Mercedes has revealed the first official pics of its new E-class cabriolet, which comes with a novel new wind deflector designed to reduce buffeting.
The driver-operated Aircap system uses an additional deflector that is raised above the windscreen to direct the airstream an extra 20cms above the passenger compartment. There's also a rear deflector and, according to M-B, the extensively wind-tunnel tested device is effective even at 160mph.
In case you think it's just a simple flip-up visor (and dare we say rather an unsightly one?), the company's head of aerodynamics claims the Aircap system is the result of nearly three thousand hours of wind-tunnel testing. It uses 211 different components made of 44 different materials and has been tested in extreme conditions for 10,000 cycles. In which case maybe they should just have used an extra flip-up visor...
Still, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and, judging by the unruffled appearance of the media 'test subjects' who have been photographed in the wind tunnel - it might just work. (Although we'd be more convinced if they'd picked journos with more 'fly-away' hair...) The downside is a bit more drag that adds 1.2mpg to your fuel consumption.
The new cabriolet model is based on the E-class coupe, and will have Aircap fitted as standard when it arrives in the UK in March. It's apparently around 70kgs heavier than the coupe, and will get the full range of engines from the saloon. Prices remain TBC.