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With just 300 units sold globally per year, it was expected that the dawn of a new S-Class in 2012 would see the demise of Mercedes' ultra-luxury Maybach brand. Not so says a new report by Automobile Magazine.
According to this latest info, Maybach will use the new S-Class architecture to produce as many as five new models. Included in that list are some less-traditional cars like a 4-door coupe (similar to the Mercedes CLS), as well as a long-wheelbase convertible – inspired by the Ocean Drive Concept.
The 6.0-liter V12 engine will soldier on, but getting a 7-speed transmission (rather than the current 5-speed unit) to deliver improved acceleration and fuel economy. There's also the possibility that a hybrid option could be included, delivering an extra 20-hp and a 10-mile emissions free driving range. Maybach models might also eventually get a planned 9-speed automatic transmission.
The plan is to build Maybach back up into the brand it was supposed to be, competing with rivals like Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
As a sideshow to the new 2011 CLS, Mercedes-Benz will display a production version of the A-Class EV at the Paris Motor Show. Called the A-Class E-Cell, the limited-run electric car will be powered by 40kW lithium-ion batteries and additional components provided by U.S. electric car maker Tesla Motors. The vehicle's range is expected to be roughly 124 miles with a solid 214 ft-lbs of torque.
Just 500 cars will be built for trial purposes in Europe next year, with customers leasing the car from Mercedes similar to how BMW handled the MINI E project.
This development further strengthens the working relationship between Mercedes parent company Daimler and Tesla, which already supplies the batteries of the Smart ED.
Apparently the adage of "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" stuck with some Brabus engineers. The famed Mercedes-Benz tuner is apparently a huge fan of Cupertino's prized child stuffing a modified 750-hp Mercedes-Benz S-Class with every Apple product they possibly could.
We won't get into much details on the actual engine and aesthetic modifications since it's run-of-the-mill Brabus and is actually old news for the S-Class, but rather the nerd in us can't even count how many Apple components are in the vehicle. The headliner has been integrated with a 15.2-inch TFT display with screens in the back of each front headrest. USB ports are integrated into the rear compartment to allow hook-up of any other devices while UMTS and HSDPA provides wireless Internet. We're not quite sure how that will translate over to America since T-Mobile is just now launching HSDPA+, but we're guessing you lucky Sprint 4G users can just WiMAX your phone and provide all the passengers with fast Internet.
A paid of iPads can control the entire Brabus multimedia system along with the car's Command system, tying-in full functionality with the factory radio, navigation and phone. And possibly taking a note out of Rolls-Royce's design handbook, Brabus outfits the S-Class with two tablet... [Read More]
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