The SL moniker once stood for sport leicht, but at 4220 pounds, the current 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is anything but light. That said, the next-generation SL -- due in 2012 -- will be the first of several Mercedes-Benz models to use a substantial amount of lightweight carbon fiber composite materials.
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, and has even supplied Ferrari with carbon fiber for its cars.
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 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 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 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 SLS. According Hans-Dieter Futshik, director of Mercedes� passenger car design, the SLS will influence the shape of the company�s sports cars, including the SL and SLK.
Source: Autocar, Kilometer Magazine
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