- Maybach reinvigorates the legend of the landaulet
automobiles
- Folding roof for pampered rear-seat passengers
- Based on the world's most powerful series-produced chauffeured
saloon
Stuttgart– The tradition-laden Maybach luxury brand is adding a fifth model
to its line-up.
The new Maybach Landaulet resurrects the legend of the classic luxury
landaulets, a feature of which is that only the chauffeur's area is closed. An
extra-large folding roof opens up over the pampered rear-seat passengers when
required, leaving no obstructions between them and the blue sky above. The
Maybach Landaulet thus offers a majestic open-air experience currently
unrivalled by any other automobile.
Boasting a certain romantic quality and allowing its passengers the
opportunity to savour a closeness to nature, this exceptional vehicle also
features the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication and as such
sets the new standard for the world's most exclusive luxury vehicles.
In November 2007, Maybach revived the aura of the grand carriages of days
gone by with its Landaulet study. The response from the public to this
masterpiece was overwhelming, so much so that Maybach decided to offer the
hand-built Landaulet based exclusively on the customer's own specifications. A
limited number of vehicles will be built in the Manufaktur workshops in
Sindelfingen, Germany, over a restricted period.
The finest materials are painstakingly handcrafted by select craftsmen to
meet the customers' exacting requirements - just as the discerning Maybach
clientele would expect.
According to the latest Luxury Brand Status Index
(LBSI), a survey of 531 U.S. millionaires recently voted Maybach the most
prestigious luxury automobile brand.
Exclusive workplace for the chauffeur, exquisite luxury for
passengers
The Maybach Landaulet is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and comes
with its very own exciting yet distinguished, authentic style. While the
chauffeur's workplace is appointed with high-grade, smooth black leather and
trim elements in glossy piano lacquer, the passengers in the rear with its
optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun. They travel on
opulent reclining seats upholstered in exquisite Grand Nappa leather in an
environment of utmost luxury and exquisite style.
Large folding roof for a close-to experience of nature
In technical terms the Maybach Landaulet 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 have 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 reclining seats remain unchanged.
When closed, the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the roof frame
formed by the longitudinal roof arches and is wind- and weather-proof. When
requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre
console. Fully automatically, the electro-hydraulic system then opens the roof.
The top is folded and gently laid onto the parcel shelf in the rear, together
with its integral rear windscreen made of safety glass.
The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fine leather tonneau
cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the
overall picture of outstanding elegance. The tonneau cover comes in the same
colour as the interior of the rear compartment, thereby ensuring consistent
styling and creating a harmonious link with the exterior. A logo reading
"Maybach Landaulet" in the colour specified by the customer is embroidered onto
the cover, where it is visible to following traffic.
Designed specifically for open-top motoring
Maybach has adapted the luxurious rear compartment to the requirements of
open-top motoring. For instance, the rear head restraints are slightly larger
than on the saloon and effectively help reduce wind turbulence. Another slim
wind deflector is automatically raised at speeds above 70 km/h to further reduce
the risk of any uncomfortable draughts. The deflector, which measures around
five centimetres, can be activated manually at any time. The switch is
conveniently positioned for rear passengers in the centre console.
The intercom in the passenger compartment is fitted with an additional
handset in the centre console, allowing passengers to communicate with the
driver at any time while the roof is down.
Appointments to satisfy every desire
The new Maybach Landaulet is painted in Baltic Black or Nevada Silver in a
sophisticated process that ensures the highest standards of quality. Clients can
choose from three leather appointment options, and a choice of two trim element
finishes – black piano lacquer combined with either carbon-fibre trim or fine
anthracite poplar.
As testimony to its exceptional customer focus, Maybach also meets many
customer special requirements at no extra charge. For instance, Landaulet
clients can choose the individual appointments for their vehicle from the entire
Maybach paint finish, leather and trim element range. An extra charge only
applies to highly exclusive requirements such as special paint finishes based on
the customer's own specifications, select leather colours, trim elements in
natural stone or the electro-transparent partition.
Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch aluminium wheels, also available as
an option painted in the vehicle colour or burnished to a high sheen in a
special finishing process.
Engine and suspension
The Maybach Landaulet is powered by an uprated V12 engine, developed for the
Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S. Thanks to twin turbochargers, the V12 engine
develops 450 kW from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. Equipped with the
AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension system and
the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) the Landaulet model achieves an outstanding
level of ride comfort whilst at the same time proving that even a prestigious
automobile can display excellent agility and handling qualities.
First deliveries in autumn 2008
The Maybach Landaulet will cost EUR 900,000 (or US$ 1.35 million). The first
customer vehicles are due to leave Maybach Manufaktur in autumn 2008.
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