US: Mercedes-Benz to unveil four-door convertible concept at Detroit motor show
Mercedes-Benz will show a convertible concept version of its four-door S-Class sedan at the Detroit motor show in early January. The 'Ocean Drive' is based on the V12-engined S 600 variant.
The concept features a large grille, LED headlamps and taillights and two-tone paintwork. It also features the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system on all four seats, allowing for top-down driving in colder months. This is already available on the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class coupe/convertible model.
The car is also reported to feature other existing DaimlerChrysler technology such as Brake Assist PLUS, the PRE-SAFE brake system (in combination with radar-based Distronic PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system.
Mercedes-Benz is yet to confirm if this convertible concept will enter production. It is the second such topless four-door concept in recent times. US-based roof systems supplier ASC displayed a convertible version of the Chrysler 300, the 'Helios' concept, to demonstrate its engineering abilities at the 2005 Detroit show. This large sedan, like the Ocean Drive, had no window frames or visible rollover protection hoops. It was fitted with a steel bulkhead just behind the car's front seats that was attached to 'half' B-pillars.
ASC noted at the time of the Helios' unveiling that the last four-door convertible anywhere in the world, the Lincoln Continental Convertible, was discontinued in 1967, and that there was an opportunity for an OEM to be first to reintroduce such a model.
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