MAYBACH

'Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH' (), founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach with his son Karl Maybach as director. The company was originally a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin/GmbH and was itself known as "Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH" (literally ''Airship Engine Company'') until 1918. The company originally developed and manufactured diesel and gas engines for Zeppelins and later, large and luxurious automobiles. It also contributed to the Wehrmacht war effort by producing the engines for the formidable Panther and Tiger tank.

Contents

Early history

Revival

Future models

Models

Pre-war

Post-revival

See also

External links

Reviews

Early history

The company has historic roots through the involvement of its founder who was the technical director of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (Daimler Motor Company). Today, the brand is owned by DaimlerChrysler and based in Stuttgart. Between 1921 and 1940, the company produced various classic opulent vehicles. The company also built heavy duty diesel engines for marine and rail purposes.

Revival

In 1997, Mercedes-Benz presented at the Tokyo Motorshow an ultra-luxury concept car under the name 'Mercedes-Benz Maybach' (V12, 5987 cc, 550 hp). The concept was quite successful and it was decided to develop it. Mercedes however made the decision to market the car under the sole brand Maybach.

Maybach was therefore revived as a brand in the early 2000s, with the production of the new model in two sizes — the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62 (the numbers are equal to the lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the longer 62 allows rear occupants to recline ''fully'' in their seats[1]). The prices range from US$305,000 to $357,000. In 2005, the new 57S was added, sporting a more powerful engine (6.0L V12 bi-turbo, producing 604bhp and 737lbft of torque) and cosmetic touches that provides a sporty image.
When customers decide to order a Maybach they can go to Sindelfingen, the marque’s headquarters, (or meet over a video conference centre at a dealer in their own country) to specify every and any detail they desire. Many customers will personalise their cars with their initials or coats of arms. Maybach executives liken the experience to ordering a custom-built yacht or a personalized jet aircraft. Also, with a hand-crafted finish quality, and over two million equipment options, it is unlikely that two identical cars will ever leave the factory.
The Maybach's main competitor is the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Given that most Maybach owners are chauffeured, owners especially appreciate the Maybach's highly adjustable rear seats with seat warmers, seat coolers, and massage features, none of which can be found in the Rolls Royce. Some have noted that Maybach's superior focus on occupant comfort highlights the difference between their respective creators, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with BMW being more driver focused, and Mercedes being more comfort/luxury focused.

Future models

Three new models are expected, a 4-seat coupe derived from the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, an ultra-luxury crossover SUV derived from the GL-Class, and a smaller sedan, which would be sold for $250,000.[2]

Models

Pre-war

★ 1919 Maybach W1: Test car based on a Mercedes chassis

★ 1921 Maybach W3: First Maybach, shown at Berlin Motor Show. Featured a 70 hp 5.7L inline six.

★ 1926 Maybach W5: 7L inline six, 120 hp

★ 1929 Maybach 12: V12 precursor to DS7/8

★ 1930 Maybach DSH: Doppel-Sechs-Halbe ("half a twelve cylinder") 1930-37

★ 1930 Maybach DS7 Zeppelin: 7L V12, 150 hp

★ 1931 Maybach W6: Same engine as W5, longer wheelbase. 1931-33

★ 1931 Maybach DS8 Zeppelin: 8L V12, 200 hp

★ 1934 Maybach W6 DSG: Featuring a twin overdrive transmission system.

★ 1935 Maybach SW35: 3.5L 140 hp I6

★ 1936 Maybach SW38: 3.8L 140 hp I6

★ 1939 Maybach SW42: 4.2L 140 hp I6

★ 1945 Maybach JW61: 3.8L 145 hp I6
W2 were the 5.7L inline six engines built for and ordered by Spyker. Not all were purchased, and Karl had to build cars featuring the engines to offset costs.
Around 1800 Maybachs were built before WW2.

Post-revival

★ 2002 Maybach 57 and 62

★ 2005 Maybach Exelero (prototype shown at the IAA in Frankfurt)

★ 2005 Maybach 57S (the S standing for Special rather than Sport)

★ 2006 Maybach 62S

See also

★ Maybach HL230

External links

★ Maybach Manufaktur

★ History: 'Maybach: The Man, The Car, The Model'

★ MTU-Maybach history

★ A biography of Wilhelm Maybach (in German)

★ Technical information about Maybach engines in the ''Tiger I'' tank

★ Maybach Owner´s Club

Reviews

★ Times Online: Maybach 62 vs Rolls-Royce Phantom

★ Edmunds: Review of Maybach 57 2005

★ Maybach Information - Standard Maybach Features