Though the Exelero is a two-seater, the interior's layout is standard Maybach fare. Many components, such as the upper
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| Though the Exelero is a two-seater, the interior's layout is standard Maybach fare. (Photo: Fulda Reifenwerk) |
and lower dash, door panels, steering wheel COMMAND navigation/hifi system and HVAC components have been pulled from the standard 57 and 62. The electro-luminescent instrument cluster also looks to be standard Mercedes, although it measures speeds of up to 360 km/h. The Exelero features snug racing buckets with racing harnesses, as well as a new centre console. Rather than the traditional supple wood and leather, the Maybach concept uses carbon fibre, and red-black sports weave trim.
To propel a 5.8-metre long two-door limousine with a curb weight of 2,660 kg (4,982 lbs) to speeds above 350 km/h takes a lot of power, which is why Maybach chose Mercedes-Benz's ultimate engine: the AMG-tuned 5.9-litre twin-turbocharged V12, as found in the S, SL and CL 65 AMG. However, the 600-horsepower the engine provides in Mercedes guise is not nearly enough to satiate Fulda and Maybach's appetite for speed: modifications to the turbo crank output to an incredible 700-horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Exelero to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
What's more important, is the fact that it is capable of reaching its creators' goals of breaking the 350 km/h speed
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| In the hands of Mercedes-Benz test driver Klaus Ludwig, the Exelero reached an FIA-certified top speed of 351.45 km/h (218.38 mph) around the Nardo oval in Italy. (Photo: Fulda Reifenwerk) |
barrier. Just a few days ago, in the hands of Mercedes-Benz test driver Klaus Ludwig, the Exelero reached an FIA-certified top speed of 351.45 km/h (218.38 mph) around the Nardo oval in Italy. To cope with such high velocities, the new concept was also equipped with immense braking power through huge 376 mm (14.8 inch) front discs that feature two sets of four-piston calipers to scrub off speed. Of course, ABS and ESP stability and traction control are fitted. Tires on the Exelero are Fulda's purpose-made 315/25ZR 23 Carat Exelero tires up front and in back. They are wrapped around the same 23-inch torque-star wheels first seen on the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar.
