S-Class opens for business

Auto Express has learned that rumours circulating about Merc­edes building a drop-top version of its luxury flagship model are true.

The German manufacturer will pull the covers off its extraordinary new cab­rio in concept form at the Detroit Motor Show in January. It's likely to be powered by the standard S-Class's V12 engine and, as our image shows, is also set to have four doors.

The last show model to share this bodystyle was the open-top variant of Chrysler's 300C, which was built by American design specialist ASC in 2005. And the story gets even more amazing if you believe leaked reports revealing that the company will put the new car into production within the next 12 months.

As both the industry and enthusiasts clamour to see what it looks like in the metal, it's sure to be a crowd puller at the show - which is when further details will be released.