Mercedes hopes to take on Rolls-Royce Drophead with Ocean Drive

Mercedes-Benz has given the S-Class Convertible, based on the Ocean Drive concept, the green light for production. Many wonder why Mercedes-Benz is building a production version of the Ocean Drive Concept besides the fact that its absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.

Originally, the car was expected to compete with the upcoming Audi A7 Convertible, but the two are actually worlds apart. When the Mercedes Ocean Drive debuts in its production version in 2011, it will be a lot more powerful than the A7 convertible.

When the Audi A7 convertible debuts in 2011 it will be powered by a 4.2 liter V8 engine the produces 340 horsepower. The range topper will be a 6.0 liter W12 that produces 450 horsepower. A 5.2 liter FSI V10 producing 450 horsepower is also in the works.

The Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive on the other hand will extract 510 horsepower from a 5.5 liter V8 with the range topper having a V12 engine that produces anywhere from 525 to 550 horsepower. A 6.2 liter AMG that produces 604 horsepower is also on the drawing board.

Clearly the Audi A7 convertible and the Mercedes Ocean Drive won’t compete with each other. Infact, the Audi A7 Convertible will be priced below the Ocean Drive in a whole other fight and will use Audi’s wheel-forward trans axel that was introduced in the Audi A5 and S5.

According to Lee Brimble of Top Gear, “…in a real-world setting, it (Ocean Drive) has a presence that demands your attention and respect. The only other production car I can think of to have the same guvnor effect is the Phantom.”

Mercedes-Benz is hoping that price lower than that of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe will lure consumers away from the $412,000 convertible.

Expect a revised version of the Ocean Drive Concept to appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 with design closer to the S-Class looks.

 

Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive Concept Gallery:

        

 

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Gallery:

         

 

Source: Top Gear (September Issue)

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