A claimed first, the Aircap electric wind deflector.
Mercedes-Benz launched the new E-Class Cabriolet with much pizzazz and a fashion look from the past.
The car rolled on the stage with three female passengers – all with “beehive” hairdos once the height of fashion in the sixties.
With this demonstration the Germans wanted to draw attention to the fact that the new convertible is equipped with what is claimed to be a world first, the Aircap electric wind deflector.
It pops up from the top of the windshield frame by the touch of a button and greatly reduces turbulence in the interior. Mercedes says it also “creates a pool of warm air.” The system consists of a wind deflector with a net that extends to some 2.5 inches and another deflector between the rear head rests.
This latest development “enhances” the Airscarf, which Mercedes patented earlier and functions like a scar to keep the head and neck warm. It is integrated into the back rests of the front seats and lets warm air flow through outlets in the head restraints. For the E-Class Cabriolet, the system has been updated with adjustable outlet vents.
No truth to the rumor that the Board broke his arm based on Daimler’s results.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes Cars took the stage with his arm in a sling: “I got new skis for Christmas,” he claimed. (There’s no truth to the rumor that the Board broke his arm based on Daimler’s results during the past 18 months.)
Anyway, Zetsche said he was proud to receive the J.D. Power APEAL survey for the third year running for the S-Class. He’s also confident for 2010. “The S 400 Hybrid is strong proof of our efforts to enhance fuel efficiency.” He also said that Mercedes will continue to invest significantly in R& D on sustainable mobility and the renewal of the model range.
This year, Mercedes will launch its first diesel hybrid, the E 300 BlueTec Hybrid, which will be in the +40 mpg range and will come to the market in 2011.
The Germans are also producing two electric vehicles in low volumes, the smart electric drive and the B-Class F-Cell. Both models may be expected to come to the U.S. for testing during the course of this year, just like the third model, the A-Class battery electric vehicle.
The company is furthermore expanding the Blue Efficiency model range. The new E-Class, for instance delivers up to 23% better fuel efficiency with these measures.
Sculpture
Mercedes added some fun to the presentations with something that looks like an automobile sculpture.
In fact it is a metal frame covered by a polyester hull that is painted silver. The fluid lines let you believe it is a car under a drape.
The styling direction for the upcoming CLS and other new models. The design team got the idea for this sculpture by a rendering that was built in clay, while searching for new forms.
It gives away the styling direction for the upcoming CLS and other new models. The design team got the idea for this sculpture by a rendering that was built in clay, while searching for new forms.