Saturday, May 21, 2011

DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER






Affalterbach - The gullwing version, the open-top variant of the other car to be developed independently by AMG. Concepts coupe and roadster have been created in parallel - which has decisive advantages over the development process. During this approx. 3-year period for the SLS AMG Roadster, the engineers paid particular attention to aspects of body rigidity, driving dynamics, the canopy and NVH.

Stuttgart area in the spring of 2011: the new SLS AMG Roadster barely concealed because they cover their trails test. Easily recognizable by those who know, others see the two-seater with a soft top as a prototype or another: there are no stars or Mercedes model designations for only one sheet black sticker on the front, rear and sides. The ratios speak for themselves, however: a long hood, big wheels and a rear cut indicate that it is an impressive sporty design.

There are several more months to go before the world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt / Main in September 2011. Enough time to check the maturity of the new SLS AMG Roadster. AMG personnel have already completed most of the work, as the Coupe and Roadster were created in parallel. The development and testing of a new AMG high-performance car based on the digital prototype (DPT). investigations to help achieve specific goals. Referred to the body design, weight distribution, engine position, the center of gravity of the axle design, and of course, the driving dynamics, aerodynamics, ergonomics, performance and processes accident production - the simulation programs allow the most recent realistic representation of a vehicle and its characteristics. The digital prototype is a complete virtual car.

In the process of AMG also uses the extensive expertise of colleagues from Mercedes-Benz: as in the case of the Coupé, the network development with other departments in the development of Mercedes-Benz at the Mercedes Technology Center (MTC) in Sindelfingen has intensified.

The latest simulation software and extensive testing on all continents to 420 kW (571 hp) is part of the Roadster was first launched in the autumn of 2011. Focus of experts was particularly Affalterbach body rigidity, handling dynamics, smooth and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).

Summary: stiffness, maximum performance and smooth tight

Of course, all these developments are closely related, as Tobias Moers (44), Development Director and member of the Mercedes-AMG, said: "Without a rigid body is not to manage the dynamics, and can not close fitting soft is guaranteed. " Since the option of the roadster has already been reflected in the conceptual phase of the SLS AMG, lightweight and highly rigid aluminum frame has been defined space accordingly at an early stage. Why the collapse of a fixed roof and gull-wing doors, it was necessary to design a steadfast rockers. But not primarily to meet the legal requirements for a collision - in principle also dominate this half Roadster, Coupe and windowsills. Studies and trials have shown that the handling could be further improved by this measure, therefore, the wall thickness of half the higher threshold and the Chambers of Commerce developed an open SLS AMG.

Tobias Moers: "The SLS AMG Roadster is a super sports car - as the Cup goes without saying that AMG is also committed to achieving results and driving dynamics with this option to open up .."

To achieve dynamic behavior identical to the coupe, despite the absence of a fixed roof, the Roadster has two features designed to increase the rigidity of the body: through the carrier of the dashboard has support struts additional image windshield and the central tunnel and a chamber remains flexible fuel tank front and rear axle makes it even stiffer. These features prevent unwanted vibrations from the outset and use of extra weight increases vibration dampers such as those often used by competitors unnecessary. As another important aspect is that if the body has the necessary rigidity to the hood can be safely and reliably opened and closed electro-hydraulically when you travel with a maximum of 50 km / h. Members near the front and rear modules in both models are identical SLS AMG.

Some amendments to the aluminum space frame

Due to the lack of ceiling and gull-wing doors, open top has a cross SLS booster behind the seats, which supports the rotation system provided for protection. Not forgetting the subwoofer 250 watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system AMG high-end sound: This is located in the transom, as Coupé specific location in the table is not available due to the hood of the roadster. A particular challenge is the sound insulation of the cross-members, acting as a sub box for the two speakers of 165 mm mounted in series. Many improvements were needed before the threshold of pleasure of hearing has been reached. Only with the help of a special role in the aluminum crosses all audiophile standards could be met.

The fabric top three layers of soft SLS AMG Roadster, which are deposited behind the seats in a Z-training in order to save space, is also an aspect of the relevance of driving dynamics. This weight optimized, combined magnesium / steel / aluminum construction provides a low center of gravity and is designed for speeds up to 317 km / h (electronically limited). Whether open or closed, even at top speed may not be urgent to find booming, hissing, clicking, hissing or roaring. Likewise, push the proposed glass and stop signs on the inside of the hood and along the beltline should be free of vibration. Nothing should be allowed to compromise the exercise outdoors. Based verification, results compatible clients in extreme conditions is provided by the test clearly defined functions on the high speed track in Papenburg, Nardo (Italy) and Idiada (Spain).

The excellent acoustics - AMG engineers have also checked with sophisticated measurement technology, natural - are another feature, namely the perfect glass stuck in the back of a single layer of security. A special production process not only ensures a smooth transition between the outer skin of the hood and glass, as the sum of these measures design also results in low wind noise when you close the roof - at any speed.

125 years of experience with innovations in open-top vehicles

Ensure that the hood is wind and waterproof is a complex undertaking, and AMG and Mercedes-Benz spent considerable experience of 125 years of innovation. There have always been open vehicles in the history of Mercedes-Benz - and unlike in many competitors in an unbroken sequence.

Each hood is a second, and even established goals become more ambitious over time. The five challenges that developers of SLS AMG AMG Roadster has given great attention and commitment was water, sand, dust, heat and cold. A particular feature of the hood compact, pocket water continuously: This document is attached below the hood to catch rainwater and direct it down onto the chassis by two openings on each side.

All aspects related to the development of a vehicle that is elastic deformation is still very complex. Simulations can sometimes lead to erroneous conclusions, and not always the most profitable. conventional test procedures often help to get quick results. Development Project Manager Holger Strahl (34): "In this area, it is not possible to simulate everything with CAD, and it becomes a question of driving test, test and improve the final solution, approval must also be adapted to mass production departments specialized courses and development team works together closely in their common quest for the perfect solution, he adds :«... There is no such thing as second best alternative AMG ".

Endurance test with 16 criteria: the "rain test Sindelfingen"

The rain-proof Mercedes Technology Centre (MTC) in Sindelfingen is particularly demanding, and every new vehicle with the Mercedes star is needed to pass - if you have a fixed roof, hood or a retractable roof. extreme amounts of water are used to ensure that the result of the development work is limited - which is a particular challenge in the case of convertible or convertible. 16 tests must be discharged before approval is granted.

Whether in the test tube, where all the hood, doors and gates are sprayed with water from the hose, the proof of a steady rain overnight, the test of wading icing, turbulence and high pressure tests or the last session in a automatic car wash - the rain test simulates all possible situations that can happen on any continent.

Laboratory experiments and practical tests in all climate zones

Several test facilities such as water tanks and the climate / wind tunnel, the AMG experts use evidence in all climatic regions of the world where problems can be identified and the required solutions. In Laredo, Texas, for example, is particularly fine dust that finds its way into almost all the difference - and tests the absolute limit of the seals.

The compact, soft fabric top that can be easily opened and closed in just 11 seconds with the touch of a button, even at speeds of up to 50 km / h, must also undergo various tortures. One is the standard test for resistance used soft top for all new roadsters Mercedes or Mercedes convertible: 20,000 cycles at a bank close to the stop should not be a problem for the hydraulic cylinders, electric motors and joints . 2500 cycles there is also closing on the road, whether in the great heat, freezing cold, high humidity or dry desert wind. In this area, nothing is left to chance - and for good reason: The objective of this enormous effort is to give the customer the driving pleasure without limits in SLS AMG Roadster.

Endurance test, a final quality assurance

All optimization steps are fulfilled, and production tests on the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen have been successful, but developers have not yet reached their goal. The quality of the entire vehicle is now subject to tests of endurance coaching. These simulate a vehicle's life together under the worst conditions of accelerated test cycles. The objective is to control the level of maturity in the production of cars for customers begins.

The durability test at a glance:

Long-term tests on a variety of ways:

All components and systems are tested together in everyday work. Loaded to their gross weight allowed, the test car passed through a test program defined with precision on country roads, motorways and in city traffic.

Endurance test heath:

In this case, developers are focusing on the sustainability of parts of the chassis and suspension, the whole body and frame with solid front axle, steering and engine are installed. The test cars are loaded up to the gross weight allowed.

trials "accelerated" Endurance:

Test the whole vehicle, focusing on powertrain, chassis and suspension. Program Features AMG covers 10.000 km on the Nürburgring North Loop and 10,000 km in the city.

Full load stress test:

acceleration and braking maneuvers with extreme high proportion of full load operation, which requires extreme cooling on the fuel and brake systems.

A long-term corrosion test:

Corrosion tests of the entire vehicle simulates the harshest weather and environmental conditions.

Final approval of the Board:

All included for the degree of development and maturity of the production.

World Premiere September 13, 2011, the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt / Main

This is a comprehensive and well planned, and for many an AMG engineer who starts to lose its immediacy for the world premiere September 13, 2011, when the new SLS AMG Roadster comes with a barrage of media attention of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt / Main.

The body of the roadster tips weight of only 243 kg - which is comparable to the low weight of 241-kg body SLS AMG Coupe.

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