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Mercedes-Benz to build four-door convertible by 2011

 
4 8,289 views Jun 8, 2007

Mercedes-Benz to build four-door convertible by 2011

Mercedes-Benz to build four-door convertible by 2011

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The convertibles of today are generally known as little two-seat roadsters like the MX-5 and S2000. But it wasn’t long ago that a different kind of beast cruised the ocean promenades - the four door luxury convertible. According to Motor Trend, Mercedes-Benz is set to revive the tradition with a production version of the S600-based Ocean Drive concept due by 2011, however, Audi is also expected to join the party with its new A7 four-door convertible due around the same time.

The Ocean Drive concept that was unveiled at January’s Detroit Auto Show was based on the current Mercedes S600 sedan’s running gear, so it’s likely any production version will be the same. Being a Mercedes flagship, base models will start with the new 5.5L V8 with top-end cars getting the biturbo V12 and possibly AMG’s hand-built 6.2L V8.

Four-door convertibles haven’t been popular since the 1960’s, where cars like the Lincoln Continental drop-top roamed the streets. Part of the reason why most manufacturers haven’t produced them in volume is because of the extensive structural modifications required to stop them from flexing too much. Not only does it add significant costs to the development, but the cars also suffer from poor dynamics due to the extra weight of the modifications.


There’s still some doubt as whether the car will finally be produced. Mercedes is also rumored to be developing a convertible version of the CL mega-coupe as seen here in this rendering, which could cuase some cannibalization of sales as both cars are tipped to cost around $120,000.





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Comments (4)

  1. HECTOR Posted: 6/11/2007 7:12am PDT

    MB is working very hard indeed to become the most inconsequential brand, creating cars for everyone and their dog and creating niches where there are none just to build more incredibly ugly cars.

    This 4 door convertible - both MB's and Audi's - is a monstrosity that should never see the light of day. This is the type of car that attracts the BLING community. I'm sure Puff Daddy already has a down payment on one of them. It also diminishes MB as a desirable brand (not so much Audi which doesn't have a lot of presence in the rap video market). Just look at the thing and you can see the shiny 26 inch chrome wheels on it...

    Those of us who grew up dreaming of the day we'd be able to afford an MB are pretty ticked off at the direction the company has decided to follow.
     
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  2. Julius Haslow Posted: 6/11/2007 8:35am PDT

    Hector, I agree with you in that these brands don't seem as desirable as they used to be but you have to remember that a large majority of people who buy the super-expensive models are rap stars and professional athletes. It's these people that are sustaining the segment.

    Bentley, Rolls, Aston Martin..they're all doing the best they've ever done becuase of this bling crowd.
     
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  3. HECTOR Posted: 6/11/2007 5:31pm PDT

    That may very well be Julius but the number of such... luminaries... who buy these vehicles is rather small. In the meantime there are many out there who now distance themselves from those brands because of what they've come to represent: BLING.

    I believe it was Corvoisier - a cognac brand if I'm not mistaken - who said to the rap community *stop using our product in your songs and videos*.

    I hope those coach builders that you mention follow suit, that they gain back some of their dignity and self respect and realize that Puff Daddy and his like are not - or shouldn't be - their core clientele.
     
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  4. Rex Posted: 2/7/2008 10:57pm PST

    Not many can afford an automobile of this price range so your point does not carry that much weight... Mercedes Benz still produces great cars and will not everyone will praise the styling direction...it is what it is...a reflection of modern society & taste...and quite obviously a business case that is sustained and successful.
     
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