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In a move that won't surprise many people, Maybach has approved the outrageous Landaulet open-top sedan for production. The 62 S-based Landaulet design study was first shown in November of last year, and its open passenger cabin coupled to a closed chauffeur's area harkened to the classic luxury era from which the brand takes its name. Favorable reaction to the Landaulet at auto shows led to its being put into production.

Like the show car, the hand-built Landaulet will be based on the Maybach 62 S. The fifth Maybach model line's obvious distinction comes from the rear roof section, which has been replaced with a powered soft top and glass window. Two exterior colors are offered: Baltic Black or Nevada Silver. The 20-inch wheels can be polished or matched to the body color. Interior treatments are similarly limited, with three leather choices and two trim finishes. The Landaulet can also be had with custom paint and interior trim just like any Maybach. The Landaulet's passenger cabin is subtly upgraded,with a wind deflector and larger rear headrests that also reduce turbulence. The twin-turbo V12 also gets a slight horsepower boost, to 450.

Maybach has set Landaulet pricing at EUR 900,000 ($1.35 million US), and it's a limited production model, of course. The first Maybach Landaulets will be hand-built in autumn of 2008.

Press Release

The world’s most exclusive open-top luxury saloon: The new Maybach Landaulet – majestic open-air experience with the ultimate in luxury and comfort
Stuttgart
,
Feb 22, 2008

Stuttgart– The tradition-laden Maybach luxury brand is adding a fifth model to its line-up. The new Maybach Landaulet resurrects the legend of the classic luxury landaulets, a feature of which is that only the chauffeur's area is closed. An extra-large folding roof opens up over the pampered rear-seat passengers when required, leaving no obstructions between them and the blue sky above. The Maybach Landaulet thus offers a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile. Boasting a certain romantic quality and allowing its passengers the opportunity to savour a closeness to nature, this exceptional vehicle also features the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication and as such sets the new standard for the world's most exclusive luxury vehicles.
In November 2007, Maybach revived the aura of the grand carriages of days gone by with its Landaulet study. The response from the public to this masterpiece was overwhelming, so much so that Maybach decided to offer the hand-built Landaulet based exclusively on the customer's own specifications. A limited number of vehicles will be built in the Manufaktur workshops in Sindelfingen over a restricted period. The finest materials are painstakingly handcrafted by select craftsmen to meet the customers' exacting requirements - just as the discerning Maybach clientele would expect. According to the latest Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI), a survey of 531 U.S.millionaires recently voted Maybach the most prestigious luxury automobile brand.
Exclusive workplace for the chauffeur, exquisite luxury for passengers
The Maybach Landaulet is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and comes with its very own exciting yet distinguished, authentic style. While the chauffeur's workplace is appointed with high-grade, smooth black leather and trim elements in glossy piano lacquer, the passengers in the rear with its optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun. They travel on opulent reclining seats upholstered in exquisite Grand Nappa leather in an environment of utmost luxury and exquisite style.
Large folding roof for a close-to experience of nature
In technical terms the Maybach Landaulet is based on the Maybach 62 S – which can claim to be the world's most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls have been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with reclining seats remain unchanged.
When closed, the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the roof frame formed by the longitudinal roof arches and is wind- and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. Fully automatically, the electro-hydraulic system then opens the roof, thetop is folded and gently laid onto the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear windscreen made of safety glass.
The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fine leather tonneau cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance. The tonneau cover comes in the same colour as the interior of the rear compartment, thereby ensuring consistent styling and creating a harmonious link with the exterior. A logo reading "Maybach Landaulet" in the colour specified by the customer is embroidered onto the cover, where it is visible to following traffic.
Designed specifically for open-top motoring
Maybach has adapted the luxurious rear compartment to the requirements of open-top motoring. For instance, the rear head restraints are slightly larger than on the saloon and effectively help reduce wind turbulence. Another slim wind deflector is automatically raised at speeds above 70 km/h to further reduce the risk of any uncomfortable draughts. The deflector, which measures around five centimetres, can be activated manually at any time. The switch is conveniently positioned for rear passengers in the centre console.
The intercom in the passenger compartment is fitted with an additional handset in the centre console, allowing passengers to communicate with the driver at any time while the roof is down.
Appointments to satisfy every desire
The new Maybach Landaulet is painted in Baltic Black or Nevada Silver in a sophisticated process that ensures the highest standards of quality. Clients can choose from three leather appointment options, and a choice of two trim element finishes – black piano lacquer combined with either carbon-fibre trim or fine anthracite poplar.
As testimony to its exceptional customer focus, Maybach also meets many customer special requirements at no extra charge. For instance, Landaulet clients can choose the individual appointments for their vehicle from the entire Maybach paint finish, leather and trim element range. An extra charge only applies to highly exclusive requirements such as special paint finishes based on the customer's own specifications, select leather colours, trim elements in natural stone or the electro-transparent partition.
Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch aluminium wheels, also available as an option painted in the vehicle colour or burnished to a high sheen in a special finishing process.
Engine and suspension
The Maybach Landaulet is powered by an uprated V12 engine, developed for the Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S. Thanks to twin turbochargers, the V12 engine develops 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. Equipped with the AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension system and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) the Landaulet model achieves an outstanding level of ride comfort whilst at the same time proving that even a prestigious automobile can display excellent agility and handling qualities.
First deliveries in autumn 2008
The Maybach Landaulet will cost EUR 900,000 (or US$ 1.35 million). The first customer vehicles are due to leave Maybach Manufaktur in autumn 2008.



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