2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Magic Sky Control roof

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Magic Sky Control roof

Many are waiting with baited breath for the unveiling of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK, the company’s smallest convertible. However, with that event still a couple of months away, Mercedes is trying to keep us on the edge of our seats with more information on their “Magic Sky Control” roof.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Magic Sky Control roof

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Magic Sky Control roof

What is the Magic Sky Control roof? Remember the Knight Rider series that debuted a couple years ago with the Shelby Mustang? It has windows that would be clear one moment and black out the next. That is exactly what the Magic Sky Control roof does on the newest Mercedes SLK. The basic premise is that you can cruise with the roof completely transparent during the cold months or when you just don’t feel like letting the wind blow through your hair. The blackout feature allows provides protection from the sun during the summer.

The top system relies on electricity and the principles of plate condenser to create varying degrees of clear and opaque glass. When the electricity turns off, the panel goes dark. The glass in the roof is also supposed to filter out UV and infrared radiation. In tests in Death Valley, results showed that with the top in the completely clear setting or transparent mode, the energy intensity levels from the sun were 200 Watts per square meter. That is in comparison to the 1000 to 1000 Watts per square meter with no protection. In black out mode, the intensity levels are cut even further to 40 50 Watts per square meter.

What will this magic trick cost? Estimates are somewhere near $3k here in the U.S. Be sure to stay tuned from more information on the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK when it finally makes its debut.

 

[Source: TheCarConnection.com]