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2006 Maybach 57S Preview

A Luxury Home on Wheels?

This is the new Maybach 57S, a car that has the prestigious title of being Maybachs first sporty vehicle. Since the Fulda-commissioned Exelero, it appears Maybach has a hankering for getting some of its customers from the lusciously appointed rear recliners into the drivers seat; a car for the discerning multi-billionaire who wishes to drive, rather than be driven (if such a breed exists).

The 57S also holds the title of the worlds first sports limousine. Though based on the compact short wheelbase Maybach platform, it still has a wheelbase thats large enough to nearly swallow a MINI Cooper whole. Its around 8 inches longer than most uber-luxury sedans like the Audi A8

The 57S: The car for those who cant decide between sports car and limousine. (Photo: Maybach)

and company. How on earth can anyone justify calling this 18.7 foot long monstrosity a sports sedan? You can, by making it impossibly fast.

To do this, AMG, Mercedes-Benzs tuning firm have delved into their parts bin, and dug up their most profound internal combustion engine yet - the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 found in the S65, SL65 and CL65 AMG. Slotted into the Maybachs engine bay with plenty of room to spare, it is linked to a five-speed automatic gearbox that drives

Big 6.0 litre 612 hp twin-turbo V12 is handbuilt by German craftsmen. (Photo: Maybach)

the rear wheels, just like any of the Stuttgart machines.
 
The hand-built V12 is good for plenty of go - 612 hp and 737 lb-ft worth of it. Thats a gargantuan increase over the standard 550 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, figures that could happily be spread over three midsize automobiles. Of course, as the story goes with the 65-series Mercs, those engineers could have extracted much more, but output was capped for fear of detonating the fragile transmission.
Mash the gas and each and every last of its 5,864 lbs is catapulted to 60 mph in under five seconds. Think about that for a second - thats

It may be one of the biggest cars on the road, but its very quick: 0-60 km/h in under five seconds! (Photo: Maybach)

right on the verge of supercar territory. Even more impressive is its midrange torque - passing occurs literally in the blink of an eye. Fifty to seventy-five mph is history in just 3.7 seconds. And if theres a road long (and wide enough) to accommodate a high-speed run, the 57S can eventually reach a top speed of 171 mph. Theoretically, it can do more, but the cooler heads have electronically set the reigns.

Met with much more power, AMG has gone and fettled about with the suspension and electronic gizmos to improve the 57s road manners. Thicker anti-sway bars - rumored to be cast-iron girders - have been fitted, while the adjustable air suspension has been programmed for a stiffer feel and firmer damping. The car rides a whole

More choices than topping combinations at your local burger joint. (Photo: Maybach)

0.6 inches lower on new 20-inch wheels wrapped in 275/40 Michelin Pilot rubber designed specifically to cope with the vehicles heft.

Given Maybachs clientele, the 57S will still be as plush as any other high end luxury car. Its purpose is to conquer long distances without breaking a sweat. I imagine that at a high-speed cruise, it must feel like a waterbed. A waterbed with sat-nav, multiple LCD displays, piano-key lacquer, carbon fibre trim and enough room to literally stretch out, that is. A bit of distinction for the S is added by new leather trim with contrasting piping. Countless other options can be piled on, and Maybach will be more than pleased to build one to your exact tastes.

Your money also guarantees you a slightly different look. Adopted is a variation of the Exeleros toothy grille, and a very gentlemanly bodykit which includes a new rear valance that integrates

New grille, new wheels and monochrome paint for the half-million dollar Maybach. (Photo: Maybach)

a pair of unusual triangular exhaust tips. Its all very neat and tidy like the latest Versace sports jacket. You wont find any two-toned articles of clothing in Versaces fashion lineup this year - and neither will you on the 57S options list: the octogenarian two-toned paintwork has been banished for a slicker, monochrome attire.

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