As a result, the airbag inflates at a higher pressure to provide the driver with the level of protection required in a collision of this severity. They reduce the risk of skidding when cornering, keep the sports Roadster safely on course when braking, make pulling away on a slippery surface easier and shorten the braking distance in emergency situations. Alternatively, a twin cup holder can be fitted here on request. In this sportier set-up, total spring travel at both axles is shortened by ten millimetres compared to the standard chassis, while the spring rates increase by as much as ten percent. And no sports car is more comfortable.
These are in turn supported by the magnesium frame. The V6 engine in particular was smooth and refined, with wonderfully smooth power delivery over a broad rev range. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is using variable intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment in the V6 engine. The steering continues to be power-assisted to reduce the effort required to turn the wheel. A further change to the previous Mercedes six-speed manual transmission sees the reverse gear moved forward from its usual left rear position to the front left alongside first gear. A data bus keeps the micro-computer in contact with the speedometer, the temperature sensor in the centre console and the exterior thermometer of the Mercedes Roadster. With its stiffer body and larger footprint it was a great driving car, whether you preferred cruising or wanted a more spirited drive.
Colours: in line with the trend A tasteful colour scheme and carefully selected materials perfect this all-round ambience. A silver-coloured trim strip adorns the passenger side of the dashboard. This leads to improved oil flow and therefore significantly reduced friction in the engine. If that's not enough, consider the Airscarf system that channels warm air to your neck and shoulders via dedicated registers in the headrests. Doing either could make the paint shine, ruining the whole effect. Thanks to the top-grade materials used and their dimensional accuracy, the top sec-tion of the dashboard forms a single visual unit together with the door trim panels — the two components blend almost seamlessly with one another and seem to form an integral whole.
The lateral side members consist of an inner and an outer wall, which are strengthened by bulkhead plates. Systematic fuel economy: heat management in all situations In the interests of further reducing fuel consumption Mercedes engineers have developed an intelligent heat management system. The lower components of the front axle, plus the steering gear and the engine bearings, are connected to an assembly carrier, which is in turn bolted directly to the vehicle body. Get one you will not be disapointed. Mercedes-Benz engineers have also developed a second side member level which is positioned above the wheel arches and front wheels and has been specifically designed to enhance occupant protection in the event of an offset crash at the front. The driver no longer had to fumble with a clumsy frame while trying to erect it in a howling gale, and then attempt to drape a canvas top over it while being drenched in a sudden downpour. The second generation of the Mercedes compact two-seater also boasts an exquisite overall design, several details of which take their cue from Formula 1.
The lines of this roadster bear the signature of talented and enthusiastic designers of both sexes who have defined its character by stylishly combining technology with aesthetics and function with emotion. The valves are controlled by means of cam followers and feature maintenance-free hydraulic valve clearance. Driving Impressions Mercedes-Benz is known for a lot of things, but building true drivers' cars isn't one of them. By conducting extensive airflow and climate-control simulations, the engineers at Mercedes have succeeded in optimising the air-intake and heating-duct cross sections. This fact is clearly demonstrated by the results of numerous crash tests which the new Roadster successfully completed as part of a development process that lasted several years.
Four wide crankshaft bearings attached to the crankcase by transverse reinforcing struts also help to keep a lid on vibration. In a matter of a year or two buyers were out shopping for sporty drop-tops. In addition, the electronic control unit has even more scope in which to optimise the shift processes to achieve lower fuel consumption and greater comfort. A generously sized impact absorber made from polypropylene which is positioned below the footrest is also capable of cushioning some of the impact energy. The wheel arches form a dramatic contrast to the large, smooth flanks of the body-work.
This is particularly obvious in the version with bi-xenon headlamps. It consists of a number of rectangular ceramic elements with a total heat output of around 216 watts. We drove over 1000 miles of mixed driving and never recorded less than 30mpg, getting nearer 40mpg on a motorway run. This means that the unit operates permanently, even at low ambient temperatures, in order to first cool the in-flowing air and to then dry it, thereby preventing the windows from misting up. It works in three stages and is fitted with an electronic control unit which adjusts the neck-level heating according to the speed of the car and the outside temperature and regulates the blower speed in order to achieve optimum warm-air distribution in any situation. This means an end to the indirect routes of the previous system and noticeable benefits for the driver in the form of fast and crisp gear changes.
The carrier is bolted to the front side members. Mercedes engineers have carried out detailed modifications to the multi-link independent rear suspension and adapted it to the larger track width. The occupant protection systems adjust their reactions according to the situation in hand. There were also reshaped seats, a new dash with a central computer screen, new switches, and new plastics for the dash and console that were more durable for top-down motoring. This method permits precision moulding of edges and rounded corners, while a foamed plastic backing as much as ten millimetres thick helps to produce a pleasantly soft surface finish.