 The Stuttgart-based brand Top-level engineering
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Concept Ocean Drive design study - the most comfortable and elegant modern-day convertibleDetroit - At the North American Auto Show Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a pioneer and design trendsetter among premium carmakers with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible.
Mercedes-Benz design studies - a stylistic journey into the future
Styling conveys effortless superiority and elegance
Top-level engineering The design study is based on the twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600, on account of this model's long wheelbase. The technical highlights include: · the innovative soft-top mechanism resulting in smooth operation and fast closing times; · the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which is featured on all four seats, allowing occupants to enjoy top-down motoring even in the colder months of the year. Needless to say, the on-board equipment also includes top-level Mercedes-Benz innovations, some of which are unique worldwide - including Brake Assist PLUS, the innovative PRE-SAFE® brake system (in combination with radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.
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This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz
which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work
to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to
get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant
convertible The Concept Ocean Drive is an awe-inspiring jewel on wheels.
As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a luxury genre that has almost
disappeared from our roads. Like the luxury convertibles of years gone by,
this showpiece from Stuttgart features the maximum in elegance, lifestyle
sophistication and exclusiveness. To put it another way, it represents automobile
culture at its most attractive and desirable. The one-off special has an
all-new body with an almost classic flavour and with clearly defined lines
and vibrant two-tone paintwork which are exceptionally charismatic. Although
on one level the Concept Ocean Drive displays the restraint of an elite and
aristocratic automobile, it is also an open invitation to go on a "topless"
cruise along the world's finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials
have been crafted with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled
perfection.
The Concept Ocean Drive isn't just designed to inspire
dreams and fantasies; it also serves a very practical purpose. Because design
studies are always a good opportu-nity for designers to play around with
less familiar themes, to see things from new angles and to explore new ideas.
Not just a pure design exercise, they are also a way of stimulating a closer
dialogue with customers and of trying out new ideas on the general public.
This helps the designers get a feel for future styling trends and to develop
and implement new design idioms. The unique luxury convertible design study
from Stuttgart turns a "dream car" vision into reality. At the same time
it is also an affirmation of the design excellence and values of the
Mercedes-Benz brand, including the brand's traditional basic principles like
excellent build and quality, comfort, effortless superiority, value retention
and safety. These values have now been joined by three further key messages:
passion, fascination and innovation. The Mercedes-Benz design philosophy
both perpetuate proven styling themes associated with the brand and at the
same time combines them with new and surprising ideas and forms.
Apart from the four doors, the outward distinguishing
marks of the concept car include a very large and upright radiator grille,
LED headlamps and taillights, two-tone paintwork and a striking interplay
between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. This lends the one-off special
an air of effortless superiority, power, elegance and forward-flowing energy.
The long side-window opening which, typically of a convertible, is not
interrupted by a B-pillar or window frames, ensures seamless continuity between
the exterior and the interior, even when the top is up. Extensive use of
high-value materials -such as finest-quality leather, 3D-effect materials
and large bird's eye maple trim panels (in the interior and even on the soft-top
compartment cover) - and many other thoughtfully designed interior details,
highlight the luxurious, unique character of this design study.