Tuesday, December 15, 2009

TOPLESS MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET FOR DETROIT 2010



    Mercedes-Benz plans to showcase the new E-Class Cabriolet based on the E-Class body and C-Class platform at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but not before we give you these details. The topless E keeps the traditional soft-top approach to hair- blowing motoring, unlike some competitors like BMW and Volvo which have gone for tin top options.

    Its motto is “four seasons, four personalities” which means they’ve made the car drivable all-year around. That’s important for markets like Russia and Canada where temperatures can drop into the dark zones of the sub-zero categories. For Mzansi it’s also good news since lately our weather patters are quite unpredictable and tend to slide towards the extremes.

    At 4.699 metres long, 1.79m wide and 1.4m high the E-Class Cabriolet is more or less similar in dimensions with the Audi A5 Cabriolet and the BMW 3 Series Convertible.

    One of the main features is called AIRCAP whose purpose is to stop the unwelcome draft brought in by open-top driving, especially for the rear passengers. It basically puts up a wind deflector that can be extended by around 6cm with a net in the windscreen frame and a “draft-stop” between the rear seats. The system is fully automated and can be operated by the simple push of a button. Opening and/ or closing the roof takes 20 seconds even at speeds of up to 40km/h. AIRSCARF is also included and has apparently been improved.

    Other features include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.

    European launch models will count models like the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (125kW), E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (170kW), E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (215kW) and the V8-powered E 500 Cabriolet (285kW). In an exclusive we previously reported that Mercedes-Benz was testing a new 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 that should make northwards of 400kW. Maybe that engine will make its way into the this car as well.

    South Africa will probably get only the last two plus the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet making (150kW).

    Daimler SA is expected to launch the new E-Class Cabriolet before June 2010.

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