The new Maybach 57 S

World premiere at the 75th Geneva Motor Show - The new Maybach 57 S

High-end luxury saloon with impressive performance

New 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with 450 kW/612 hp

Modified suspension set-up for supreme driving dynamics

Stylish interior offers contemporary interpretation of luxury and dynamism

Stuttgart/Geneva, Mar 01, 2005 The 75th Geneva Motor Show is the setting for the world premiere of the newly developed Maybach 57 S (the "S" standing for "Special"). With its enhanced performance and additional individualisation features, this variant of the Maybach 57 meets the exclusive wishes of demanding customers for even greater engine output and agility. To match the increased power, the suspension of the Maybach 57 S is set up for a somewhat firmer response – making it the ideal high-end luxury saloon for owner-drivers who appreciate an engaging experience at the wheel. The extra 45 hp/62 kW output compared with the Maybach 57 is provided by an enhanced version of the 6-litre V12 biturbo engine developed in cooperation with Mercedes-AMG. This powerplant delivers breathtaking acceleration, propelling the Maybach 57 S from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds.

The 57 S extends the Maybach model range with a car whose combination of contemporary luxury, the ultimate in comfort and state-of-the-art high-performance technology embodies the perfection which is characteristic of the brand. The market launch of the Maybach 57 S is scheduled for this autumn.

New twelve-cylinder powerplant with 1000 Nm maximum torque

The new, even more powerful twelve-cylinder powerplant in the Maybach 57 S has a displacement of six litres and – thanks to biturbo technology and an air/water intercooler – a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp. The impressive maximum torque of 1000 Nm (electronically limited) is available across a broad engine speed range (between 2000 and 4000 rpm). As a result, Maybach drivers who favour a sporty driving style can always call on prodigious reserves of power. Every twelve-cylinder engine features a redesigned cover with a plate bearing the serial number of the unit and the signature of the Mercedes-AMG specialist who built the entire engine by hand in accordance with AMG's traditional "one man, one engine" philosophy.

The modified, firmer suspension set-up which the Maybach development team have created for the 57 S perfectly reconciles differing requirements. It ensures that the engine's impressive performance and particularly high dynamic potential can be put down on the road safely and reliably at all times. But it is also able to maintain the extremely high level of ride comfort which is offered by all Maybach luxury Saloons and which is characteristic of the brand.

Exterior design emphasizes dynamic character

Discreet and tasteful exterior visual highlights emphasize the distinctly dynamic character of the new Maybach 57 S. These include an exclusive monochrome colour scheme featuring special black or silver paint finishes, a modified front section with an enhanced radiator grille and revised light units, a discreet "57 S" legend on the front wing below the A-pillar and on the boot lid, as well as striking new 20-inch spoked wheels. At the rear, the two redesigned tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated in a revised rear apron which signals the high-performance capabilities of the 57 S. Even when the new Maybach is stationary, its dynamic and elegant presence clearly identifies it as an exclusive luxury saloon with outstanding performance – characteristics which make it a compelling choice for the sportier owner-driver.

New interior touches: a harmonious combination of luxury and dynamism

The contemporary Maybach interpretation of high performance, impressive handling dynamics and opulent luxury continues inside the 57 S where high-quality materials are crafted to perfection in accordance with the Maybach tradition and new leather appointments help to set the striking yet tasteful tone. Deliberately distinctive and particularly exclusive, the visual statement made by the Maybach 57 S is picked up by the interior which features a carefully balanced combination of piano lacquer and carbon elements – especially in the areas within the driver's reach and immediate field of view – creating an atmosphere of dynamic elegance.

Maybach 57 S: engine and chassis - Sheer dynamism thanks to 6-litre V12 biturbo powerplant

Uprated twelve-cylinder engine with 450 kW/612 hp

Impressive torque: 1000 Nm (electronically limited)

Hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine "Manufaktur"

Dynamic, safe and assured - the modified suspension

Stuttgart/Geneva, Mar 01, 2005 The new, uprated V12 engine which the Maybach engineers have enhanced in cooperation with the experts from Mercedes-AMG gives the Maybach 57 S high-performance luxury saloon breathtaking acceleration and outstanding driving dynamics. Thanks to biturbo technology and an air/water intercooler, the 5980 cc V12 engine develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp which it is able to maintain from 4800 to 5100 rpm, while the impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres is available from 2000 to 4000 rpm. As the engine data indicates, the Maybach 57 S offers a whole new dimension of performance: acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes 5.0 seconds.

Innovative engine technology

A combination of cutting-edge technology and a whole host of well-thoughtout details developed by the Mercedes-AMG specialists forms the basis for the out-standing performance of the Maybach 57 S. The forged pistons, for example, which are made from a special material which is extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, have an oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle for each piston. A particularly powerful oil pump and a large oil cooler ensure that all lubrication points are supplied with oil – even in highly demanding conditions. The housings of the compressor and turbine in both turbochargers as well as the turbine and compressor wheels are designed for a maximum charge pressure of 1.5 bar.

Special low-temperature radiator for high power output

The highly efficient intercooler in the Maybach 57 S uses the principle of the air/water heat exchanger for particularly effective cooling of the intake air (which has been compressed by the turbochargers) before it enters the combustion chambers. The large surface of the low-temperature radiator ensures that sufficient cooling power is available, even when the engine is operating at full load. As a result, the driver of the Maybach 57 S can count on high power and torque output under all operating conditions and regardless of the outside temperature.

The "Manufaktur" concept at Mercedes-AMG

In keeping with the Maybach "Manufaktur" concept, the twelve-cylinder biturbo engine is assembled by hand at the Mercedes-AMG engine manufacturing facility. Nothing symbolises the "one man, one engine" philosophy more clearly than the characteristic engine plate which is attached to the cover of the V12 biturbo in the Maybach 57 S and which bears the signature of the specialist who assembled the unit – a signature which vouches for the care lavished on the engine and the quality of the workmanship.

Modified suspension for a safe and dynamic driving experience

The Maybach engineers have taken numerous measures to optimise the suspension of the 57 S in line with its enhanced performance in order to ensure that the impressive power output can be put down on the road smoothly and safely at all times. Modified front and rear stabiliser bars are used to reduce roll when the saloon corners at speed. Furthermore, the vehicle's handling dynamics have been enhanced by lowering the suspension by 15 mm. The Adaptive Damping System ADS II and the semi-active air suspension have been adjusted accordingly for a somewhat sportier response.

Specially developed 20-inch eleven-spoke light-alloy wheels

The Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (size: 275/45 R 20) are matched perfectly to the revised suspension. These high-performance tyres are fitted on 8.5 J x 20 eleven-spoke light-alloy wheels which were specially developed for them, permitting higher maximum levels of longitudinal and lateral acceleration while also enhancing the handling characteristics even further. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the acceleration skid control (ASR) system have been reconfigured and optimised to take account of the higher forces involved. Enhanced ventilation of the brake system improves braking performance and resistance to fading even fur-ther under all operating conditions. These measures ensure that the Maybach 57 S always offers the optimum degree of active safety. ?

In modifying and retuning the suspension of the 57 S, the Maybach developers have succeeded in perfectly reconciling apparently contradictory requirements: the high-performance luxury saloon is capable of putting down the power demanded by the driver safely and confidently while maintaining the high level of ride comfort which is typical of the brand and which characterises a Maybach vehicle.

Maybach 57 S: exterior and Interior - The epitome of dynamic elegance

High-end dynamics and exclusive luxury in perfect harmony

Exterior visual cues emphasize high-performance character

Carbon and piano lacquer set the tone for the interior

Stuttgart/Geneva, Mar 01, 2005 The designers of the newly developed Maybach 57 S have used additional visual cues to reflect the car's outstanding dynamic capabilities. Even when the vehicle is stationary, the exclusive monochrome colour scheme and the striking, yet discreet and tasteful modifications provide unmistakable hints of the performance which the 57 S is capable of delivering. A look into the redesigned interior reveals an exquisite mix of materials, an aesthetically rewarding combination of colours and the characteristically perfect fit and finish which epitomise the highly quality-conscious outlook and unique craftsmanship of the Maybach "Manufaktur". The new Maybach 57 S serves as an object lesson in how high-end dynamic characteristics and superbly luxurious passenger accommodation can coexist in perfect harmony.

Sheer dynamism: Monochrome colour scheme and 20-inch wheels

Numerous modifications and new styling features add visual highlights which meet the high design standards of the Maybach brand. The special position which the 57 S occupies in the product range of the Sindelfingen-based luxury automaker is signalled by the exclusive monochrome colour scheme used for the exterior. The two special paint finishes, available in silver or black, add to the dynamic presence of the new high-performance saloon. This aspect of the new model's character is reinforced further when a side view of the car reveals its 20-inch eleven-spoke light-alloy wheels, which were specially developed for the Maybach 57 S, and the dark tinted glass of the rear side windows and rear window (not in US market).

New face: radiator grille with twin louvres

The view of the front is dominated by the redesigned radiator grille. Although it is deliberately designed to echo closely the familiar Maybach design, the combination of the twin louvres and the use of a body-colour headlamp background gives the 57 S a distinctive face of its own. Fog lamps with a new chrome surround complete the brilliant and aesthetically convincing impression created by the front of the vehicle.

A redesigned rear apron is the dominant feature at the rear. It displays the two clearly visible chromed exhaust tailpipes at left and right to their best advantage by integrating them into the vehicle's lines. Furthermore, the boot lid features the legends "Maybach" and "57 S" – the latter model designation also appearing on the front wings below the A-pillar.

The overall image projected by the dynamically styled Maybach 57 S is a harmonious one – that of an exclusive luxury saloon which combines the highest quality and technical perfection with a particularly lively character and impressive performance.

Fine art: choice mix of materials features carbon and piano lacquer

The equally distinctive interior of the Maybach 57 S has its own special atmosphere. This is largely due to the use of components finished in piano lacquer or made from carbon rather than the fine woods which traditionally set the tone for the interior of Maybach saloons. Nowhere can the painstaking care with which these materials are crafted be seen more clearly than in the centre console: the innovative combination of piano lacquer and carbon elements lends the interior an extra sense of power and energy which provides visual reinforcement of the vehicle's impressive performance. As an alternative to the carbon components, Maybach customers can choose another new interior format featuring poplar wood in the colour anthracite.

Also designed to harmonise perfectly with this colour scheme are the new leather appointments which are available in black or black and white and feature contrasting piped edging for an extra sporty touch. They are complemented by the selector lever knob finished in the interior appointments colour and the steering wheel covered in black, partially perforated leather. Both the instrument cluster and the ceiling instrument unit in the 57 S are calibrated to show speeds up to 320 km/h. All the controls within the driver's reach and immediate field of view reflect the tasteful overall design concept and the perfectly proportioned and driver-focused layout of the cockpit in the Maybach 57 S.

New rear passenger compartment reconciles top comfort with high speed

The interior of the rear passenger compartment of the Maybach 57 S has also been thoroughly reworked: the styling of the head restraints has been matched to the contemporary interior design concept while their ergonomic shape ensures that occupants can relax completely and enjoy typically high standards of Maybach comfort even on long journeys at high speeds. A non-transparent curtain which is available for the large, dark-tinted rear window offers additional privacy and provides a pleasantly subdued lighting effect even in daylight. The seat bases are trimmed in leather all round, underlining the dynamic character of the high-performance saloon.

The Maybach designers have paid particular attention to redesigning the roof lining and the side interior trim in the 57 S. Finished in anthracite-coloured Alcantara in order to match the interior colour scheme, these elements add further emphasis to the dynamic and elegant atmosphere while bringing out the ceiling instruments with their black piano lacquer surround to great effect.

Impressive in their own right, the choice leather, the particularly high-quality materials and the perfect craftsmanship which characterise the interior of the Maybach 57 S also testify to the Maybach Manufaktur's refusal to compromise where the high standards associated with the brand name are concerned.