Mercedes launches the new SLK, it comes with SPD-SmartGlass Technology

Mercedes-Benz has announced a refreshed SLK with a new name, the SLC, featuring MAGIC SKY CONTROL Using SPD-SmartGlass Technology. Mercedes-Benz launched the new Mercedes-Benz SLC, which will be available to order starting mid-January 2016.

In a press release from Mercedes-Benz it stated, “A feature that continues to be unique to the SLC is the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL — this glass roof is lightened or darkened at the touch of a button. This means that it provides an open-air feeling at any time, but when required gives welcome shade under a hot sun.

” The MAGIC SKY CONTROL feature, using Research Frontiers SPD-SmartGlass technology, is a carryover from the previous model. Other new features include a new front end, new headlamps, and some new engines, among many others. The new Mercedes-Benz SLC will be available for viewing to the public at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit from January 11-24.

The MAGIC SKY CONTROL feature uses patented SPD-SmartGlass technology developed by Research Frontiers to turn the roof transparent by electrically aligning tiny particles in a thin film within the glass. With the touch of a button, drivers and passengers can instantly change the tint of their roof to help keep out harsh sunlight and heat, and create an open-air feeling even when the sunroof is closed.

Glass or plastic using Research Frontiers’ patented SPD-SmartGlass technology effectively blocks UV and infrared rays in either mode, helping keep the cabin cooler, and protecting passengers and interiors. These benefits become even more important when a car uses large surface areas of glass, especially in warm climates.

SPD-Smart technology has proven itself in many aspects, from durability and performance, to sales. MAGIC SKY CONTROL is now in use on thousands of SLs, SLKs, Mercedes-Maybachs and other S-Class models around the world. The MAGIC SKY CONTROL feature was most recently introduced on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class V222 sedan (sold in the United States as the S550).

Before putting cars into serial production, Mercedes-Benz put the MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof using SPD-SmartGlass technology through rigorous durability and performance testing in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. This included testing in the arctic cold of Scandinavia (with temperatures below -22ºF/-30ºC) and the blistering desert heat of Death Valley, California (with temperatures exceeding 122ºF/50ºC). MAGIC SKY CONTROL blocks over 99% of harmful UV radiation and substantially reduces heat inside the vehicle.

Test data published by Mercedes-Benz shows the ability of the roof to reduce sun exposure to 1/20th of direct exposure levels (from over 1,000 watts/square meter to less than 50 watts/square meter). When compared to conventional automotive glass, Mercedes-Benz reported that the use of SPD-SmartGlass significantly reduces the temperature inside the vehicle by up to 18ºF/10ºC. This increases passenger comfort and reduces air conditioning loads, thereby saving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.