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>> 23/November/2011 - New SL Roadster is Coming

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.

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