Explosive Refrigerant Threatens To Blow Up S-Class Launch
Daimler is dead set against using the new refrigerant HFO-1234yf, even if it is forced down it throat. The EU makes it a must in all news cars, but Daimler says it can fry and kill you. Now, Daimler can get burned big-time. Without HFO-1234yf, its new S-Class will be illegal, but “using HFO-1234yf is out of the question,” a Daimler spokesman told Automobilwoche [sub].
The new S-Class will be launched this summer in Europe. Germany’s Kraftfahrtbundesamt has given type approval only with the EU-mandated HFO-1234yf. Without the explosive refrigerant, the car would be illegal anywhere in Europe.
In 2012, the refrigerant ignited during a crash test at Daimler. Daimler recalled all B-Class and A-Class cars sold with the refrigerant, and converted the air conditioner.
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The obvious answer is to eliminate A/C in the first place. Do it "for the children"
If that's the new S550, I'm not impressed. What have they done to my car???
Imagine if you will, a world where everyone drove Ford Pintos ...
I still have a full can of R-12 in my basement. Unless I am paid the sum of 1 million dollars, I will release it into the atmosphere. (Insert evil villain laugh here).