Dubbed the Maybach Guard, the car is based upon the brand's long-wheelbase 62 -- and, from what the release alleges, looks no different from a stock 62. Although the Maybach's design is almost a decade old (lest you count this year's facelift), the company insists the car was designed from square one to accommodate armament, and needs no upgrades to its drivetrain, brakes, or suspension to handle the added heft.
Prior to final assembly, workers carefully and strategically place custom armor panels, crafted from a mixture of Kevlar and specialized steel, throughout out the sedan's body structure. According to the company, the conversion only adds 893 pounds to the already portly 6330-pound curb weight, and if similar to the previous Guard models, is reportedly certified at the B4 level, and is capable of stopping a .44 caliber bullet.
Despite the weight gain, the 62's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12 still accelerates the sedan from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds - just .9 seconds slower than a stock 62. Further, Maybach touts it as the only vehicle of its kind with a top speed of 155 mph.
Other features previously optional on Guard models included a protected fuel tank, run-flat tires, and an exterior intercom system. Our best guess is these features will continue to be offered on the new 2011 Maybach Guard, but at extra cost. Maybach isn't talking pricing for the new armored model, but expect it to command a decent premium over the 62's base price of $426,250.
