Autoblog

Mercedes to bring Magic Sky Control to side windows?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Government/Legal, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

We've had the chance to sample Mercedes-Benz's so-called Magic Sky Control technology in both the SL and SLK roadsters, and it's a pretty clever party trick. The technology can turn the overhead roof panel in either of the two-seaters from transparent to opaque by energizing the light-blocking crystals sandwiched in the glass. By electrifying the crystals, they reorder themselves, varying the amount of light that's let through the glass roof panel.

We've seen similar electrochromic glass technology before in the Ferrari 575 Superamerica, but that appears to have been a one-and-done effort in Maranello, whereas Mercedes-Benz is reportedly keen to spread the technology around to more of its lineup. And not only are Benz engineers looking at more models, they're apparently shifting their focus to side glass - in particular, rear side glass. In fact, Benz's Viano Vision Diamond concept van debuted with the technology at this week's Beijing Motor Show. We can see Hollywood lining up already - this technology has real merit for keeping the paparazzi at bay.

But blocking out TMZ's long-lenses isn't the only issue - there's not-inconsiderable concern of law enforcement. Window tinting standards vary wildly from state to state here in the U.S., as well as country to country globally, something that could prove to be a major hurdle for the German automaker's legal team.

Mercedes to bring Magic Sky Control to side windows? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mercedes SL550 [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Design/Style, Luxury

The Official Car Of Beverly Hills Gets A Dramatic Rework

Generally speaking, I'm a pretty measured sort of guy. But when it comes to convertibles, I'm a bit of a lunatic. I've been known to motor with the top down in all conditions - including light rain and snow - much to the bewilderment of other drivers (and quite often the chagrin of my passengers). For the most part, it doesn't matter if I'm driving in a bare-bones roadster or a lux-lined GT. Thankfully for my hapless guests, however, advances in technology have done much to assuage discomfort in poor weather. These days, there are far fewer tradeoffs associated with top-down motoring: improved aerodynamics, wind blockers, enhanced ventilation, sun-reflecting leather and, of course, seat heating and cooling - all features that have done much to make me better company. What's more, modern underlying structures are stiffer and there's little in the way of the noise, vibration and harshness penalties that there used to be.

In terms of innovation, nobody has done more to advance the everyday livability of the convertible than Mercedes-Benz. They kept the faith back in the late 70s/early 80s when nearly everyone had gotten out of the convertible business. They brought back the folding hardtop. They came up with the pop-up roll hoop to augment rollover safety. They created Airscarf. Aircap, too. Hell, with this 2013 SL550, they've even invented a new windshield wiper fluid delivery system to prevent errant spritzing when driving with the top down (more on that in a minute).

On its face, a typically sober German engineering approach would seem to be at odds with the very idea of a top-down bauble, but Mercedes has taken a very logical approach to building something so frivolous. Amazingly, this philosophy works in the SL's favor... most of the time.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes SL550 [w/video]

2013 Mercedes SL550 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes shows off SL's new curves with supermodel Lara Stone

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz sent Calvin Klein model Lara Stone out with a 2013 SL, and put photographer Alex Prager in charge of documenting the platform-heeled, Arcadian shenanigans. The project is called the 2012 Fashion Collaboration, Icons of Style, and will be shown in its entirety at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, February 9-15, 2012. Meant to be a modern take on film noir and, apparently, Storm Catchers, Stone uses the SL to outrun a tornado.

Click here for a high-res version of the photo above, and follow the jump for a behind-the-scenes video and more details on both models - the car and the woman - and Alex Prager.

Continue reading Mercedes shows off SL's new curves with supermodel Lara Stone

Mercedes shows off SL's new curves with supermodel Lara Stone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steelers coach gives own Mercedes to cafeteria cook for $20

Chris Shunk — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

We'd be lying if we told you that we never fantasized about a generous donor arriving and delivering us one of our dream vehicles. It's not a realistic fantasy, but that doesn't mean it can never come true.

Just such a scenario took place in the real world, as Yahoo! reports that Pittsburgh Steelers cafeteria worker Maurice Matthews received the gift of a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The gift was given by Steelers secondary coach Ray Horton to Matthews for $20 on the coach's last day of work.

Horton dropped the news on Matthews by asking the food service employee, who would repeatedly ask to take his Benz for a ride, if he could borrow all the money he had. Since the two were reportedly close, Matthews gave Horton his only $20, which became the asking price for the droptop. Not too shabby, especially considering the book value on the 64,000 mile Benz is somewhere around $18k.

Steelers coach gives own Mercedes to cafeteria cook for $20 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BRABUS SL

"BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well-documented, and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL. Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for.

The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit, and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and a top speed of well over 200 mph comes with the territory. Not interested in the full swap? No worries, BRABUS has your back. SL 65 AMG drivers can opt for the T 65 S package, which bumps the stock V12 Biturbo to 705 hp/811 lb-ft. There's a solution for the all-motor SL 63 AMG as well that packs on an additional 40 horses over stock. This pattern continues right on down the line -- even the "lowly" V6-powered cars can be tuned to deliver 327 hp/ 310 lb-ft. Bonkers. Er, BRABUS, rather.

Gallery: 2009 BRABUS SL

[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels

BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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