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>> 23/November/2011
- New SL Roadster is Coming
Upgraded Mercedes SL Roadster | 
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Mercedes-Benz will present a completely redeveloped SL Roadster before 2011 is out. The biggest change from the Roadster is the change in weight due to an overhaul of the materials used for the body. The
bodyshell of this newly developed vehicle is made entirely out of
aluminum and weighs around 110 kilograms less than a comparable
bodyshell constructed with the technology used for its predecessor (A
weight loss of 140 kgs). 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 back in
54, The designers use the even lighter magnesium for the rear
panel. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars. The
newly developed car weighs around 110 kilograms less than a comparable
bodyshell constructed in analogous manner to the previous technology. "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 bodyshell 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." 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. As a world first, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the
highly effective Magic Vision Control adaptive windscreen wipe/wash
system. It delivers water based on where it is needed, and, depending
on the direction of wipe, directly to the wiper blade. But the magic to
the system is that neither a water jet nor a film of water can be seen
yet the windscreen stays perfectly clean for the driver and passenger.
Technology these days.
Another innovation from Mercedes
is the FrontBass system, this 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. Just
please make sure you are not playing Lady Gaga with the roof down. Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL. <Back
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