Maybach Landaulet Concept. Jan 08
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 clear, blue sky above.
Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white leather, passengers 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.
The Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S, 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 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 just 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.
The comfort and spaciousness of the rear has been adopted unchanged from the Maybach 62. Passengers are welcomed into the interior by two large, single seats. These elegant seats allow even very tall passengers to enjoy a reclining position normally seen only in the first-class armchairs of passenger jets.
As in the Maybach 62 S, the rear console is the centrepiece for entertainment, communications and travelling pleasure. Here, Maybach engineers have grouped together entertainment and comfort features for 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.
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 from a displacement of 5980cc. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm 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 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.
