its debut. As a further world first, Mercedes-Benz is also presenting
the highly effective MAGIC VISION CONTROL adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system. It delivers water requirement-based
and depending on the direction of wipe, directly to the wiper blade; neither a water jet nor a film of water can be
seen, and yet the windscreen stays perfectly clean for the driver and passenger.
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the letters "SL" – sporty, lightweight – very seriously.
Consistent weight reduction is one of the most outstanding design results in the new SL as was the case in its
namesake, the original SL of 1954. For the first time Mercedes-Benz implements a full aluminium body shell in large
series production. Only very few components are made from other materials. The designers use the even lighter
magnesium for the rear panel. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars.
"The effect is rather as if a heavyweight-class passenger had got out of the car and taken his heavy flight
luggage, too" says Dr Thomas Rudlaff, responsible for the aluminium body shell at Mercedes-Benz. "The result
is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means more dynamism and less consumption. In other words: the motoring
enjoyment increases and the environmental burden sinks."
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In terms of rigidity, safety and comfort, the aluminium structure proves superior to the predecessor's steel
construction. This is achieved thanks, among other things, to its intelligent lightweight construction with components
optimised for their specific task. Thus, diverse processes are used to make different kinds of aluminium depending on
the use the component is to be given: the parts are made by chill casting or vacuum die casting, worked into extruded
aluminium sections or into aluminium plates of different thicknesses. The result: high rigidity, high safety levels
and low resonance and vibrations.
The parts are assembled using diverse load-adequate joining methods, some of which are innovative processes. Secure
joints are ensured for example, by MIG welding, hemming, bonding, flow hole bolting, self-piercing rivets or friction
stir welding.
With two further innovations, the new SL remains true to its tradition as technological trend setter:
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new intelligent, high-efficiency windscreen wiper/washer system. Its system of channels
supplies water to the windscreen just in front of the wiper blade lip in the direction the wiper is moving. As a
result, when spraying one no longer sees a water splash on the windscreen to disrupt one's visibility, and yet the
windscreen is kept perfectly clean.
- The likewise unique FrontBass system uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as
resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. As a result the new SL features clear, crisp bass sounds that make
possible a concert hall ambience even with the top down.
Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.
Stay tuned to Next Car for further particulars in due course.
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