Fastest Maybach to tempt well-heeled Ockers

IT'S TIME to get on friendly terms with your bank manager: DaimlerChrysler has confirmed the most potent Maybach yet, the new 57 Special, will be made available in Australia from mid-2006.

The 57 Special will join Maybach's exclusive local line-up as the sports flagship of the range, powered by an AMG-tweaked version of the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 that produces 450kW and an electronically-limited 1000Nm of torque between 2000 and 4000rpm.

Since DC's super-luxury brand made its first Australian appearance in 2003, the marque has attracted eight buyers for either the Maybach 57 or long-wheelbase Maybach 62.

The S engine is hand-assembled in the Mercedes-AMG engine workshops, or 'Manufaktur', under the 'oneman, one engine" philosophy, in which the signature of the technician responsible appears on the model plate.

The result is 0-100km/h acceleration in a supercar-matching five seconds.

The 57 S also features a firmer suspension set-up that's claimed to retain the top-shelf DaimlerChrysler model's ride comfort, which the company says will attract "enthusiastic owner-drivers seeking the very latest high-performance technology".

The performance oriented version of DC's answer to the born-again, BMW-produced Rolls Royce also comes with visual highlights to match its more dynamic character.

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 bootlid, as well as a redesigned apron with two new trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.

The interior of the Maybach S aims to create a distinctive and exclusive tone of dynamic elegance via "a carefully balanced combination of piano lacquer and carbon elements – especially in the areas within the driver's reach and immediate field of view".

Expect a price premium over the million-dollar Maybach 57 upon which it's based.