Mercedes-Benz debuted the stunningly elegant and thoroughly modern Concept Ocean Drive, an ultra-luxury four-door convertible, a model which has essentially disappeared from the marketplace. The debut was held on a full ice skating rink that Mercedes-Benz created in Cobo Hall to celebrate 100 years of all-wheel-drive vehicles from Mercedes.

Today Mercedes offers one of the most complete lines of all-wheel-drive vehicles of any manufacturer and each model line was featured driving on the ice, including the new S-Class 4MATIC and the new E-Class 4MATIC, along with hockey players, figure skaters and even a dogsled. The S-Class 4MATIC features the fourth-generation 4MATIC for the first time.

But it was the elegant Concept Ocean Drive that received the most attention. The four-seat convertible features a very classic style with clearly defined lines accentuated by two-tone paint but balanced by large, smooth surfaces. A larger version of the signature Mercedes vertical grille is flanked by LED headlights that flow back into the front fenders.

"When we first discussed the Mercedes-Benz presentation for this year's Detroit auto show, I challenged my team to come up with a spectacular, fresh and all-new design concept for Mercedes. We set out to create a car that shows our brand's appreciation to our fans and customers. We thought of building a car to dream of―a car that could make the Mercedes star dance with the stars. . ." explained Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler and head of Mercedes Car Group.

"It is a spectacular interpretation of the luxury cabriolet theme and a car that could be an automotive star of the future," further explained Zetsche. "With this concept car we are testing the waters. If everyone likes it as much as you do I promise that we'll consider a comeback for a full-size luxury convertible made by Mercedes."

The Concept Ocean Drive is based on the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S600 and the side profile is dominated by a long side-window opening with no b-pillar or window frames. The interior features high-quality materials such as fine-quality leather, 3D-effect materials and large bird's eye maple trim panels in the interior and on the soft-top compartment cover. Technical innovation includes smooth, fast operation of the soft-top and the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is featured in all four seating positions.

Power comes from the 517-horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine delivering the power through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Vision GL420 BLUETEC

Mercedes-Benz currently offers the E320 BLUETEC diesel sedan in the U.S. To draw more attention to the BLUETEC initiative, Mercedes developed another concept vehicle called the Vision GL420 BLUETEC. Powered by a 290-horsepower V8 diesel engine, the concept develops a massive 515 lb-ft of torque while delivery 24 mpg on the highway. The BLUETEC exhaust system features AdBlue injection, which helps eliminate more than 80 percent of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and complies with the strict U.S. "Bin 5" emissions regulations. BLUETEC is a modular emission control system that reduces NOx levels which are the only exhaust components from diesel engines which still exceed the levels generated by gasoline engines.

The styling of the Vision GL420 BLUETEC has a revised front end that includes a dominant grille, flared fenders, 21-inch wheels and running boards.

smart fortwo Coming to the U.S. in 2008

The smart fortwo is an innovative and efficient city car that has been embraced in both Europe and Canada, and the next version of the smart fortwo will be sold in the U.S. in 2008. Roger Penske, chairman and CEO United Auto Group was on hand at NAIAS and has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to sell the smart fortwo in the U.S.

"We have already received overwhelming interest in this sporty car," explained Penske. "We believe the smart fortwo is coming to the USA at the right time. Volatile gas prices, urban congestion and America's acceptance of smaller vehicles will make the smart fortwo a home run in the States."