2014 Bentley Flying Spur: First Drive

2015 BMW 1-Series GT, Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV, Ferrari 458...

An Exotic Italian Recall Starring The Alfa Romeo 8C And A Pair...
Inside IIHS Video Series Goes Behind The Car-Crashing Scenes

1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Is The Most Expensive Mustang Ever...

NASCAR's Leilani Münter Gets Tesla Model S, Goes Activist
Toyota Overtakes BMW To Regain Most Valuable Brand Title

Hennessey Builds 600-Horsepower F-150 SVT Raptor SUV: Video

2015 BMW 1-Series GT Seven-Seater Spy Shots

Video: Smart Glass, Pick Your Tint Whatever The Weather

Antony Ingram

Contributing Writer BIO

Antony is an automotive obsessive: Whether it drives, sits there looking pretty or intrigues from afar, he'll talk and write about it. Automotive... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Land Rover Defender LXV: Luxury Model Celebrates 65 Years
Land Rover's history may not stretch as far back as that of Jeep, but for many it's an equally... Read More

#6LEADERBOARD RANK
1807ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
4COMMENTS POSTED

2,338 views May 12, 2011

Follow Antony

Smart glass changes at the touch of a button

Enlarge Photo

Related Photo Galleries

See more photos »

Glass roof panels are becoming a popular option in modern cars. Taking the old sunroof and moonroof a step further, you can enjoy all the view you'd get in a convertible with none of the gusts of wind.

The glass roof isn't without its problems though. If you live in a hot and sunny climate you'll already be familiar with the delights of intense heat shining down through a sunroof and cooking you from above. Take that effect and multiply it if the whole roof is clear. Glare can also be a problem.

Research Frontiers has a solution. The company has recently joined with Daimler AG, owners of Mercedes-Benz, to give owners of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK sports car the option of a glass roof with "smart" glass.

Called SPD-Smart, the glass roof can change from clear to dark at the press of a button. On a miserable cloudy and rainy day you can introduce a bit of brightness and cheer to the cabin with the clear option. On the sort of day that asphalt begins to melt and air conditioning is more important than four wheels on your car, the glass can be made darker to help cool the cabin.

The roof tints using a film manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co. under licence with Research Frontiers.

Check out a video of the glass in action below: