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Maybach to put 62 Landaulet into production
click above to view more high-resolution images of the Maybach 62 Laundaulet

Lord help us, for the automotive industry has sunk to a new low. As if it wasn't bad enough that Maybach created an ode to conspicuous consumption like the 62 Landaulet, but now Mercedes' big, goofy brother has decided to put the thing into production.

Following a spat of rumors, Maybach initially unveiled the half limo/half convertible/half marshmallow in Dubai this past November, and then laid it on us in person at the Detroit show. It starts with the Maybach 62 S and then peeled off half the roof like a can of sardines and slathered whitewash all over the thing. Unfortunately, as we could see by the yellow Cayenne we showed you yesterday, money and taste don't always go together, and Daimler seems content to separate the former from those who don't have the latter. The reported list price rivals the concept itself for sheer lunacy: $1.19 million. That's an unfathomable $756k premium over the $433,750 list price for a 2008 Maybach 62 S, though we've found conflicting reports that it will start at £350,000 or around $685,000 USD. We'd like to speak to any potential customers considering buying a Maybach 62 Laundaulet about this bucket of extremely rare sand that we're offering for a very reasonable price.

We've added some new official high-res images of the 62 Laundaulet to our gallery of live shots from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show below.

(Via Autoblog.)

This Landaulet concept gets an uprated V12 engine, co-designed by AMG. The 6.0 litre machine cranks out 612 horsepower, and 738 ft-lb of torque from 2000 to 4000 rpm and from 4800 to 5100 rpm. With twin turbochargers and water intercooling, this engine is a step up from the V12 found in the 62 S - the most powerful production limo.

More individuality

Don't be afraid, this Frankensteinian look on the Mercedes S Class is purely for testing purposes. But testing for what? We reckon that Daimler AG is running preliminary tests on the streets of Stuttgart for a new Maybach.

Maybach has never performed as well as Daimler had hoped, selling just 32 vehicles in Germany in 2006, but the German manufacturer has not given up hope on the ultra-luxury brand just yet.

Recently a special, officially one-off but rumoured to be a limited edition, Landaulet version of the Maybach 57 was shown at the Middle East Motor Show in Dubai. And only last week Brabus catapulted the 57 around Nardo to set the ultra-luxury class speed record at 330,6 km/h.

The current line-up of Maybach are all based on the Mercedes S Class, but with this new addition Maybach is set to receive a more individual design to distinguish itself more from th 'regular' luxury of the Mercedes brand.

The ultra-luxury market has been flailing (direct competitors like the VW Phaeton and Rolls-Royce Phantom are no big sellers either) except for the Bentley GT and Flying Spur have booked success. And it is those customers that Maybach, just like Rolls-Royce, will be targeting with a new model.

A world-record speed of 330.6 km/h (205.2 mph) set on the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy; BRABUS added to its extensive collection of automotive records with a Maybach 57 powered by a 730- hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537-kW BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is the world's fastest and most exclusive ultra-luxury sedan. The BRABUS engineers and test drivers bested their own record set in 2005 when a Maybach 57 powered by a BRABUS SV12 Biturbo engine with 640 hp (631 hp SAE net) / 471 kW was clocked at 314 km/h (195 mph).

The SV12 S Biturbo evolution of the 6.3-liter displacement engine was originally developed for the BRABUS ROCKET, the four-door car based on the Mercedes CLS series. In October of 2006 it set a speed record for street-legal sedans of 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph), a record that still stands today.

For power increase of the turbocharged Maybach 12-cylinder engine from standard 550 hp (543 hp SAE net) / 405 kW to 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW BRABUS followed its tradition of increasing engine displacement. The BRABUS engineers developed a special crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods and larger pistons to account for the increased cylinder bore. Displacement grows from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters (335 to 385 cu. in.).

The inner workings of the engine are modified with precision-machined cylinder heads and special camshafts. The engine peripherals are tuned for more power with the help of a high-performance turbocharging system with special manifolds, two larger turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers, and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts.

Custom-programmed engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all high-performance components and ensure that the engine meets stringent EURO IV emission limits. The standard 250-km/h (155 mph) speed limit is also eliminated. The peak torque of 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited by the engine electronics to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The enormous power of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission. For the lubrication of the entire drivetrain BRABUS relies exclusively on ARAL high-performance lubricants.

The top speed of 330.2 km/h (205.2 mph) places enormous demands on tires and wheels. The BRABUS suspension engineers developed forged 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels specifically for the Maybach. The fully polished multi-piece wheels with six double spokes perfectly fill the space beneath the wheel arches. They are mounted in size 9.0Jx21 in front with size 275/40 R 21 tires, and in size 10.5Jx21 with size 315/35 R 21 tires on the rear axle.

For further increased driving safety the BRABUS air-suspension module lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) without compromising the unique ride comfort.

BRABUS refines the elegant lines of Maybach not just with a lowered ride height and with large wheels. The front of the sedan can be upgraded with two auxiliary headlights that serve as daytime running lights. They are stylishly integrated into the production front apron.

Exclusive BRABUS light design is also available for the sides and the rear of the Maybach: LED lights integrated into the body that illuminate the ground beside and behind the luxury sedan can be activated via the keyless fob. They help avoid unfortunate missteps into potholes or puddles in the dark. The rear of the Maybach is further upgraded with the ultra-flat tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.

BRABUS also offers exclusive custom-tailored interiors and state-of-the-art multimedia technology for all Maybach models. Owners of the luxury sedan can choose from the finest leathers and Alcantara in any desired color and design.

Special loving attention to detail is present in the waffle-patterned leather carpeting that alone uses several kilometers of the finest thread, sewn with utmost precision. Custom-tailored BRABUS lambs wool floor mats caress the occupants' feet.

The BRABUS development team also created additional interesting features for the standard entertainment system of the Maybach. The 16:9 flat screens integrated into the back of the front seats measure 15.2 inches in the BRABUS version (standard: 9 inches). An additional 6-disc DVD changer rounds out the BRABUS multimedia package for the Maybach.

At the push of a button the Maybach transforms into a luxurious office on wheels: The screens the display the computer's user interface. BRABUS uses a special computer designed for use in a car that is connected to the internet via UMTS. A wireless keyboard and wireless optical gyro mouse make operating the computer easy and convenient. A USB 2.0 port, stylishly integrated into the center console, allows connecting external electronic equipment such as printer or a digital camera.

To remain online even when outside the vehicle the BRABUS communications specialists have integrated a high-tech notebook computer in an electrically operated drawer in the trunk. This computer is connected to the computer network of the vehicle via W-LAN.

Only the sky is the limit

• Maybach shows one of the world’s most exclusive luxury cars
• Majestic open-air experience with the ultimate in luxury and comfort
• Folding roof for pampered rear-seat passengers
• Appointments in the rear include white leather, piano lacquer and exquisite black granite

With this study of an open-top landaulet, Maybach has re-enlivened the great art of building majestic automobiles. True to the tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of this sparkling white one-off study can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur’s compartment remains completely enclosed. The passengers are then able to enjoy the clear, blue sky above. Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white leather, they are treated to a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile in an environment of the utmost luxury and exquisite style. Romance close to the heart of nature is harmoniously combined with the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication. With this unique study, Maybach is once again demonstrating its expertise in building the world’s most exclusive luxury cars.

Large folding roof for passengers in the rear

In technical terms the Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S – which can claim to be the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls remain, and have merely been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with its reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closed the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. The roof then opens electro-hydraulically and is gently deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fitted leather cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance.

White paintwork and wheels

This impression is accentuated by the shining white paintwork of the study, an exclusive finish named antigua white. Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch wheels specially designed for the Landaulet study. These are also painted in white with high-sheen spokes, and are accompanied by white indicators in the front and rear light clusters in dark red.

Black for the chauffeur, white for the passengers

In addition, the already luxurious driver’s compartment of the successful Maybach 62 S has been enhanced in a number of important respects. All the interior trim is now surfaced in black piano lacquer, and for the extensive leather appointments Maybach has used particularly exclusive, glossy stromboli black leather.

In contrast Maybach has fitted the passenger compartment almost completely in exquisite seychelleswhite leather. The footwell and roof liner of this high-end luxury landaulet are also in white – the floor is carpeted in white velour and the roof lined with white fabric. A dramatic contrast is provided by inserts and decorative trim in glossy, black piano lacquer or exclusive black granite with numerous gold inclusions.

Generous spaciousness and first-class comfort

Outstanding comfort is assured by the generous spaciousness of the rear, which the Landaulet study has adopted unchanged from the Maybach 62. Passengers are welcomed into the interior by two large, single seats. These elegant seats also allow even very tall passengers to enjoy a reclining position which travellers normally only encounter in the first-class armchairs of modern passenger jets.

The study is designed as a chauffeured vehicle and features a partition. The upper section of the partition is a glass panel which the passengers can render opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to a liquid crystal membrane embedded in the glass.

Two ultra-modern automatic climate control systems, whose parameters have been adapted to the Landaulet study, ensure that open-air travel remains a pleasure even under adverse climatic conditions.

State-of-the-art entertainment and communications

As in the Maybach 62 S, the rear console is the centrepiece for entertainment, communications and travelling pleasure. This is where Maybach engineers have grouped everything relating to the entertainment and pleasure of the rear-seat passengers: a DVD-player, six CD-changer, a cooler compartment with its own electric compressor and an intelligent system which holds glasses, goblets and champagne bottles safely in position.

Engine and suspension

The Maybach Landaulet study is powered by the uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

The electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) endow the Landaulet with outstanding levels of ride comfort, at the same time demonstrating that even a prestigious vehicle such as this can exhibit extraordinary agility and dynamic performance.

In addition to large, internally ventilated brake discs – with twin callipers at the front – both the study and the Maybach 62 S are equipped with two electro-hydraulic Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) braking systems working in tandem. Together with ESP®, ASR, ABS and Brake Assist, this provides the Landaulet study with the very latest in effective, high-tech handling control systems.

Innovative technology from the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz

Like all Maybach saloons, the Landaulet also benefits from the unrivalled experience of the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz in the development and production of high-quality cars in the luxury segment. Important innovations from Mercedes-Benz, successfully developed further for the Maybach saloons, are standard equipment in every Maybach and are of course also on board the Landaulet study – examples include the electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control), LINGUATRONIC voice control and the control and display system COMAND APS.

Generously proportioned interior is a world in itself

The interior of the new Maybach flagship model is also truly special, displaying stylish elegance and the ultimate in perfection in every detail. Pure, unadulterated luxury is the order of the day – discreet yet unmistakable. The overriding aim – maximum comfort for all the occupants – has clearly been achieved, thanks largely to the extremely generous amount of space available, especially for the rear passengers. This is just one of the benefits of designing the Maybach 62 S first and foremost as a chauffeur-driven saloon. A glance at the dimensions alone shows that the Maybach 62 S is in a class of its own when it comes to spaciousness: measuring 6165 mm long, 1980 mm wide and 1573 mm high, it gives passengers all the room they need to relax in comfort in the 2.68 metre long interior. Rear passengers in particular get the full VIP treatment and are able to enjoy all the benefits of a luxury lounge on wheels.

A refined blend of carbon and piano lacquer

The exquisite ambience of the new-look interior comes courtesy of a mix of the finest materials, a sophisticated colour scheme and impeccable finishing, unmistakably demonstrating the high quality-awareness and craftsmanship in which Maybach Manufaktur takes such pride. The new Maybach 62 S is a shining example of how high-end dynamism can harmonise perfectly with impeccable luxury.

The unique character of the Maybach 62 S interior is in large measure due to the vertical surfaces coated in piano lacquer and the carbon rather than fine wood trim, which especially emphasises the horizontal surfaces. The centre console is a prime example of great attention to detail: this innovative composition of piano lacquer and carbon elements lends another powerful and energetic highlight to the interior as a further visual emphasis of the car's impressive performance potential. On request, Maybach customers are also able to order the new version with a poplar wood trim in anthracite as an alternative to carbon.

Perfectly coordinated with this colour scheme, the leather upholstery is available in black, "Vesuvius Black" with black or silver piping and "Aspen White" with black piping. In keeping with the overall design, the shift lever is trimmed in the interior colour, while the steering wheel is lined with black, partially perforated leather.

New high-gloss leather

For the first time, Maybach is offering its customers optional high-gloss black leather appointments with a greater depth of colour for the luxurious interior of the 62 S. In addition, silver-coloured decorative piping provides a handsome contrast and lends added emphasis to the shape of the Maybach seats. This exquisite material blends in superbly with the carbon or anthracite poplar wood trim elements and, above all, with the black piano lacquer-trimmed surfaces that are available as an alternative for the Maybach 62 S interior.

The Maybach designers drew their inspiration from luxury fashion articles such as handbags, shoes and belts. This new individualisation option is based on the semi-aniline leather already familiar from other Maybach saloons. The leather is made exclusively from the hides of young southern German bulls – the best raw material on the market. In an additional process, this immaculate natural product is further refined and upgraded, and the leather becomes even more lustrous and smooth, resulting in another highly attractive interior styling option.

First-class comfort and functionality for the rear passengers

The interior design of the new Maybach 62 S was inspired by one aim in particular: to provide the greatest possible level of comfort and well-being for the car's passengers. This not only applies to the selection and preparation of the fine materials, it also relates to the seats, the climate control and, of course, the exemplary acoustics.

Like the 62 model, the new Maybach 62 S features two elegant, individual rear seats with a unique and ingenious reclining facility that allows even the tallest of occupants to savour a level of comfort matched only by the armchair-style seats seen in the first-class compartments of modern passenger jets. Rear passengers can call up a pre-set reclined position at the push of a button, whereupon the backrest smoothly tilts backwards by up to 47 degrees whilst, simultaneously, a lower-leg support and footrest extend forwards. This means that occupants can enjoy the ride in an extremely relaxed reclined position. Of course, the seat can easily be adjusted to each passenger's own particular comfort needs. The following individual settings are possible:

• The fore/aft position of the rear seat can be adjusted by up to 135 mm

• Depending on the individual settings, the backrest can be inclined at an angle of between 25 and 47 degrees

• The head restraint is adjustable for height (by 115 mm), fore/aft position (by approx. 60 mm) and angle (by 25 degrees). Its side bolsters are also individually adjustable in order to improve lateral support for the head when the seat is reclined

• If required, the seat cushion can be extended by up to 60 mm when the seat is in the upright position, while its inclination can be varied by between 14 and 24 degrees

• The position of the thigh support can be altered by up to 85 mm when the seat is in the reclined position

• The lower-leg support features a two-stage telescopic arm that allows the fore/aft position to be adjusted by up to 240 mm. The inclination of the lower-leg support can be adjusted by up to 75 degrees

• The angle of the footrest can be individually adjusted up to 110 degrees

Seven electric motors are used to operate this technological masterpiece – three of which can operate simultaneously, depending on the commands input by the occupant. An electronic control unit monitors the complex series of movements and controls the logical sequence. The kinematics of the individual seat components are programmed to ensure that the occupant's body – including the lower legs and feet – is fully supported at all times, even in intermediate positions between the normal upright position and the maximum reclined position.

Adjustment of the comfortable reclining seats is made easier by a memory function that is capable of storing five individual sitting positions. A mere push of a button is then all that is required to move the seat to the position in which the occupant feels most comfortable.

Multicontour backrest for a relaxing back massage at the push of a button

Seat comfort is further enhanced by pneumatically adjustable air cushions in the backrest and a program-controlled massage function. Pressing the "Pulse" button inflates and deflates the central air cushion in the lumbar region at precisely defined intervals and with varying intensity. As confirmed by orthopaedic experts, this pulsating action relieves stress in the back muscles and boosts the metabolism of the intervertebral discs. Each relaxing back massage lasts for five minutes and can be repeated as often as required.

If requested, Maybach can also equip the reclining seats with an active ventilation system, consisting of eight mini ventilators in each of the two rear seats, which allows an even flow of air through the perforations in the seat surface. Thanks to an ingenious system of air ducts, the airflow cools the contact areas between the passengers and the seats, all of which makes for an extremely pleasurable experience. There are three airflow speeds to choose from.

Sophisticated integral system with crash-responsive backrest for outstanding safety

As well as being exceptionally comfortable, the reclining seats in the Maybach 62 S offer an outstanding level of safety – in any position. The restraint system incorporating the belt tensioner, belt-force limiter and sidebag is integrated in the backrest, meaning that the rear passengers can enjoy optimal protection even when the seats are fully reclined. Further safety features include a crash-responsive backrest which is moved into an upright position in the event of a frontal impact and the tensioners on the belt buckles which also tension the lap belt in the event of an accident.

Alternative rear seat configuration

For customers who require space for up to three passengers in the rear, Maybach offers an alternative seat configuration as an option, featuring a third seat in the centre of the rear compartment. If this arrangement is specified, the two luxurious individual seats are retained, while an additional seat is added in place of the standard-fit centre console. The back of this third seat is designed to ensure that all three rear passengers are seated comfortably at all times. If three rear seats are ordered, the controls for the curtain, the lights and the entertainment systems – usually housed in the centre console – are integrated in the centre console drawer unit.

A robust work surface with an exquisite wood finish

Because Maybach 62 S owners will sometimes need to work while on the move in the prestigious luxury saloon, the engineers in Sindelfingen have developed a folding table for each of the two rear seats by drawing on the know-how of their counterparts in the aircraft industry. Lavishly finished aluminium is the material used in this case. The two-piece table surfaces are trimmed with carbon or fine wood on the top side and nappa leather on the underside. Both folding tables are infinitely adjustable for fore/aft position and inclination and are suitable for use as a storage area, a desk or a worktop for a notebook PC. They are housed in special compartments on both sides of the rear centre console, to save space, and can be easily pulled out and folded up by means of an elegant leather loop.

The rear console is the centrepiece of the entertainment and communications package.

Numerous storage compartments enable the rear passengers to easily stow large and small items alike. The exquisitely designed interior door panels alone house ten stowage compartments, complete with flap-style lids and a smooth opening action triggered at the push of a button. However, it is the multifunctional centre console between the seats that forms the heart of the stowage concept in the rear of the luxury saloon.

This is where the Maybach engineers have incorporated all that is needed for the rear passengers' entertainment and enjoyment, including a DVD player, six-disc CD changer, one or two telephone systems, a refrigerator box with its own compressor and an intelligent system which holds glasses and champagne bottles securely in position. The champagne flutes – specifically designed for the Maybach using high-grade sterling silver – are held by clips that automatically grip them (and other stemmed glasses) above the base when they are put down. The clips are released as soon as the rear passenger picks up the glass or flute again.

In addition, the rear centre console contains a range of storage compartments and a keypad with controls for the central locking, interior lighting, intercom system (if the Maybach 62 S is specified with a partition) and the curtains on the rear windscreen and rear side windows. Sockets for connecting a camcorder, an MP3 player or a games console are also provided.

Rear passengers can also keep a constant eye on the current road speed, outside temperature and time as the engineers have developed three elegant, circular dials which are mounted in an overhead panel in the luxury high-end saloon. Similarly, the rear passengers can monitor and control the navigation system, which offers extremely accurate positioning courtesy of state-of-the-art receiver technology, from the luxurious comfort of their seats.

Maybach 62 S customers can also order an optional compass which is mounted on the centre console in front of the rear seats. Developed especially for Maybach, it is based on the same highly precise GPS technology as the satellite navigation system. An elegantly designed compass face indicates the direction of two different destinations to the rear passengers – one destination is variable, the other fixed. By way of example, the needle can be set to always point towards Mecca, thus allowing those of Islamic faith to choose the correct praying position regardless of where they are in the world. In the variable mode, the needle can indicate the direction of the owner's house or the vehicle's final destination; once this point has been reached, the ingenious compass signals this to the rear passenger(s) by rotating its face.

Exterior and interior

• Muscular radiator grille and distinctive rear end symbolise performance potential

• Lavish first-class comfort for the rear passengers

• Carbon, piano lacquer and high-grade leather set the tone

The designers have accentuated the dynamism of the new Maybach 62 S by incorporating discreet visual touches which are fully in keeping with the high design standards of the Maybach brand in terms of both style and material selection.

Prominent exterior features include a radiator grille with pronounced twin louvres spaced widely apart, closely resembling the familiar brand design yet creating an even more striking and powerful impression at the front end of the 62 S. In addition, the headlamp surrounds are painted in the body colour, enhancing the visual prominence of the twin headlamps and emphasising the forward-flowing dynamism of the car. This highly distinctive front aspect is elegantly and dynamically rounded off by fog lamps with shining chrome surrounds positioned low down in the front apron.

Eye-catching features of the side design include 20-inch eleven-spoke light-alloy wheels developed specifically for the Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S, which lend the car a road-hugging appearance, as well as dark-tinted glass for the rear side windows and rear windscreen (not in the US), which affords the occupants of the large saloon some much-welcomed privacy.

The rear end is characterised by a new-look rear apron which integrates the two visible, trapezoidal chrome exhaust tailpipes on the left and right into the vehicle contours and thereby particularly accentuates their visual effect. Plus the boot lid bears the lettering "Maybach" and "62 S", the model designation also being repeated on the side wings beneath the A-pillars.

A single-tone paint finish – in "Baltic Black" or "Nevada Silver", both of which are available exclusively for the 57 S and 62 S models – confirms the special position of the 62 S within the luxury car line-up produced in Sindelfingen. Alternatively, an elegant, sporty metallic paint finish in shimmering white ("Antigua White Metallic") can be specified as an option. The appearance of this particular shade changes subtly, depending on how the light strikes it, and is especially lustrous in bright sunlight.