The very first photos of the new SLK, which will be celebrated at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, made their debut today. While the photos released are only a teaser of what the new SLK will look like, they do give an insight to the SLK’s latest and greatest feature.
The Magic Sky Control roof takes advantage of a new innovative technology that allows the roof to be either transparent or darkened. Whether in cold, rainy or just overcast weather, the transparent option gives passengers and drivers an open air experience while remaining shielded from the elements. The dark state helps prevent the interior from being overheated and shields the occupents from intense sunlight.
The Magic Sky Control is set to be an option on the new SLK for just under 2,000 Euro additional. Advantages of the roof include: the glass more effectively shields solar radiation over conventional heat-resistant glass or shutters., when driving becomes uncomfortable with the roof open because of excessive heat, the transparent roof would remain comfortable and still give the open air feeling driver and passenger.
The varying roof makes use of a plate condenser to alter the transparency: when an electrical voltage is applied to the glass structure, the particles align on the structure of glass so that light can penetrate the glass. If the current is off, the particles are oriented randomly. Thus, the light is partially blocked and the screen is dark. The controller and converter are integrated in the front part of the roof and the switch can be found in the roof console. UV and infrared light are also blocked, even in the transparent state.
A special thanks to Markus Jordan for sharing the information and photos with us.
