Curb Zone - View Single Post - Mercedes to Launch Four-Door Cabriolet At Detroit

Bruce · 12-11-2006, 10:28 AM

We've seen the photo before, but not the article

"If two doors are good, can four doors be better?

By RICK KRANZ | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
AutoWeek | Published 12/11/06, 8:05 am et

"Next month, Mercedes-Benz will take the wraps off a four-door convertible based on the S class, says an industry source with knowledge of the project. The mammoth, V-12-powered convertible concept is expected to debut at the Detroit auto show.

An industry source familiar with the car says production is planned.

How big is the market for such a convertible? Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich., says global volume probably would be 4,000 to 5,000 units.

The convertible would carry a lofty price tag, possibly $10,000 to $15,000 above the V-12-powered S-class sedan, Merkle said. The V-12 sedan's sticker with transportation and gas-guzzler tax already tops $140,000.

"A four-door (convertible) is a bit of an oddity," Merkle said. "But then again, for a Mercedes-Benz buyer with more dollars than sense, maybe an oddity might be something they find appealing."

This would not be the first attempt to market a modern-day four-door convertible. ASC Inc. tried in 2005 with the Helios convertible concept, which was based on the Chrysler 300C sedan. The concept was unveiled at the Detroit auto show and featured a power-operated cloth top.

The Chrysler group studied that vehicle for over a year, eventually deciding not to produce it. Key factors in the decision were market appeal and structural concern, Joe Eberhardt, then Chrysler's executive vice president of global sales, marketing and service, said at the time. The four-door convertible had been expected to carry a $5,000 to $7,000 premium above the 300C sedan.

Mercedes-Benz produced a four-door convertible into the 1950s."

12-11-2006, 10:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bruce Crazy Canadian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: British Columbia Posts: 9,423 My Mood: Thanks: 3,538 Thanked 2,828 Times in 1,745 Posts Blog Entries: 2	Mercedes to Launch Four-Door Cabriolet At Detroit We've seen the photo before, but not the article "If two doors are good, can four doors be better? By RICK KRANZ \| AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AutoWeek \| Published 12/11/06, 8:05 am et "Next month, Mercedes-Benz will take the wraps off a four-door convertible based on the S class, says an industry source with knowledge of the project. The mammoth, V-12-powered convertible concept is expected to debut at the Detroit auto show. An industry source familiar with the car says production is planned. How big is the market for such a convertible? Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich., says global volume probably would be 4,000 to 5,000 units. The convertible would carry a lofty price tag, possibly $10,000 to $15,000 above the V-12-powered S-class sedan, Merkle said. The V-12 sedan's sticker with transportation and gas-guzzler tax already tops $140,000. "A four-door (convertible) is a bit of an oddity," Merkle said. "But then again, for a Mercedes-Benz buyer with more dollars than sense, maybe an oddity might be something they find appealing." This would not be the first attempt to market a modern-day four-door convertible. ASC Inc. tried in 2005 with the Helios convertible concept, which was based on the Chrysler 300C sedan. The concept was unveiled at the Detroit auto show and featured a power-operated cloth top. The Chrysler group studied that vehicle for over a year, eventually deciding not to produce it. Key factors in the decision were market appeal and structural concern, Joe Eberhardt, then Chrysler's executive vice president of global sales, marketing and service, said at the time. The four-door convertible had been expected to carry a $5,000 to $7,000 premium above the 300C sedan. Mercedes-Benz produced a four-door convertible into the 1950s." Last edited by Bruce; 12-11-2006 at 10:33 AM.