2005 Maybach Exelero Concept

Mated to the same five-speed automatic gearbox - the only one available that can harness this amount of power - as other

The 2,660 kg Exelero is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. (Photo: Fulda Reifenwerk)

high-spec Benzes, the Exelero is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. What's more important, however, is the fact that it is capable of breaking the 350 km/h speed barrier. Just a few days ago, in the hands of Mercedes-Benz test driver Klaus Ludwig, it reached an FIA-certified top speed of 351.45 km/h around the Nardo oval in Italy.

To cope with such high speeds, the Exelero was also equipped with perhaps the world's most powerful braking system. Front discs measure a gargantuan 376 mm, which are arrested by not one but two sets of four piston calipers per front wheel, while the rear layout is equally impressive, with four-piston calipers that act on 355-mm discs. Of course, ABS, ESP stability and traction control are fitted. Tires on the Exelero are Fulda's finest Carat Exelero rubber, which measure 315/25ZR23 for both front and rear. They

For Fulda and Maybach, the Exelero is not only a dream come true but a partnership reborn. (Photo: Fulda Reifenwerk)

are wrapped around the 23-inch torque-star wheels first seen on the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar.

For Fulda and Maybach, the Exelero is not only a dream come true but a partnership reborn. It demonstrates that the cooperation of two major forces can build such a vehicle. While Maybach is willing to customize the 57 and 62 limousines to customer's tastes, with gold-plated interior trim and plasma televisions, it is highly unlikely that they would be willing to create a conversion like the Exelero. The development of the fully-operational concept was rumoured to cost over one million euros, and producing it would be a whole different story.