Plex
Zorce Jedi Master
Joined: 01 May 2005
Posts: 9039
Location: T&T
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 Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:58 pm Post subject: Mercedes reveals S-Class convertible concept |
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Just when we thought Mercedes-Benz had every possible niche filled and appropriated virtually every letter in the alphabet for its range of cars, along comes the startling new Ocean Drive concept.
Named after the famous row of Art Deco hotels in South Beach - Miami, which would doubtless be the car�s natural habitat - the Ocean Drive is a full-sized convertible based on the S600 long-wheelbase limousine.
Set to be officially unveiled at the North American Auto Show in Detroit in January, Mercedes-Benz designers were given free rein to recreate a genre last seen in the 1960s, that of the four-door convertible. The most recent one that springs to mind is a 1961 Lincoln Continental that a certain Mr Kennedy was riding in through Dallas when he was shot. Although it clearly sharing its design DNA with the S-Class, the Ocean Drive adds bold LED headlamps and taillights and a very upright, almost Rolls-Royce aping grille.
Top 10: greatest-ever Mercedes
Two-tone champagne coloured paintwork accentuates a shoulder line running the length of the car and a swage line sweeping back from the front wheelarch. Being so closely based on an existing platform could make the Ocean Drive a production reality to compete with the Bentley Arnage and forthcoming Rolls-Royce Corniche, should there be sufficient interest. Having popularised folding metal roofs with its original SLK, Mercedes has eschewed it in favour of a fabric top, doubtless because the weight penalty for such a massive roof would be too much for even the S600�s V12.
Occupants are unlikely to feel short-changed however as the interior is liberally swathed in leather, 3-D materials (whatever those might be) and bird�s eye maple, the same wood being used on the tonneau cover for the soft top. An innovative hood mechanism promises swift opening and closing while the Mercedes Airscarf system, which debuted on the current SLK, circulates hot air around all four individual seats, although that�s unlikely to be necessary on the real Ocean Drive. And as with all new Mercedes the car is generously equipped with capital letters, including Brake Assist PLUS, PRE-SAFE and DISTRONIC PLUS.
Source: http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/car_news_article.aspx?cp-documentid=1687090 |
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