Paul Tan on the Automotive Industry
Mercedes Benz is expected to show us a new 4-door convertible concept prototype based on the current Mercedes Benz S-class at the Detroit Motor Show early next year. The model might go into production with choices of engines that include a performance V12 in 2009, just 2 years from now.
But then again, is Mercedes Benz answering a question that no one asked? Is there actually a demand for a 4-door convertible, and what will having 4 doors do to the car’s structural rigidity?
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Next gen Mercedes-Benz SL leaked ahead of Detroit debutAbout the Author
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
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uhuh good question Paul lol
Er…the canvas hood is a no-no. Its electric self-folding hard-tops these days. I thought Merc should have know better…
Any demand for 4-door convertible in most countries? No….
But the answer is "YES" if he/she is 50 Cent, Black Eyed Peas, Dwyane Wade or some bling bling black guy.
gosh… maybe the arabians will buy it… for drifting!!! tat will be damn interesting!
looks like the car is aimed at those multimillionaire where they have nowhere to spend their money at… maybe those families who wan 'fresh' air in their rides…
O-kay, that seems just kinda abnormal… But not so weird for a family of four maybe even five… Come to think of it, canvas roofs are becoming yesterday's news… But then again, 2 doors would be enough like the Volvo C70 and also VW Eos…
can it really fit 4 people in the first place?
renyeo: the 6 series convertible still uses a canvas top
unless they reduce the wheelbase, it'll look real ugly..
I actually believe that there's a market for a 4-door convertible. Some people buy sedans wishing it is a convertible. Some like convertibles, but they find it not practical and easily-accesible enough for their family. So yea, I think there's a market for such cars, albeit a small one :p And I agree, canvas tops are sooooo yesterday, makes the car look like some grandpa model compared to all the sleek hardtop models.
these germans have gone mad. I thought only the French are the silly-est in the world. The convertible has always about 2 persons in a roof off vehicle. not this oversized S class.
So, that's summed things up. ugly and mad germans.
ps- someone mentioned the Arabs will buy that. yeah, if they do, than its ugly and mad germans selling cars to stupid and silly arabs.
Haha, I don't think the German engineers are mad though, if they can make it for sale, then it means that they have their ways of making the car rigid and safe. Peugeot's succeeded at it with the 407 hardtop, so it's only natural that other carmakers are having a go at it too.
When something new comes out, it's generally regarded as weird, but with time, it becomes the norm. I think that shall be the case with 4 door coupes ala CLS too.
There is a market for a 4 door cabriolet. I'm one of the long time believers and still awaiting how it could be done.
big covertible,………..americanization big big big,
Hard top, soft top, buyers decide……
But for me, I like both!!! ( Volvo C70 & BMW 645Ci )
A normal CLS50 will be good enough for me if I got the money……
soft top ugly