[Source: DaimlerChrysler press release]

First of all they stripped the Mercedes-Benz flagship of its entire bodywork, with only a brief stump at the base of the B-pillar remaining. What remained of the floor assembly they fitted with concealed cross-bracing and reinforcements to ensure the required torsional stiffness – despite the lack of a fixed roof structure.
The large dimensions of the long-version C-Class floor assembly (3165 mm wheelbase) provided the foundations for an interior space concept that offers all passengers first-class standards of comfort. Even the opulent rear footwells were retained. The only dimensional alteration was that the new carbon convertible bodywork has slightly shorter rear doors to make room for the soft top mechanism.

Twin-turbo engine develops impressive power

The bonnet of the Concept Ocean Drive shelters a top-of-the-line V12 Mercedes-Benz power plant, which for this vehicle has acquired a new, elaborately designed cowling emblazoned with a stylised "V" emblem. A lot of attention has been lavished on various other – normally concealed – features in the engine compartment. For example the covers of the windscreen washer reservoir and other fluid containers are opened by means of chromed catches, with simulated perforations adding a particularly stylish touch. The exhaust manifolds protruding from the cowling are wrapped in stainless steel mesh.

The twin-turbo engine develops maximum power of 380 kW/517 hp and maximum torque of 830 Newton metres and provides supreme and effortless power. It is partnered by the tried-and trusted, smooth-action 5-speed automatic transmission.

Air scarf on all four seats

One of the technical highlights of the Concept Ocean Drive has been adopted – in fourfold form – from the SLK-Class. The innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which made its debut in the sports car model, warms the head, throat and neck like an invisible scarf. This allows occupants in all four seats of the Concept Ocean Drive model to keep the top down as much as possible, even during the cold season.

Innovations from the flagship models

Needless to say, the Mercedes-Benz showcar incorporates the same technical innovations which have made the flagship Mercedes models benchmarks in the passenger car industry. They include important new developments like Brake Assist PLUS, the innovative PRE-SAFE® brake system (in combination with radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.

The radar sensors of the Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS) system monitor traffic in front and warn the driver if the following distance is too short or if the vehicle is closing up too quickly on the preceding vehicle. If a risk of collision is detected, BAS PLUS calculates with split-second speed the required amount of brake boost, then delivers it the moment the brake is applied, even if the driver doesn't step on the pedal hard enough. Supplementing this system the PRE-SAFE® brake system, which is unique worldwide, goes a stage further than Brake Assist PLUS by automatically braking the vehicle with approximately 40 percent of maximum braking force if an acute risk of accident is detected. The result is a significant reduction in the number of nose-to-tail collisions and in the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Also on board is the DISTRONIC PLUS radar-based proximity control system which maintains the desired following distance from traffic in front. In stop-go traffic the system automatically brakes the vehicle to a standstill if necessary, then – at a command from the driver – accelerates back to the pre-specified speed as soon as the traffic starts moving again.

COMAND controller and one-touch buttons

The developers equipped the design study with the further enhanced control and display system as used in the S-Class, which ensures that frequently used functions can be accessed quickly and conveniently. Depending on their personal preferences, drivers can operate features like the radio, TV receiver, CD/DVD changer, telephone or navigation system either by means of conventional switches, by means of buttons on the multifunction steering wheel or by using the enhanced COMAND system.