Stockdorf/Munich. – Even in the first version of the Mercedes A-Class, a previously unknown roof concept had everyone talking. Mercedes unveiled a surprise by turning away from the usual slide-and-tilt sunroof made from metal and glass and instead adopting a louvred roof made by Webasto. This visionary concept represented an enrichment to the language of form in automotive roofs – and the resulting success proved that everyone involved had made the right decision. No wonder, therefore, that a louvred roof is once again available, this time in the W 169.

Whereas the W 168 had steel louvres in its roof, Webasto and DaimlerChrysler are using polycarbonate this time around. This high-strength, splinter-resistant plastic offers a significant weight saving (19 kg instead of 22.5 kg for a steel louvred roof) as well as a wide range of other benefits. The composition of polycarbonate material made it possible to create a much more flexible shape, so it was possible to satisfy extremely divergent design requirements. Equally, polycarbonate components can be configured in three dimensions and integrated into existing systems relatively easily.

This delivers direct design benefits for the A-Class louvred roof: The plastic panel is bonded onto an aluminium reinforcement frame, making every single louvre a stable, load-bearing unit. The louvre surfaces are tinted grey and protected against scratching by a polysiloxane coating. The surface coating is subject to the same resilience requirements as the vehicle paintwork.

The new louvred roof is not only characterised by its technical and design properties, however. The innovative material and processing technology also provides direct benefits for the vehicle occupants. The 928 x 850 mm roof with its transparent louvres creates an intensive sensation of space and offers a panoramic view when open that is quite out of the ordinary. Two individually operated manual blinds made from a semitransparent material keep the amount of insolation within comfortable limits when the roof is closed. When the blinds are closed with the roof open, they form a wind barrier to protect the occupants from draughts. The scratchproof external coating is resistant to UVA, UVB and UVC, therefore providing the passengers with additional protection against the sun.

Particular emphasis was placed on seal integrity and low noise when developing the louvred roof. For example, the gaps between the louvres are equipped with a special triple seal system that, in conjunction with the water management function, provides reliable protection against moisture penetration into the car. An aerodiffusor and a wind deflector louvre also protect against unpleasant wind noise even up to very high speeds.

Contact:
Hans-Joachim Lesser
Product Press
Tel. +49 (0)89 8 57 94-1433
Fax +49 (0)89 8 57 94-1399
E-mail: hlesser@webasto.de
Internet: www.webasto.com