Maybach is getting sexy. Keen to throw off the conservative image that surrounds its leather-lined limousines, the upscale Mercedes-Benz off-shoot has thrown its technical expertise behind this dramatic-looking one-off coupé, the Exelero, bankrolled by German tyre company Fulda.
The 700bhp twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 two-door has been created to promote a new Fulda tyre – the Exelero – as well as to showcase Maybach’s ability at individualising cars to exacting customer requirements. It’s a big departure from Maybach’s 57 and 62 limousines.
Styled by a team of German design students, the Exelero’s exterior harks back to the designs of early Maybachs, in particular the SW38 commissioned by Fulda for high-speed tyre testing on autobahns, which was destroyed during World War Two. It was this car that prompted Goodyear-owned Fulda to approach Mercedes about the possibility of building a modern equivalent.The Exelero is based on the rear-wheel-drive underpinnings of the 57 and was constructed by specialist Stola in Italy. At 5890mm in length, 2150mm in height and 1390mm in width, the Exelero is larger all round than the already imposing 57, but seats only two people.
Power comes from an AMG-developed twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12. It pumps out 700bhp at 5000rpm along with 752lb ft of torque at 2500rpm. Drive is channelled via a five-speed auto to 23-inch rear wheels.Despite tipping the scales at 2960kg, Maybach claims the Exelero manages 0-62mph in just 4.4sec. Top speed is put at exactly 218.43mph. Maybach says there are no plans to place it into production. Its existence does, however, indicate that the firm is prepared to extend its focus beyond limos.
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