Maybach 57 and 62
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The Maybach 57 and 62 were the first automobile models of the Maybach brand since the brand's revival by DaimlerChrysler. They are derived from the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motorshow (which was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan).
DaimlerChrysler attempted to buy the Rolls-Royce/Bentley marque when Vickers offered the company up for sale. When this attempt failed (they were outbid by BMW and Volkswagen respectively) they introduced the Maybach as a direct challenger in 2002. Both models are variants of the same ultra-luxurious automobile. The model numbers reflect the respective lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the 57 is more likely to be owner-driven while the longer 62 is designed with a chauffeur in mind. The engine is a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, generating 550 hp. The prices range from US$305,000 to $357,000 (£240,000 to £250,000)—priced to directly compete with top-of-the-line Bentley and Rolls-Royce automobiles.
As of 2004, only 600 units had been sold. DaimlerChrysler projects that they may sell less than the 1,000 units expected. Just 152 Maybachs were sold in the United States in 2005, with worldwide production down to 300 units.
As of 2005 there is talk of a smaller, cheaper Maybach 51, although this has not been confirmed by Maybach.
Maybach 57 S
DaimlerChrysler revealed the Maybach 57 S at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It uses a 6.0 L version of the V12 engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG. Power output is 604 hp (450 kW) and 738 ft·lbf (1000 N·m), providing a sub-5 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h). It also rides 0.5 in (13 mm) lower on 20 in (508 mm) wheels. The North American unveiling was at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.Brabus Maybach
Legendary tuning firm Brabus, famous for high-performance and stylistic aftermarket modifications to Mercedes-Benz and Smart automobiles, produced a version of the 57/62 in 2004 which adds significant performance, features and style to the models. Electronically limited to a 300 km/h speed limit, these large vehicles produce a staggering 1026 N·m of torque and accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
This makes the Brabus Maybach arguably the fastest super-luxury motorcar in the world, a trend which was started in 1968 by the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3.
External links
- [Highlights of a Chauffeured Maybach 62] - Images and Resources and Chauffeur Service
- [SuperCarNews] — high resolution images
- [Car specifications and performance statistics]
- [2004 Brabus Maybach 57 statistics and images]
- [Maybach 2006] — photos, press-releases and news
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