quote:
Originally posted by 280SL71
I guess the price is going to be more than $7,000? Oh, and they give you a portable airbag to hold in the big space between you and the steering wheel.
Richard M 
)
Sorry to tell you this, Richard but MB carefully planned this marketing action.
They do chose the Pagoda instead of the 300SL exactly because the steering wheel pad (which is not present on older models like the 300SL or 190SL) will conceal a micronized airbag. Same micro-airbag will be put into the dash padding in front of the passenger, while side-airbags will reside in the door armrests.
As you surely know, today no new car could be produced and sold without a few mandatory safety devices.
For this reason (and remembering the "tail-happiness" of the W113), on this new W313 model (yes, that's the official internal code) MB will install the ESP system which proved so successful in keeping the "Class A" ON the road.
In any case, a mandatory, fixed anti-roll cage will be present to protect passengers in case of roll-over.
To complain with the front- and side-impact regulations, the W313 will sport plastic front and rear bumpers about 30cm (1 foot) thick and the famous ultra-light aluminium doors will enclose steel bars about 30kg (67lbs) heavy (each).
This extra weight will produce the extra benefit of a more "squat" and sporty stance of the car, without the need of spending money on reduced-height suspension.
All considered, I think this wonderful new model should be only just a little heavier and slower than my '74 Land Rover...
Regarding the sale price, I'm afraid you forgot at least one "0"...
Duro
Italy
