The new Mercedes Benz SL convertible has an 89 per cent aluminium body (saving weight) and an integrated windscreen washer copied from Australian HSV vehicles.
These are some of the pre-release details of the upcoming model, which have been leaked to the media ahead of its expected release. Mercedes-Benz claims the lightweight, high-strength material will help the new model drop a total of 140 kilograms and will also feature a new technology known as “Magic Vision Control”, a windscreen washing system that Benz claims will stop water from getting in to the cabin when the roof is down.
The SL’s unit – which is similar in design to the Holden Commodore’s windscreen washers – uses high-pressure water sprayers integrated into the arms of the wipers, with Mercedes claiming it can “clean the windscreen without the familiar splash of water disrupting the driver’s view”.
The convertible Benz also has a new “Front Bass” system, which positions bass loudspeakers in the driver and passenger foot-wells to optimise weight distribution. Bass speakers or “woofers” can often weigh several kilograms and by placing them in a lower position will aid in the car’s handling by pushing the centre of gravity lower. It is expected that the new SL will be offered with a number of engines, including a new version of the 3.5 litre six-cylinder currently offered, as well as the addition of the AMG derived 5.5-litre twin turbo.
The new Mercedes SL coupe convertible will go on sale sometime before September 2012.