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These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Volvo

It happens every year. We bid adieu to some cars and trucks that will be missed, and say good riddance to others wondering how they stayed around so long. Whether they're being killed off for slow sales or due to a new product coming along to replace them, the list of vehicles being discontinued after 2012 is surprisingly long and diverse.

CNN Money has compiled a list of departing vehicles, to which we've added a few more of our own. In the slow sales column, cars like the Lexus HS 250h, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the full Maybach lineup appear, while the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Veracruz are all having their gaps filled with more modern and more fuel-efficient alternatives. Obvious exceptions to the rule include models that still sell in decent numbers like the Jeep Liberty and the Chrysler Town & Country (which will eventually be replaced by a crossover-like vehicle).

Check out our gallery of discontinued cars above, then scroll down for more information.

Continue reading These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybach officially discontinues all models for 2013

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Luxury

The word "Maybach" has joined the long list of synonyms for the word "kaput." Mercedes-Benz released the price list for the 2013 models of its super-luxury sedans, with the price column simply stating "Discontinued" for each one of them.

The 2012 models, should there be any left for 11th-hour buyers, maintain the increased MSRPs that Daimler slapped on them late last year after it was known the brand would be terminated next year. But you might still be able to wrangle that $100,000 rebate if you ask nicely, or in Russian, or have Rick Ross ask for you.

It shouldn't be too long before we see the ultimate version of the next generation S-Class, the S600 Pullman, that will replace Maybach. Intriguingly, it's said the Pullman will be offered with every S-Class engine, even the four-cylinder diesel.

Maybach officially discontinues all models for 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Biggest Rebate Ever? Maybach buyers to get $100,000 spiff

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Maybach, Luxury

Our sister site, AOL Autos, just dug up one of the largest rebates we've ever seen on a new car. If, for some reason, you must have a Maybach before the brand ceases production altogether, you may in line to snag a tidy $100,000 rebate. Daimler previously let slip that the company will kill the ultra-luxury brand in 2013 and replace it with a new high-end Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman. Given that Maybach models never exactly jumped off of the showroom floor, we're guessing the German automaker needs all the help it can get moving the Type 57 and Type 62.

Even with $100,000 off the sticker price, you'll still need a suitcase full of C notes to take one of these machines home. The entry-level Type 57 commands a $376,300 MSRP while the Type 62 starts at $427,700. Even at those prices, reports suggest the the company lost a staggering $500,000 on each and every model it sold. It's a wonder the marque stayed around as long as it did.

Biggest Rebate Ever? Maybach buyers to get $100,000 spiff originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler increases prices on 2012 Maybach models

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Luxury

That Daimler can't sell enough Maybach superluxury sedans to justify the brand's existence is the worst-kept secret in the entire automotive industry. The numbers don't really make a dent in what its competitors sell, and they are but a drop in the bucket of what the company moves as a whole. That's what's prompted Daimler to seek out more cost-effective alternatives to the current Maybach line, and what's reportedly forced them to move to shutter the brand in the near future.

So you'd think that the prices on buying a new Maybach would be dropping considerably as a result. And you may very well get your local Maybach dealer to cut one heck of a deal to get one of their limousines out of the showroom. But you wouldn't know it from the latest pricing updates released by Mercedes-Benz USA.

Instead of slashing their prices in an effort to turn a profit before shutting down the brand, Daimler has actually increased the MSRPs on 2012 models. Not by much, mind you - about $4,000 across the board (save the $1.38m Landaulet, which stays the same). Of course, that probably isn't enough to deter someone willing to shell out this kind of money from buying a Maybach. But the sheer audacity of raising the sails on a sinking vessel is certainly an interesting tactic to save the ship.

Continue reading Daimler increases prices on 2012 Maybach models

Daimler increases prices on 2012 Maybach models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz killing Maybach in 2013, replacing with S600 Pullman

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:16:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

According to an unnamed Mercedes-Benz source speaking with AutoWeek, the German automaker is killing off its Maybach line in 2013.

The unsurprising news comes after the brand was resurrected in 2002, but failed to meet sales expectations with its two core models, the Maybach 57 and 62. Further solidifying its fate, a deal with Aston Martin to aid in the development of future Maybachs fell through earlier this year.

According to the AutoWeek insider, the plan is to continue to sell both Maybach models through the end of 2013, after which the fifth-generation S-Class will go on sale. When that happens, three new variants of the S-Class will be available, including an all-new, range-topping S600 that brings back the Pullman moniker and may be better suited to competing with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

Mercedes-Benz killing Maybach in 2013, replacing with S600 Pullman originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybach and de Grisogono team up to offer diamond-studded limousines

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 May 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Maybach 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Schmuck. It's the German word for jewelry. It's also the kind of customer who would be interested in buying a Maybach paved in diamonds. But that doesn't appear to be deterring the top-of-the-line Daimler brand from icing out its limousines like a rapper with a new record contract.

Back in 2006, Maybach teamed up with Wellendorf jewelers to offer precious stones to deck out its interiors. Now the German auto marque is passing the torch on to Swiss jeweler de Grosogono. In a star-studded party at the Cannes Film Festival, the two companies announced a new partnership that will allow customers with more cash than taste to have their Maybach iced out.

The first example of a Maybach 62S will be unveiled to the gathered guests with a diamond-emblazoned rear armrest (sounds comfortable), but a more thoroughly bedazzled limo is set to be unveiled in November at no less suitable a venue than the Dubai Motor Show. We can hardly wait.

Fortunately enough, no official photos have yet been made available, but you can read the official announcement after the jump if you're so inclined.

Continue reading Maybach and de Grisogono team up to offer diamond-studded limousines

Maybach and de Grisogono team up to offer diamond-studded limousines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybach unveils updated range for 2011 [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

2011 Maybach 62 - Click either image for high-res image gallery

Reports of Maybach's demise may have been slightly exaggerated - for the time being, anyway. The ultra-premium Daimler brand has released updated versions of its range, which is essentially the same vehicle with different configurations.

For MY2011, the Maybach 57, 57S, 62 and 62S feature a handful of cosmetic, mechanical and interior equipment upgrades. The exterior benefits from a new grille (now different between the standard and S models), hood, tail lights and door mirrors, which - in addition to refreshing the limo's looks - also reduces wind noise for a quieter ride. Underneath the new hood, meanwhile, Daimler has optimized the V12 engine for marginally reduced emissions and fuel consumption, and while the standard engine stays pegged at 542 horsepower, the S version gets an 18-horse boost to 630.

Inside there's a partition to separate passengers from chauffeur, and the reclining seats previously available only on the longer 62 model can now be fitted on the passenger side in the rear of the 57 as well. The 62 can be fitted with an electro-chromatic tinting glass roof panel, and customers can also specify a 19-inch rear screen instead of the individual 9.5-inch monitors, on which they can view camera feeds from around the vehicle. The perfume atomizer from the Zeppelin model can also be ordered on the rest of the range now as well, and there's available wireless internet and seat piping either braided or embedded with Swarovski crystals.

The revised Maybach range debuts this Friday at the Beijing Motor Show, where Bentley is also presenting a pair of special editions, Volkswagen its new Phaeton and Audi the long-wheelbase A8 L. If we didn't know better, we'd think the Chinese had a thing for limos. Make the jump for a promo video.

Gallery: 2011 Maybach range

[Source: Maybach]

Continue reading Maybach unveils updated range for 2011 [w/video]

Maybach unveils updated range for 2011 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Maybach 62 S Landaulet

Noah Joseph — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Maybach

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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Enter the rumormill: Maybach 62 Laundaulet headed for Middle East debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Maybach, Misc. Auto Shows

Even in the post-Chrysler age, Maybach remains a bit of a thorn in Mercedes' side. Its vehicles have been far less than the sales success hoped for, prompting Daimler to buy back 29 Maybach dealers. Subsequently the parent company wouldn't be so eager to invest more into the ultra-premium brand, but reports are circulating the internet of a new version that would require significantly less investment than an all-new model that could breathe a little more life into the dying breed.

Landaulets were a popular bodystyle in the 1920's and 30's, one which Maybach may be resurrecting with a half-convertible version of the extra-long Maybach 62. With a convertible roof fitted from the B-pillar rearwards, the Maybach 62 Landaulet would let the sun shine in on its pampered rear occupants, while leaving the front section covered with a conventional roof for the chauffer.

Reports indicate that the Landaulet version is being prepared for launch at next month's Middle East International Motor Show, held mid-November in Dubai, where some eccentric and moneyed sheiks might still be interested in the unique vehicles.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Enter the rumormill: Maybach 62 Laundaulet headed for Middle East debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Maybach 62 S in Paris

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 20:08:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Maybach, Misc. Auto Shows

Wretched excess on wheels (a.k.a. the Maybach 62 S) was just unveiled at the Beijing motor show, after DaimlerChrysler released the details and photos a couple of weeks ago. The 62 S puts an AMG-tuned 612-horsepower twin-turbo V12 monster underneath the hood of the company's top-of-the-line chauffeured super-saloon, sending lesser automobiles scurrying out of its way.

But, of course, how could we possibly be expected to fully appreciate the supremely powerful presence and opulence of this performance limousine without seeing the car touring Paris? So like the dedicated valets they are, Maybach gives us this video. Will there be anything else, sir?

Update: Remember to check the Maybach 62 S pics in China 2006 autoshow and interior shots.

[Source: Motor Authority]

VIDEO: Maybach 62 S in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sportyacht: Maybach 62 S to debut at Beijing show

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:22:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Misc. Auto Shows

To meet the demands of the ever-growing market for performance stretched limousines, Maybach gives us the 62 S, which it claims is the world's most powerful chauffeur-driven saloon. Wait a second, there's no market for performance limousines! Well, parent company DaimlerChrysler evidently thinks there is, or aims to pioneer one before the competition does. And to that end, it's shoehorned the 612-hp engine from the already-ludicrous Maybach 57 S into the 6.2-meter-long stretched 62 model.

The "S", according to Maybach, stands for "special", and the 62 S joins the standard 62, the 57 S and the standard 57 as the fourth model in the Maybach line-up (at least until the anticipated "junior" model arrives). The 62 S is scheduled to make its debut at the Beijing show later this month, a shrewd move by DCX considering the mushrooming luxury market in China and their love of stretched sedans over there.

Although most of us aren't likely to see many Maybachs on the road, there are a number of subtle touches will tell you this is a Special version if you do catch one in the wild. Up front there's a redesigned grille and different headlights; around back there's a modified rear apron with twin trapezoidal exhaust tips; the car rides on twenty-inch multispoke rims, and is available, unlike the regular 62, in single-tone black or silver paintjobs (or the pearl white recently released for the 57 S), plus the requisite badging on the front fenders and trunk lid. Inside there's a choice of new leathers and special trims in piano black lacquer, carbon fiber or anthracite.

The handcrafted AMG twin-turbo V12 is capable of rocketing the three-ton luxo-barge to sixty in a jaw-dropping 5.2 seconds. Unlike its kid-brother 57, though, the people at Maybach Manufaktur opted not to stiffen the suspension on the S version, instead maintaining the ride comfort of the standard model. And just why would anyone need a limousine capable of such absurd levels of performance? Well, "need" is a relative term. Such "superlative" performance can save owners precious time, leading Maybach to conclude its new abomination is "precisely what is needed in these increasingly frenetic times."

(Follow the jump for more pics and the full press release)

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading Sportyacht: Maybach 62 S to debut at Beijing show

Sportyacht: Maybach 62 S to debut at Beijing show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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