A top Mercedes-Benz executive has confirmed that the German automaker is planning to introduce a convertible version of its all-new S-Class flagship.

Thomas Weber, product development boss for Mercedes-Benz, revealed to Automotive News that the S-Class convertible has been cleared for production. The drop-top will be based on the S-Class coupe that debuted in concept form at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The S-Class convertible is expected to be powered by a range of turbocharged V8 and V12 engines. High-performance AMG versions are also a distinct possibility.

The S-Class coupe is slated to hit the market in 2014, with the convertible likely to follow about a year later. The S-Class convertible will be the first open air S-Class since the W111, which was sold between 1961 and 1971.

The S-Class convertible will slot between the SL and SLS within the Mercedes roadster lineup.