The new Mercedes-Benz SLK: Passion meets efficiency - Daimler

In addition to the unique panoramic effect and transparency at the touch of abutton, MAGIC SKY CONTROL also provides a top-class feel-good atmosphere.UV and infrared light are also effectively blocked in transparent mode, whileinsulation increases even more significantly and noticeably in darkened mode,thereby helping to keep the temperature on interior parts such as armrestscooler by up to 10 degrees Celsius compared with conventional tinted glass.Page 19Measurements using a device called a star pyranometer in Death Valley, one ofthe world's hottest places, impressively demonstrated the effect. This devicemeasures the intensity of exposure to sunlight. With an open roof, the thermalload from the sun in the heat of Death Valley reached 1000 to 1100 W persquare metre. With the transparent glass roof it dropped to 200 W, and whenthe roof was switched to darkened mode with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, itdropped to 40 to 50 W – one 20th of the original value and less than a 60 wattbulb.Since the innovative glass also shields against the sun's rays far moreeffectively than conventional thermal insulation glass or sunblinds, theoccupants of the new SLK also enjoy the highest level of climatic comfort.When driving with the roof open would be unpleasant owing to intense heat,the driver and front passenger are able to relax under the MAGIC SKYCONTROL roof – an important contribution to onboard comfort and the driverfitnesssafety typical of a Mercedes. Even when the vehicle is at a standstill theinterior does not overheat, since the roof is switched to darkened mode whenpowered off.But MAGIC SKY CONTROL not only benefits passengers. Some of the strain isalso taken off the air-conditioning system, thereby saving on CO 2 emissions.In addition, the frame of the three roof variants is now of magnesium. Thismakes each roof around six kilograms lighter than in the previous model,giving the car a lower centre of gravity.The engineers have also refined the operating mechanism for the roof and bootlid. It now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close the roof completely. Theimproved mechanism mainly benefits the boot capacity.Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/GermanyMercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand