Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new feature on its 2011 E-Class Cabriolet that alters the air flow coming over the windshield to tame turbulent winds at high speeds. Called AirCap, the system deploys a small wing at the top of the windshield that moves the arc of the air flow higher and longer to pass it over rear seat passengers while reducing the disruptive wind in the cabin area.
The wing raises six centimeters from the windshield header at the touch of a button and works in collaboration with the rear headrests and a windscreen between them that move between three different heights. AirCap can be used up to the E-Class’s top speed, but must be deployed before the vehicle hits 100 mph.
We experienced AirCap in a wind tunnel at simulated driving from 50 to 85 mph and can confidently say there’s a noticeable difference in wind turbulence for tall people in the rear seat. Most noticeable at the higher speeds, the AirCap shifts buffeting winds from your eyes and forehead to the back of your head, making highway-speed, top-down driving much more tolerable. From the front seat, the change with AirCap is much less noticeable. Of course, to enjoy the benefit of calmer air, you also have to drive with the side windows up.
Mercedes filed 20 patents in the process of designing AirCap, which has 211 parts and adds roughly 3.3 pounds to the weight of the car. When asked if the company had plans to introduce the feature on the rest of its convertible lineup, German engineers gave a telling coy, noncommittal answer that almost certainly means “yes.”
The AirCap—along with the AirScarf that blows warm air on the necks of front seat passengers—will be standard on all U.S. E-Class Cabrios when they go on sale in May.
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