Yesterday we had the very official images of the all-new 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Convertible, and since then more and more details on the car is emerging! These videos here you see here are the first ones Mercedes has put out so far, but rest assured there will be more in the next couple of days. Apparently, all four and six-cylinder engines in European models will feature BlueEFFICIENCY technology and it will also come standard with drowsiness detector and the clever air cap system in all models.
About the AirCap:
In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the SL model series, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models. Now comes another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draft-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet’s flowing side lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.
AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around 2.4 inches with a net in the windscreen frame and a draft-stop ?between the rear seats.
The functions of the two components:
- Elevation of the free flow above the interior
- Net at the front increases the basic pressure in the interior
- Draft-stop at the rear reduces the backflow
As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draft when AIRCAP® is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 100 mph and remains in use right up to the car’s top speed) reduces the interior noise level – so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.
When the standard AIRCAP® is combined with the optional AIRSCARF®, the system functions like an invisible scarf warming the occupants’ head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.
Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of 36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment, meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.
2010 Mercedes E-class Cabriolet will debut at 2010 NAIAS and will hit the markets from the Spring, but pricing is yet to be announced.