Autoblog

click above image to view a pair of high-res pics of the MB S600 Guard Pullman limo

80 years after Mercedes-Benz introduced its first Pullman limousine, so named after luxuriously appointed rail-road cars, the German automaker has announced it will be introducing the newest iteration based on the S600 sedan in late 2008. The new Pullman Limousine will be based on the S600 long wheelbase Guard model, which means it will have a B6/B7 resistance level as certified by various state organizations. This means it will be able to stop anything short of a direct hit from would be terrorists trying to harm its upper crust occupants. This thing won't have sheetmetal, it'll have armor, in addition to a fully reinforced body structure, run flat tires, a self-healing fuel tank and on board fire-extinguishing system. Of course, being stretched like silly puddy and armed to the hilt adds a bit of weight, so power will be provided by 5.5L twin-turbo twelve-cylinder engine generating 517 hp and 612 ft-lbs. of torque. That should be enough for the well trained chauffeur to motor his four dignitaries out of harms way in a hurry. While Mercedes-Benz didn't divulge the new Pullman's price, we're guessing its something only a government could afford.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

SEMA's right around the corner and the sneak peeks are flowing freer than beer at the Firehouse in January. The latest preview comes from Chrysler, which will be showing this stretched version of the 300C called the Pullman, a name that refers to various models of stretched Mercedes-Benz limos over the years. The wheelbase on this thing looks even longer than the 126-inch span on the 300 Long Wheelbase, though Mike Ellis tells us that the concept is actually another variant of the 300C that swaddles its occupants in luxury like the Imperial concept, which got mixed reviews for its chunky styling at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Like the Imperial, the Pullman also features rear suicide doors to aid entry into this big, rear-wheel drive sedan, as well as to give us photogs on the floor an unobstructed view of the interior. The roof is long enough to support two full sunroofs, and the wheels have also grown to size 22-inch TIS chrome rims wearing Diamondback tires. Chrysler did address the Pullman's power and performance by tapping the aftermarket for a Bassani dual cat-back exhaust, Hotchkiss Sportline suspension that lowers the vehicle on those giant rims, and a K&N cold air intake. We don't know yet what engine powers the Pullman, whether it's your garden variety 5.7-liter HEMI or the 6.1-liter HEMI from the 300C SRT-8, but we'll find out soon enough since SEMA starts on Monday.

UPDATE: better pic added

[Source: Chrysler]

We recently made a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Center in Irvine, California, to check out this restoration and retail facility. Located adjacent to a cluster of auto showrooms, it looks like just another modern dealership. But the cars inside are anything but modern. For starters, there's a 1954 220 Coupe out front. Once inside the building, you'll be greeted by some of the most desirable models from Mercedes' glorious past. Gullwings and Patent-Motorwagens, SLRs and Pullmen.

(Follow the jump for the rest of the story and a gallery of wallpaper-sized pics.)