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Mercedes-Benz design study: Concept Ocean Drive
design study – the most comfortable and elegant modern-day convertible
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. 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 aweinspiring 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 "top-less" cruise along the world's
finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials have been crafted
with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled perfection.
Mercedes-Benz design studies – a stylistic journey
into the future
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 opportunity 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.
Styling conveys effortless superiority and elegance
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.
Top-level engineering
The design study is based on the
twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600, on ac-count 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 DIS-TRONIC PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE®
anticipatory occupant protection system.
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Source: Daimler-Chrysler
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