2012 SLK to get "magic sky control"

[avriette]

I just noticed this. I realize some of you don't quiiiite care, but the link is interesting:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/vide ... ith-magic/
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoe ... w_slk.html

The roof of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has been teased, giving us a glimpse of the Magic Sky Control that could be contained within. As with the panorama roof on the big daddy SL roadster, there's quite a bit of 'bezel' around the central open area, probably containing the electrical components necessary to work that 'magic'.

The roof will be opaque normally, and there will be no electrical action going on. At the press of a button, however, a charge will be run through the top panel which will arrange particles contained in the glass to allow light to pass through. Voila, magic. Or physics, take your pick. The next SLK will show itself in person at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Not that I'm unhappy with my own car, mind, but I do occasionally get burned with the roof off (and if you put sunscreen in the car it will get hot and asplode when you park it...!) and it might be nice to just un-darken the roof.

[PGT]

Snap glass. Welcome to ten years ago

[avriette]

Snap glass. Welcome to ten years ago

Yes, yes, but this does not mean it is not AWESOME. If I could have had it in the STI, I would have paid for it. If I could have had it in my SLK, I would have paid for it. It's a good use and it's pretty to boot. Not everything has to be coated in graphene and carbotanium.

[complacent]

i think it's a cool idea.

could make pretty drives even prettier.

still not as good as seeing it on two wheels though.

[PGT]

why the hell NOT????

[avriette]

why the hell NOT????

Colin or I could explain to you why the two wheel experience is better, but you wouldn't believe either of us. I will attempt to outline the better things though.

First, you're IN the environment, not TRAVELING in the environment. A cage protects you from everything. A bike immerses you.

Second, the bike, irrespective of sheer speed (which is not up for argument) allows you to feel the environment. You lean into and out of turns. You feel weight transfers in a whole new way. In a cage, you feel your leg pressed against the door, your hands against the wheel, your ribs against the seat bolsters. On a bike, it's you and the air. And the asphalt.

Third, camaraderie (although this is up for some debate). The "two down" salute thing is pretty common, at least among more polite riders, and you just get a sense of community on two wheels that you don't get in a cage, even if you're part of DCAWD or mbworld or slkworld or whatever. Bike owners look after eachother, respect eachother, understand eachother's perspectives (even if they don't agree), and are generally a good bunch. Cagers are dicks. Generally. But there are dick bikers, squid bikers, and the dentist-on-a-harley types, too. But they're the exception not the rule.

I will always, always, always pick the bike for a ride on a nice day compared to the SLK because it just feels better. I feel like I'm one with the environment. I feel the humidity and air density changes around turns and over hills. I don't get that in my "kleine." And believe me, I love my SLK.

Holy shit, I hijacked my own thread. Awesome.

[PGT]

First....my reply was to the carbotanium comment, not Colin's. Second, I understand the two wheel thing quite well....note the "loud pipes save lives" Staintune fart can on it

[PGT]

back on topic, my car has a Panorama roof. Its also got a nice power sunshade. The "magic sky" think would be nice in that you could vent the roof and still have air but make the panel solid so there's no sun. On my car, shade closed means roof closed. Combine that with a hardtop roof (i.e. no B pillar) and its quite the open car.

[avriette]

Combine that with a hardtop roof (i.e. no B pillar) and its quite the open car.

I has no B-pillar

[PGT]

Duh. YOu have a two seat vert.

[Sabre]

I think it's pretty cool tech to be bringing to a car, but in the back of my mind I'm thinking "How much does it weigh? That's a lot of weight up top!"

[PGT]

150lbs is the figure I've heard for the glass roof option on my car.

[Sabre]

[PGT]

yeah, but with 400hp...who cares? And, 50/50 weight distro. The car will still handle well and if you're looking for a track car or autocrosser, there are cheaper/faster options.

[Sabre]

That is a lot of weight up top that could be saved in the name of better CG. I'm guessing that people that buy that option are not really concerned about that though.

[PGT]

If given a choice, I'll take the roof all day long. I missed having a sunroof in the STI. I also had a panorama roof in the MINI. Sure, you're losing something but you'd have to be a propeller-head to notice it unless you drive two cars back-to-back.