Automakers are looking for ways to strip weight out of cars, allowing them to improve performance and fuel economy with a single step. Mercedes-Benz’ solution, it seems, is to use more carbon fiber composite materials -- and it seems the next-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will do just that.
Daimler AG has partnered with Toray Industries, a Japanese textile maker, to develop and produce car parts made from carbon fiber composite materials. The move mirrors BMW’s partnership with U.S.-based carbon fiber supplier SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, which is designed in part to supply components for the 2013 Megacity electric vehicle. Toray is the world’s largest carbon fiber supplier, supplying automakers that include Ferrari.
Together, Toray and Daimler will work on lightening some of Mercedes’ vehicles through the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Although Mercedes has not disclosed what parts will be made from the material, they’re likely currently made from metal. Carbon fiber parts will therefore significantly reduce the car’s weight, but may carry a substantial cost premium.
Carbon fiber could replace a number of metallic parts, but some suggest the Mercedes-Benz SL’s folding roof may be be fabricated from the material. The current steel roof is rather heavy, and also requires a large hydraulic mechanism to stow and deploy the structure. Using a carbon fiber roof could potentially allow the Mercedes-Benz SL to shed some pounds and utilize a smaller folding mechanism, which could subsequently improve cargo space.
We’ve yet to see finite details on the new Mercedes-Benz SL, but based upon spy photos of the car, it appears the next-gen roadster will bear resemblance to the SLS AMG. In fact, many upcoming Mercedes-Benz models will ape the Mercedes-Benz SLS. According to Hans-Dieter Futshik, director of Mercedes’ passenger car design, the Mercedes-Benz SLS will influence the shape of the company’s sports cars, including the Mercedes-Benz SL and Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Daimler AG has partnered with Toray Industries, a Japanese textile maker, to develop and produce car parts made from carbon fiber composite materials. The move mirrors BMW’s partnership with U.S.-based carbon fiber supplier SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, which is designed in part to supply components for the 2013 Megacity electric vehicle. Toray is the world’s largest carbon fiber supplier, supplying automakers that include Ferrari.
Together, Toray and Daimler will work on lightening some of Mercedes’ vehicles through the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Although Mercedes has not disclosed what parts will be made from the material, they’re likely currently made from metal. Carbon fiber parts will therefore significantly reduce the car’s weight, but may carry a substantial cost premium.
Carbon fiber could replace a number of metallic parts, but some suggest the Mercedes-Benz SL’s folding roof may be be fabricated from the material. The current steel roof is rather heavy, and also requires a large hydraulic mechanism to stow and deploy the structure. Using a carbon fiber roof could potentially allow the Mercedes-Benz SL to shed some pounds and utilize a smaller folding mechanism, which could subsequently improve cargo space.
We’ve yet to see finite details on the new Mercedes-Benz SL, but based upon spy photos of the car, it appears the next-gen roadster will bear resemblance to the SLS AMG. In fact, many upcoming Mercedes-Benz models will ape the Mercedes-Benz SLS. According to Hans-Dieter Futshik, director of Mercedes’ passenger car design, the Mercedes-Benz SLS will influence the shape of the company’s sports cars, including the Mercedes-Benz SL and Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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