Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Zetsche: Maybach "not significant or relevant," but a facelift is coming anyway]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/zetsche-maybach-not-significant-or-relevant-but-a-facelift-i/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2010 Maybach Zeppelin - click above for high-res gallery

Maybach's 2009 sales through the first eleven months of this year have declined about 20 percent. That's at the kinder end of the industry average, all the more impressive because the "cheapest" one starts at $358,000. The part that's not so kind is the actual number of sales: 88, versus 110 last year.

Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche has told Autocar that there's a facelifted Maybach on the way, but his comments sound like those of a player ready to get out of this game. With an aside that he thinks luxury buyers are becoming more discreet, he admitted that Maybach's addition to the company "is not significant or relevant" and "there are no plans in the long run." Correct us if we aren't remembering correctly, but last we checked Dr. Z wasn't the kind of guy to leave dead weight hanging around.

This is just speculation, but assuming he spoke of Rolls-Royce when he said "there are only two players in this market and we are one of them," (apparently Bentley's Mulsanne doesn't move his needle) perhaps Zetsche sees the top tier luxury race needing only one Maybach hit or a Rolls stumble to even up. Rolls sales have fallen 18 percent this year, but that's from 407 to 330. On the other hand, Zetsche's unwillingness to commit to saying a new Maybach is on the way makes us think you should get one while you can. Or not. Hat tip to Williem D!


Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin


[Source: Autocar]

Zetsche: Maybach "not significant or relevant," but a facelift is coming anyway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Dieter ZetscheDieterZetschemaybachmaybach 57Maybach 62Maybach landauletMaybach ZeppelinMaybach57Maybach62MaybachLandauletMaybachZeppelinzetsche Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Celebrated photographer David LaChapelle gets artsy with Maybach [UPDATE: Video added]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/celebrated-photographer-david-lachapelle-gets-artsy-with-maybach/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/celebrated-photographer-david-lachapelle-gets-artsy-with-maybach/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/celebrated-photographer-david-lachapelle-gets-artsy-with-maybach/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Maybach Zeppelin through the eyes of David LaChapelle - click above to view high-res NSFW gallery

While its enduring legacy will forever be crippling hyperinflation and the inability to fight the rise of Nazism, Germany's post World War I Weimar Republic has something of a positive, cultural heritage. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, theater, art, architecture (Bauhaus anyone?) and music all flourished in pre-Hitler Germany. Cabaret and promiscuity in general became so widespread that conservatives had to busy themselves banning jazz and passing laws against teenagers purchasing pornography. Long story short, Berlin was quite the place to be during the Jazz Age.

And not a bad place to shop for cars, either. Especially decadent, luxury cars. Like the dreamy Mercedes-Benz SSK. Or a stately Horch 430 Cabriolet Drophead Coupe. And even if we could forget the irrepressible 1931 Maybach Zeppelin DS 8, Daimler wouldn't let us. To wit, in order to publicize their brand-new Maybach Zeppelin, Daimler has retained the services of noted fashion/art photographer David LaChapelle and furnished him with both the new car and a lovely custard and black example of the OG 1931 Zeppelin. Here's how Daimler describes the collaboration:
"The renowned American photographer has chosen to collaborate with style icon Daphne Guinness to portray both vehicles in his signature fashion. With creative freedom entrusted to LaChapelle by Maybach, he created photos that whisk the observer to a world filled with luxurious extravagance that features LaChapelle's celebrated surreal tableaux."
Fair enough. There is actually something of a precedent here, as Andy Warhol created a 35-part series for Daimler in 1986 entitled, "Car." Coincidently, it was Warhol that discovered LaChapelle. As far as LaChapelle's photos go, we're showing you the much less interesting one here on the mainpage. There's a Not Safe For Work (nudity) gallery of the other stuff after the jump. Are they any good? Hard to say, but we are reminded of Hunter S. Thompson's description of Bazooko's Circus as, "what the whole hep world would be doing Saturday night if the Nazis had won the war... the Sixth Reich." See for yourselves along with a press release and a making-of video after the jump (NSFW).

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Celebrated photographer David LaChapelle gets artsy with Maybach [UPDATE: Video added]

Celebrated photographer David LaChapelle gets artsy with Maybach [UPDATE: Video added] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1931 Maybach Zeppelin1931 Maybach Zeppelin DS 81931MaybachZeppelin1931MaybachZeppelinDs82010 Maybach2010 Maybach Zeppelin2010Maybach2010MaybachZeppelinAndy WarholAndyWarholDaimlerDavid LaChapelleDavidLachapelleHorchMaybachMaybach 62maybach 62 zeppelinMaybach ZeppelinMaybach Zeppelin DS 8Maybach62Maybach62ZeppelinMaybachZeppelinMaybachZeppelinDs8Weimar RepublicWeimarRepublic Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Maybach drops full slate of Zeppelin images]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/pics-aplenty-maybach-drops-full-slate-of-zeppelin-images/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/pics-aplenty-maybach-drops-full-slate-of-zeppelin-images/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/pics-aplenty-maybach-drops-full-slate-of-zeppelin-images/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Maybach Zeppelin 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hi everybody! You're looking at the $612,000 Maybach Zeppelin 62. We've already given out opinion as to why the new Zeppelin range of Maybachs probably ain't worth the extra money. So never mind the economics of the car -- at least for a few minutes. What we have here is a big old gallery worth of images of the new ultra-exclusive top of the line Maybach in its natural habitat. That's right, running around the French Riviera. We'll get to sneak a peak at the new Zeppelin's interior come Geneva. Maybe even sit inside it if we can catch a security guard dozing on the job.

We've been hearing rumors of Maybach's demise for quite some time, but as soon as some pundit yells game over, Daimler's uber-luxury brand goes and releases another model -- like the kooky Landaulet. And we don't mean kooky in a derogatory way. We mean it in a "We're kooky and we'd love to pull up to a roller derby game in a white-on-white Landaulet with half a dozen of our closest friends" kind of way. Failing that, we wouldn't mind rolling 'round town in a Zeppelin. Especially if we're not paying.


Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin


Gallery: 2010 Maybach Zeppelin in SoCal


[Source: Daimler]

Pics Aplenty: Maybach drops full slate of Zeppelin images originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> daimlerMaybachMaybach 57Maybach 62Maybach ZeppelinMaybach Zeppelin 57Maybach Zeppelin 62Maybach57Maybach62MaybachZeppelinMaybachZeppelin57MaybachZeppelin62maycbachmercedes-benzpics aplentyPicsAplentyZeppelin Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST <![CDATA[AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/ab-stops-at-the-27th-concours-delegance-at-the-st-regis-monarc/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/ab-stops-at-the-27th-concours-delegance-at-the-st-regis-monarc/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/ab-stops-at-the-27th-concours-delegance-at-the-st-regis-monarc/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis, Dana Point - Click above for high-res image gallery

For its 27th iteration, Orange County's most prestigious classic car show returned to the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, and finally dropped the "Newport Beach" from its name. No longer would it be known as the Newport Beach Concours d'Elegance, instead adopting the Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis moniker. The title may have changed, but the quality of the entrants hasn't. Still benefiting the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital and the CSP Assessment and Treatment Services Center, the field of classic cars at this concours was once again stunning.

This year's featured marque was Mercedes-Benz, and the automaker was represented by some truly spectacular models, aided in no small part by the show's proximity to the Mercedes Classic Car Center, the factory-backed restoration shop for vintage Mercedes vehicles. Besides the beautiful Benzes, the roughly 3,000 attendees got to see about 300 other classic and exotic vehicles spread out around the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and the adjacent Dana Point Sea Terrace Park. Read on to learn what else we found during our day in Dana Point and don't forget to check out the huge gallery below.


Gallery: 27th Annual Concours d'Elegance at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort


All photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort

AB stops at the 27th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> classic carclassic carsClassicCarClassicCarsConcoursConcours dEleganceConcours dElegance at the St. RegisConcoursDeleganceConcoursDeleganceAtTheSt.Regisdana pointDanaPointmonarch beachMonarchBeachNewport Beach Concours dEleganceNewportBeachConcoursDeleganceSt. Regis ConcoursSt. Regis Monarch BeachSt.RegisConcoursSt.RegisMonarchBeachsupercarsupercars Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Maybach gets a nose job...sorta]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/spy-shots-maybach-gets-a-nose-job-sorta/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/spy-shots-maybach-gets-a-nose-job-sorta/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/spy-shots-maybach-gets-a-nose-job-sorta/#comments Filed under: , ,

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again .As if it knows already that slapping the Zeppelin name on its slow-selling flagship limo wouldn't do the trick, Daimler is back at it with a very mild facelift to its Maybach line.

It's so mild, in fact, that the test mule was able to circulate undisguised, as we really had to compare side by side to see what had been changed. But if you squint your eyes and tilt your head just so, you can see that the Maybach in the spy shots has a slightly different bumper and grille, and is said to be carrying LED headlamps, with similar mods to the rear. Maybach may be giving the interior a slight refresh, too, but they can't expect the almost indiscernible facelift to help it gain any territory on arch-rival Rolls-Royce and Bentley, can they?

[Source: EVO]

Spy Shots: Maybach gets a nose job...sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> maybachmaybach 57maybach 62Maybach57Maybach62spy shots maybachSpyShotsMaybachupdated maybachUpdatedMaybach Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:33:00 EST <![CDATA[Lead Zeppelin? Maybach exhumes long-dormant nameplate for new super-lux model]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/lead-zeppelin-maybach-exhumes-long-dormant-nameplate-for-new-su/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/lead-zeppelin-maybach-exhumes-long-dormant-nameplate-for-new-su/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/lead-zeppelin-maybach-exhumes-long-dormant-nameplate-for-new-su/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Click above to view the Maybach Zeppelin in high-resolution

One of these days, the guys at Daimler headquarters in Stuttgart will realize that, to make Maybach a success, the marque is going to need to do more than revive some old names and slap 'em on an oversized version of the old Mercedes S-Class. Until then, however, it's full speed ahead on the current course, as Maybach is poised to unveil Zeppelin editions of its current models.

Reviving the old nameplate of the original Maybach's top-spec model, the new Zeppelin is little more than a pricy trim package. €406,000 (about $525k USD by today's rates) gets you a Maybach 57 Zeppelin, while the larger 62 commands a €473,200 ($612k) sum. In exchange, you get some unique 20" dark chrome rims, the requisite special badges, dark red tail lights, vertical exhaust outlets, special leather upholstery ("California beige" with "Stromboli black" stitching), piano lacquer trim, a set of silver champagne flutes and a plastic fragrance dispenser.

Maybach says they'll only make 100 Zeppelin editions, but remember: that's a maximum, and we'd be surprised if they actually sold that many. Full details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Lead Zeppelin? Maybach exhumes long-dormant nameplate for new super-lux model

Lead Zeppelin? Maybach exhumes long-dormant nameplate for new super-lux model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> geneva auto salongeneva motor showGenevaAutoSalonGenevaMotorShowlimolimousinemaybachmaybach 57 zeppelinmaybach 62 zeppelinmaybach genevamaybach special editionmaybach zeppelinMaybach57ZeppelinMaybach62ZeppelinMaybachGenevaMaybachSpecialEditionMaybachZeppelinplutocrat Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Maybach leads luxury segment... in depreciation]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/maybach-leads-luxury-segment-in-depreciation/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/maybach-leads-luxury-segment-in-depreciation/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/maybach-leads-luxury-segment-in-depreciation/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Anybody want to buy a used Maybach? Hello? The idea may sound entirely preposterous - an anathema, even, to the brand's nouveau riche market - but it may be the best way to get your hands on Mercedes' super-lux big brother. Of course that's the positive way to look at it, but the flip side is that, as demonstrated by recently released statistics, Maybach has the highest depreciation rates of any car on the market.

Over the course of the first year of ownership, a new Maybach 62S is assessed to lose a whopping $183k off its half-a-million-dollar sticker price. That's 39% off its purchase value in the span of a year, or roughly $500 every day. The Rolls-Royce Phantom, by comparison, loses "only" about $100k, or 24%. Slightly further down-market, things are even worse... by percentage, at least: a BMW 7 Series loses a tear-jerking 51%, and a Mercedes S-Class 47%. While depreciation is expected on a new car, this is bordering on depressing.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

Maybach leads luxury segment... in depreciation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> depreciationmaybachresale valueResaleValueresidual valueResidualValue Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:31:00 EST <![CDATA[The six-seat Maybach 72, when 62 decimeters just isn't enough]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/the-six-seat-maybach-72-when-62-decimeters-just-isnt-enough/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/the-six-seat-maybach-72-when-62-decimeters-just-isnt-enough/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/the-six-seat-maybach-72-when-62-decimeters-just-isnt-enough/#comments Filed under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the stretched Maybach 72
As if the regular old Maybach 62 wasn't decadent enough, someone just went ahead and created a Maybach 72. Starting with a donor 2004 Maybach 62, the creator stretched it enough to add a pair of rear-facing back seats to make a true limo experience. Whereas the original model was 62 decimeters (decimeter = 1/10th meter) long, the resultant party palace is 72. The price of the vehicle is said to be double that of the original at $780,000. That's a whole lot of coin, but it does have less than 500 miles on the odometer. And this is the only Maybach we know of that goes to 11 72. It's no taxi, but it sure is novel.

Gallery: Maybach 72


[Source: Motor Authority]

The six-seat Maybach 72, when 62 decimeters just isn't enough originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> maybach 72Maybach 72 limoMaybach limoMaybach six-seaterMaybach72Maybach72LimoMaybachLimoMaybachSix-seater Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST <![CDATA[First Lagonda to be based on S-Class?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/first-lagonda-to-be-based-on-s-class/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/first-lagonda-to-be-based-on-s-class/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/first-lagonda-to-be-based-on-s-class/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



It sounds like a match made in heaven. A new duo of sedans styled by Aston Martin with Mercedes-Benz engineering prowess propping them up. Assuming that these two automakers can get their next super-sedans bolted together well enough, the first sedan from the recently-revived Lagonda brand and the next Maybach may be jointly designed by the two companies, which just recently began collaborating with each other. Early reports indicate that the two premium saloons would be based on the latest S-Class chassis architecture, with the Maybach brand getting the most luxurious accouterments and the Lagonda holding the sporty end of the stick.

Powertrain options for these two luxury vehicles would come from Daimler as a revised version of the V12 engine that currently powers the Maybach limos and which may even by hybridized. The jointly developed super saloons would theoretically cut the development time and budget for each by significant amounts, assuming that these two sets of management can find a way to work together. We have high hopes.

[Source: Autocar]

First Lagonda to be based on S-Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin lagondaAstonMartinAstonMartinLagondadaimlerdaimler aston martinDaimlerAstonMartinlagondamaybachmaybach lagondaMaybachLagondamercedes-benzmercedes-benz lagondaMercedes-benzLagonda Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:19:00 EST <![CDATA[Thus sprache Zetsche: Maybach not going anywhere]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/thus-sprache-zetsche-maybach-not-going-anywhere/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/thus-sprache-zetsche-maybach-not-going-anywhere/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/thus-sprache-zetsche-maybach-not-going-anywhere/#comments Filed under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Maybach 62 Landaulet

Seemingly nothing - not the credit crunch, not miniscule sales, not its own lengthy, lugubrious looks - can kill the Maybach. People who have wondered how long Mercedes will keep dishing out tiny servings of the enormous cars can wonder no more: top guy Dieter Zetsche has said Maybach is here to stay, and that the brand "is not losing money."

We don't know how a division that moved just 146 cars last year, even if they start at $372,000, isn't losing money. But the $1.35 million Landaulet should help things, and to be to be fair, Zetsche has said before that Maybach's profitability or otherwise is not the issue - the car is a suitable competitor to Rolls-Royce and Bentley. And Daimler has demonstrated patience: it waded through the rough times with the smart car division for ten years, and now has black ink and a hot brand to show for it.

Gallery: Maybach 62 Landaulet


[Source: Automotive News via eGM Car Tech]

Thus sprache Zetsche: Maybach not going anywhere originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dieter zetscheDieterZetschemaybachmaybach 57maybach 62 landauletmaybach 62 smaybach landauletMaybach57Maybach62LandauletMaybach62SMaybachLandauletmercedesmercedes-benzzetsche Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Super rich may avoid super expensive cars because of bad image]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/wealthy-folks-may-be-avoiding-super-cars-because-of-bad-image/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/wealthy-folks-may-be-avoiding-super-cars-because-of-bad-image/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/wealthy-folks-may-be-avoiding-super-cars-because-of-bad-image/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

If you've got it, flaunt it. The super high-end automotive market has been counting on that attitude for years, and it may now be coming back to bite them. It seems that sales of luxury marques such as Bentley, Maybach and Aston Martin have been on a downward trajectory over the last year. Despite the fact that there are a number of people who still have plenty of dough to purchase these expensive toys, public perception is causing some of them to hold back and keep those fat wallets in their pockets.

To combat the problem, some high-end brands are choosing to aim even higher. If ex-customers with a net-worth of less than $5 million find it socially unacceptable to make a purchase, Bentley has said it will begin marketing to those with at least a net worth of $25 million. Let us add that we've driven a few Bentleys and Rollers and can say with certainty that they are definitely conspicuous in a sea of CamCords and Mustangs.

Gallery: First Drive: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe


[Source: Advertising Age]

Super rich may avoid super expensive cars because of bad image originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleyhigh end carshigh-end carsHigh-endCarsHighEndCarsluxury carsLuxuryCarsmaybachrolls royceRollsRoyce Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>CAR</i> reveals Project Alligator as big Mercedes/Aston Martin collaboration]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/i-car-i-reveals-project-alligator-as-big-mercedes-aston-marti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/i-car-i-reveals-project-alligator-as-big-mercedes-aston-marti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/i-car-i-reveals-project-alligator-as-big-mercedes-aston-marti/#comments Filed under: , ,



Project Alligator. That's the internal code-name for a potential collaboration between Mercedes and Aston Martin on everything from drivetrains to platforms. CAR's September issue gets into all the details, which includes such tasty nuggest as the possible use of AMG's 6.2-liter V8 in the next Vantage, porting over Mercedes' future eight-speed auto 'box into Astons, sharing platforms between both automaker's high-end models (think SL and beyond), cooperating on the development of diesels and hybrids, and using Aston's future products to keep Maybach alive and maybe even help the wayward ultra-luxury brand thrive with up to five new models. But it gets even bigger. A collaboration between the two could place M-B in a good position to buy Aston Martin if its new owners, including Prodrive's David Richards, decide to exit the automaking biz. As CAR points out, however, the only potential loser from Project Alligator coming to fruition is Mercedes' other partner, McLaren.

[Source: CAR]

CAR reveals Project Alligator as big Mercedes/Aston Martin collaboration originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinAstonMartincooperatecooperativemercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenz Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST <![CDATA[The Maybach Exelero can be yours... for $7.8 million]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/06/the-maybach-exelero-can-be-yours-for-7-8-million/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/06/the-maybach-exelero-can-be-yours-for-7-8-million/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/06/the-maybach-exelero-can-be-yours-for-7-8-million/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Maybach Exelero

Big-bucks enthusiasts annoyed that they're not the only ones at the club with a Veyron can now ensure that they arrive in total exclusivity. That's because the one-off Maybach Exelero, commissioned by Fulda to act as a high-profile demonstrator for its tire line of the same name, is now for sale. The Exelero isn't some delicate flower of a show car. Based on the Maybach 57 and powered by a 700-horsepower version of that car's turbocharged V12, the Exelero reached 218 mph at Nardo. In many ways, Exelero represents what Maybach could have and should have been -- a place where daring styling and incredible performance could merge with extreme luxury to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Instead, while the marque's sedans clearly get the luxury part of the equation right, in terms of styling, they basically work in anonymity, looking like peculiar old S-Class sedans. There's nothing anonymous about the Exelero, though, and for €5,000,000 (around $7.8 million USD), you can drive the sybaritic supercar that Daimler should have given Maybach all along.

Gallery: Maybach Exelero


[Anamera via eGMCarTech]

The Maybach Exelero can be yours... for $7.8 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 5 million5000000 euro5000000Euro5Millionexelerofor saleForSalefuldamaybachone-off Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:03:00 EST <![CDATA[Maybach prices 62 Landaulet for America at $1.35 million]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/maybach-prices-62-landaulet-for-america-at-1-35-million/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/maybach-prices-62-landaulet-for-america-at-1-35-million/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/maybach-prices-62-landaulet-for-america-at-1-35-million/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Click above to view the Maybach 62 Landaulet in hi-res

Okay, it just hit us: eccentric. That's what the Maybach 62 Landaulet is, in a word. In fact, you could apply that to the whole Maybach venture. Like Dennis Hopper said in the Keanu-tastic action flick Speed, "Poor people are crazy, Jack. I'm eccentric." Daimler is evidently hoping that there are enough "eccentric" people in the United States to warrant bringing over the head-scratchingly-strange Maybach 62 Landaulet to the American market.

With trepidation and a considerable measure of revulsion, we've covered the emergence of the Landaulet from the initial rumor, through the preview before the car's unveiling in Dubai (where else), the first video footage, its North American debut and its eventual production confirmation. It's been a long and crazy wind-tousled process, and now comes confirmation that it's coming our way. Oh, and the price? Ultimately confirmed at $1.35 million. That's not a typo, and it's higher even than the highest estimates we received previously. In case you, like us, are wondering who would spend that kind of money on a convertible version of a car that ordinarily costs (an already exorbitant) $433,750, ask Hans-Dieter Mulhaupt, the VP in charge of the Maybach program: "The Landaulet is for a superrich individual who wants something that is extremely extraordinary and enjoys being driven in a car with acres of sky above them." There you have it: "extremely extraordinary", for a million-dollar premium. Check out the images in the gallery below...those are free.

Gallery: Maybach 62 Landaulet


[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Maybach prices 62 Landaulet for America at $1.35 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> maybachmaybach landauletmaybach landaulet americamaybach landaulet millionmaybach landaulet pricedmaybach landaulet united statesMaybachLandauletMaybachLandauletAmericaMaybachLandauletMillionMaybachLandauletPricedMaybachLandauletUnitedStates Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Russian aristocrats travel in luxury cabs]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/06/russian-aristocrats-travel-in-luxury-cabs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/06/russian-aristocrats-travel-in-luxury-cabs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/06/russian-aristocrats-travel-in-luxury-cabs/#comments Filed under: , ,



It's a brilliant marketing come-on, really. Who wants to climb into a GAZ-24, however appealing it might be to obscure-car guys, when you could sink into the all-enveloping sumptuousness of a Maybach 62? Need to get to Gorky Park quickly? A Porsche Cayenne outfitted with a meter and checkerboard detailing awaits at the curb. It's not just a fancied-up VW, still carrying the VR6 behind the Porsche crest, either. No, this Cayenne is a TechArt Magnum, packing enough horsepower to light Long Island. Shaking that covey of shifty-eyed men in the shiny black Zil won't be a problem. It's not known if the fare is commensurate with the price of the vehicle, however.

[Source: englishrussia.com]

Russian aristocrats travel in luxury cabs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> luxury taxiLuxuryTaximaybachmaybach 62maybach taxiMaybach62MaybachTaxiporsche cayenneporsche cayenne taxiPorscheCayennePorscheCayenneTaxirussiarussian taxiRussianTaxitecharttechart magnumTechartMagnum Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Daimler considers shutting down Maybach]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/daimler-considers-shutting-down-maybach/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/daimler-considers-shutting-down-maybach/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/daimler-considers-shutting-down-maybach/#comments Filed under: , ,

Daimler will take the next two years to decide whether to invest more in its failing Maybach flagship marque or else shut it down. This comes from the mouth of Daimler and Mercedes chief Dr. Dieter Zetsche, who inherited the problem-child brand from his predecessor, ex-CEO Juergen Schrempp.

After ditching Chrysler, another deal that was orchestrated by Schrempp, Dr. Z may be inclined to shut down Maybach, too. By all accounts the ultra-premium brand has not been a sales success, barely reaching ten percent of its original sales forecast. In speaking with TheCarConnection.com, however, Zetsche insisted that Maybach's profitability "does not matter" in the face of demonstrating Mercedes' capability of competing with archrival BMW's pinnacle Rolls-Royce (and Volkswagen's Bentley), but that may prove to be all talk if Maybach doesn't present a solid business case. Zetsche confirmed that there are currently no plans on the table for new Maybach products - cutting short speculation over a new baby Maybach positioned between the current 57 and the Mercedes S-Class - and that even the outrageously-priced 62 Landaulet was unlikely to make much headway in turning the brand's fortunes around. We guess P.Diddy and his crew will have to find another ride.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Daimler considers shutting down Maybach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cancel maybachCancelMaybachclose maybachCloseMaybachdieter zetscheDieterZetschemaybachno new maybachNoNewMaybachshut down maybachShutDownMaybach Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Maybach to put 62 Landaulet into production]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/maybach-to-put-62-landaulet-into-production/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/maybach-to-put-62-landaulet-into-production/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/maybach-to-put-62-landaulet-into-production/#comments Filed under: , ,


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.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: Maybach 62 Landaulet

Maybach to put 62 Landaulet into production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 62 s62Savailableconvertiblelandauletlistmaybachmillionpriceproduction Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Maybach Landaulet arrives in style]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-maybach-landaulet-arrives-in-style/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-maybach-landaulet-arrives-in-style/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-maybach-landaulet-arrives-in-style/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


click above for more high-res images of the Maybach Lanaulet

If you'd rather be driven by a chauffeur than get behind the wheel yourself, you might want to check out the Maybach Landaulet that made its North American debut in Detroit this week. The half sedan/half convertible allows for the driver's compartment to be completely closed while the passengers in the rear can enjoy open top motoring. The sky isn't the only luxury available - passengers are treated to supple white leather seating and a full entertainment system with a DVD player 6-disc CD changer, dual television screens, and even a compartment to hold a bottle of champagne and goblets. The rear seats also recline, meaning you can lie back, listen to some tunes, and enjoy the fresh air while you sip on your drink. We'd love a test drive ride, but in some place a little warmer than Detroit.

Gallery: Maybach 62 Landaulet

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Maybach Landaulet arrives in style

Detroit 2008: Maybach Landaulet arrives in style originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> DetroitDetroit 2008Detroit2008LandauletMaybachMaybach LandauletMaybach Landaulet ConceptMaybachLandauletMaybachLandauletConcept Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:13:00 EST <![CDATA[Tycoons catered to at Detroit Auto Show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/tycoons-catered-to-at-detroit-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/tycoons-catered-to-at-detroit-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/tycoons-catered-to-at-detroit-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Has Porsche's declined invitation spurred the lodge members behind the Detroit Auto Show to showcase their appeal to luxury brands? So that might not be the reason, but the NAIAS brain trust has put together a private soiree that will highlight the other exclusive marques, like Bentley, Ferrari, and Maybach.

NAIAS Senior Co-Chairman Carl Galeana said, "This unique event was designed for those individuals who favor high-end, luxury vehicles and wish to have a special preview of the elite vehicles on display." That isn't exactly true, because we favor high-end, luxury vehicles and we didn't get an invite. Which means this event is strictly for those that have a different working definition of "liquid" than we do.

So far, 200 plutocrats and Big Bank Hanks have been offered access to The Gallery. To also feature music and gourmet food, as well as the opportunity to meet company executives and designers, the invite-only event takes place the evening of Jan. 13 on the show floor.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Tycoons catered to at Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:31:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Maybach 62 S Landaulet]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/25/video-maybach-62-s-landaulet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/25/video-maybach-62-s-landaulet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/25/video-maybach-62-s-landaulet/#comments Filed under: ,



The rumors, the announcement, the official photos...none of it was enough to believe a once sensible company like Daimler-Benz could have created something so outrageously, ridiculously impractical as a six-figure, all-white, high-performance, partial-convertible, super-luxury limousine. Seeing it on video doesn't quite make it believable either. (It's kinda like the Moon Landing to conspiracy theorists that way). But short of seeing it up close and in person - which we hope won't be necessary - this is just about as close as we'd want to get. Okay, we believe, we believe. Just make it stop.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Maybach 62 S Landaulet

VIDEO: Maybach 62 S Landaulet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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