Wind Power to increase mpg....

[psmart]

As used on great Ocean going tankers, leisure craft (ie. http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/10/23/power-your-boat-with-kites-wind-power-by-kiteship/) surfers, skiers and many other happy kiters, harnessing the wind for traction is surely the way to go forward to maximise fuel economy and keep this land Green and Pleasant?

Mercedes could pick up the guantlet and the next S-Class could embed a large power kite coupled with a small 2.2 litre bi-turbo engine for the ultimate in high mpg and low emissions. Can you just imagine the future, with our cars being towed around by all the free wind (possibly generated by mushy peas on a windless day )?

 

[Blobcat]

Just open the doors & tailgate on the ML or A and you have 5 sails, just have to pick your destination based on wind direction.

 

[psmart]

Just open the doors & tailgate on the ML or A and you have 5 sails, just have to pick your destination based on wind direction.

Good point, but you would have to travel in reverse for the doors to act as sails, and you would lack a computerised system for opening and closing the doors to maximise wind benefit. A gulf winged vehicle offers more benefits though, as you could also skew the doors to maximise attack angle into the wind.

 

[Blobcat]

Good point, but you would have to travel in reverse for the doors to act as sails, and you would lack a computerised system for opening and closing the doors to maximise wind benefit. A gulf winged vehicle offers more benefits though, as you could also skew the doors to maximise attack angle into the wind.

To me if you travelled in reverse the doors would close with the wind so negating the benefits. Having them all open and going forwards would also lessen the requirements for AC

 

[psmart]

To me if you travelled in reverse the doors would close with the wind so negating the benefits.

Mmmm! You live in Welsh Whales where a Time Rift runs through your village, so anything is possible

Having them all open and going forwards would also lessen the requirements for AC

Aaaah! The sweet dew of success, an AC convert, another 'Push for On' brother

 

[Blobcat]

Aaaah! The sweet dew of success, an AC convert, another 'Push for On' brother

One of the very small annoyances with my W211 is that when the AC is on the red light is illuminated. Previously (W210) the red light was on when the AC was off, It disturbs the balance of the centre console having a red light on the right, I sometimes switch on the air recirculation just to restore balance.

 

[jberks]

One of the very small annoyances with my W211 is that when the AC is on the red light is illuminated. Previously (W210) the red light was on when the AC was off, It disturbs the balance of the centre console having a red light on the right, I sometimes switch on the air recirculation just to restore balance.

thats because you bought a newer one. The older ones like mine are the other way around, with Chi balanced interiors.

On the eco front
You could make a 'James May' style sail incorporating the centre console cup holder as a mounting point.
I would do it myself, but sadly I have no sunroof.

 

[Myros]

A sunroof is only a jigsaw away

or if you are really patient, a dremel. You can stick it back up with duck tape when not in use.......

 

[Blobcat]

I would do it myself, but sadly I have no sunroof.

You can have the sunroof out of my S123, it's raining so much down here that I haven't had it open.