2011 Maybach 62 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Typically, when an automaker develops an armored version of one of their sedans or SUVs, the added weight taken as inherent has an adverse effect on the car's performance. But with the new Maybach Guard, the top-of-the-line Daimler division says it has whittled this down to a minimum.
The negligible effect of the added protection on the Maybach 62 comes down to two factors: First of all, Maybach's twin-turbo V12, brakes and suspension components were designed from the get-go to accommodate the reinforced armor, and are already burdened enough by the car's massive weight that the extra heft is relatively negligible. Secondly, the steel and Kevlar reinforcements weigh less than 900 pounds all told – far less than if you took an existing model to an independent firm instead of specifying it so equipped from the factory.
As a result, Daimler claims the Maybach 62 Guard can still accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds and reach a threat-evading top speed of 155 mph – the electronically-limited level adopted by most of Germany's automakers.
The Guard model is also said to be virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye from an unprotected Maybach 62, so if you want to know what it looks like, check out the recently revised model range in the gallery below. Official announcement in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Maybach]
Maybach Guard. A high level of protection encapsulated in luxurious curves
Based on the Maybach 62, the armoured Maybach Guard offers similar performance and possibilities of customization available on the other Maybach saloons.
March 1st 2011 – Comfort, individualization, luxury and a very high level of safety. These requirements are satisfied to the letter on the Maybach Guard, the luxurious armoured limousine realized with integrated safety systems by the German engineers in Sindelfingen.
Responding to the needs of businessmen and Heads of State around the world, the protection offered is absolutely peerless and discreet: even to a specialist eye it is almost impossible to distinguish a Maybach Guard from the regular Maybach 62 saloon. When it comes to the performance, the German engineers have surpassed themselves: a special armour - made of highly specialized steel and high-tech Kevlar – is integrated in the body shell and thanks to its lightness, the weight of the vehicle is raised by only 406 kg, with no effects on the handling system.
In fact, since the base of the Maybach Guard was already de-signed for the extra weight of the vehicle, no changes have been made to the drive train, suspension or breaking-system and the car handles effortlessly at all times. Furthermore, the Maybach Guard is the only armoured car in the world able to reach a top speed of 250 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. To guarantee effectiveness the armour is certified by independent state bodies which carry out on-the-spot quality control checks and can immediately revoke their certification.
After the integration of the other special protective features, the vehicle moves onto the standard assembly room in the Sindelfingen production plant, where masters of craftsmanship dedicate all their skills to ensure the highest standard in the individualization process, offering almost the same range of standard and optional features available on the Maybach 62 model, ensuring this way the same luxurious environment that passengers are used to enjoy on a Maybach.
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