Two new drop-tops from Mercedes

[SDNR]

CL and SLR convertibles

Production of Mercedes newest drop-tops, the CL and SLR convertibles, is not too far off now - and our computer-generated images show what they're likely to look like.

The SLR is tipped by many to arrive this summer, with a price tag somewhere above £320,000. The car first appeared as a concept car seven years ago, though, so don't be too disappointed with us if you break open you piggy bank and it doesn't arrive this year.

The convertible CL is a more affordable way to dry your hair, but you'll still need at least £75,000 to park one on your driveway. It could make its first appearance at the LA Motor Show in November and is highly likely to go on sale next year.

Mercedes recently unveiled a four-door convertible at the Detroit Motor Show built on the same platform as the CL, but insiders say this won't ever be pushed into production.

What Car

I did this PS a while ago.

 

[SDNR]

 

[Mr. M]

Very nice chop Rob, it looks just like the one from What Car.

 

[SDNR]

They said the ODC will never be "pushed into production" ...what was its purpose then I wonder? -- just a styling exercise perhaps?

 

[7saen]

Wasn't this a costumization job by West Coast Costums?

 

[Bruce]

The idea of an SLR drop-top makes me cringe. Yes, the concept was a roadster, but
the transformation into a convertible would make the SLR even more of a complete poser car (no pun towards the Mercedes boys )

 

[SDNR]

Wasn't this a costumization job by West Coast Costums?

Ah ...was it?

I will edit that post -- thanks Hussein

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

They said the ODC will never be "pushed into production" ...what was its purpose then I wonder? -- just a styling exercise perhaps?

Pfeiffer did say that the Ocean Drive Concept was conceived to show how Mercedes current design MAY evolve in the future, and from how he spoke of the vehicle it sounded more like just an in-house design study/plaything. So who knows if its destined for production or not? If it turns up at future shows as a ''Vision'' then production is almost a certainty. But I can't see the ODC and a CL based convertible both coming to fruition.

I think I would prefer the ODC. The ODC seems more of a hedonistic, brash type of vehicle, which I feel the MB brand could do with right now. A special premium Mercedes that neither Audi nor BMW would have a direct competitor for under their own branding. A CL design derived convertible, I feel, would be almost utilitarian in comparison.

 

[SDNR]

Good post Mr.M

You made me wonder if they did build a CL convertible whether it would just be a CL with its roof chopped off or will it have its own identity like the ODC ...it is quite exciting to imagine the possibilities.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Good post Mr.M

You made me wonder if they did build a CL convertible whether it would just be a CL with its roof chopped off or will it have its own identity like the ODC ...it is kind of exciting to imagine the possibilities.

Thank you Rob.


As much as I do like the CL chops, it would just be YET ANOTHER expensive derivative of the S-class/CL set. Something as ‘different’ as the ODC would be far more special and bespoke. It would have more of that sense of occasion, grandeur and charm (but not over the top ostentatiousness – if that’s even a word lol) needed to really take the fight to Bentley and Rolls. But I fear this won’t happen out of sympathy for Maybach. So a CL without a roof is what we'll be served up.

 

[SDNR]

I agree, it would be great if they made something rare and exotic ...lets face it, a convertible CL is going to be a very exclusive vehicle anyway. They might as well make it worth the effort and create something to completely obliterate sales of the Continental GT convertible .






BTW, ostentatiousness is a real word

 

[Merc1]

I too would prefer the ODC to come to market, only because it would be way more unique than a CL Cabrio. I don't see both coming to market either. First though we have to find out what this new mystery AMG is for next month in New York!

M

 

[Pagani]

The CL droptop would make much more sense and perhaps is far less expensive to manufacture, given the structural rigity of the chasis in its original coupe form. Almost undoubtfully, this would be a hard retractable top ala the new 3 series. The CL65 drotop would be a force to be reckoned with, and Bentley GT convertible would be under seige.

This leaves the OD at a questionable place in the MB lineup, save for the alternative of coming up with a special limited edition of MB breed, that would not have regular series names such as [Letter] Class. OD should be a Maybach in my opinion, and should serve as a platform for the upcoming Maybach 4 dour coupe.

 

[7saen]

Ah ...was it?

I will edit that post -- thanks Hussein

I'm not quite sure about it.. but I remember reading somewhere hat it a costumization job .. not even sure whether it was WCC