Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the world premiere of the all-new 2011MY E-Class Cabriolet at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It not only completes the successful E-Class family, but also features a world first – the AIRCAP® wind deflector, an easy-to-use system that considerably reduces wind turbulence during top-down motoring.

Other stars on display in Detroit include the new 2011MY Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a super sports car that combines automotive passion and advanced technology at the highest level. Mercedes-Benz is also presenting a surprise in the shape of a beautiful automobile sculpture that expresses car design as a new art form.

With its new Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz is making a particularly attractive and emotional addition to the successful E-Class family. Thanks to its classic fabric soft top, this four-seater convertible delivers open-air driving pleasure in its purest form.

In keeping with the motto “four seasons, four people”, year-round usability was the top priority. Features that ensure year-round, open-top driving fun include the electric AIRCAP® wind deflector. This new system can be deployed at the touch of a button, and greatly reduces wind turbulence inside the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. Creating a pool of warm air around the occupants, AIRCAP® also eliminates the installation procedure for conventional wind deflectors, retains accessibility to both rear seats and doesn’t disrupt the cabriolet’s side profile.

Comfortable travel with the roof closed is ensured by the sound-dampening soft-top, which comes as standard and has a particularly high level of sound insulation. With the roof closed, the E-Class Cabriolet has one of the quietest interiors in its class. It can be opened or closed at the touch of a button within 20 seconds – and even while driving at speeds of up to 25 mph.

Optional equipment includes the next-generation AIRSCARF® heating system integrated into the front seat backrests, which blows warm air from adjustable vents in the head restraints to warm the neck and shoulder area like an invisible scarf.

The E-Class is the heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With the new Cabriolet,
the E-Class family now has four attractive models, with groundbreaking innovations characterizing all variants. They include direct-injection diesel and gasoline models that combine high efficiency with refined performance. Outstanding safety features include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection system, advanced intelligent lighting technology, such as Adaptive High Beam Assist and the DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system.

Over and above the innovations shared by all models in this family, the individual variants have new, dedicated features that enhance comfort, safety and overall appeal. The E-Class is the clear leader in its market segment. In Germany, E-Class Sedan market share is approx. 60 percent of its segment, while in the U.S. its share is around 20 percent.

The 2011MY E-Class Cabriolet will be available in U.S. showrooms in spring 2010.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will arrive in spring 2010 and offers the highest levels of automotive passion and advanced technology. This super sports car dazzles with its clean lines, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As the first vehicle to be developed entirely by AMG, the SLS AMG is the highlight of the company’s more than 40-year history.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG boasts an unrivalled technology package – an aluminum spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-liter V8 front mid-engine with 563 hp peak output, 479 lb-ft of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission and sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones at all four corners. This exceptional combination delivers outstanding driving dynamics. The SLS AMG accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 197 mph.

The clean styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is highly evocative, reinterpreting the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The styling highlight is the striking gullwing doors, which give the SLS AMG unparalleled charisma.

Art and automobile design

Alongside the E-Class Cabriolet and the SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz is also treating visitors to the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to a stunning automobile sculpture. It represents a vehicle emerging gently from a flat plane, exaggerating and disguising its form to create an exclusive, sensuous element. The sculpture expresses the car as a new art form and demonstrates that styling and modeling at Mercedes-Benz Design is closely linked to artistic creativity. Naturally, the sculpture also challenges the onlooker to speculate which future, real-life product may ultimately emerge from this flowing creative process.

Here is a nice video courtesy of folks at Benz put together for this occasion.

Acknowledgement: Mercedes-Benz