TecDay - the new SL
Less weight, more vision, more sound
Stuttgart -- Before the year is out, Mercedes-Benz will present a
completely redeveloped SL Roadster made for the first time almost
entirely from aluminium. The full aluminium bodyshell of this newly developed vehicle weighs around 110 kilograms less than a compa-rable bodyshell constructed with the technology used for its prede-cessor. It thus reduces the overall weight of the new SL by 140 kilo-grams compared to its predecessor. At the same time, the new gen-eration of this luxury sport car can be converted into an open or a closed concert hall. This is thanks to the new bodyshell 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 ef-fective 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 wa-ter 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 bodyshell 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 newly developed car weighs around 110 kilograms less than a com-parable bodyshell constructed in analogous manner to the previous tech-nology. "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 compo-nents 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.
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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Theatrical Promo (2012 detroit auto show)by SupercarHall271 views
umm... the headlamp...
wilson3a10 2 months ago