Maybach Presses On and Will Gain Hybrid

We may have assumed that Maybach was becoming a sinking ship with the economic downturn and all, but the Mercedes-Benz rebadged uber-lux brand makes a hard business case for itself.

Maybach may be down, but it’s not out just yet, because it so happens that a new range of products are on their way out for the elites who can afford them.

With the S-Class replacement due out in 2012, its newly revised platform will serve five new Maybach models hence forth. The standard 57 and 62 will don upgraded sheet metal, interiors and electronics, while a CLS-like four-door “coupe” will be added to the line-up along with the oft-rumored long-wheelbase convertible – a sort of mash-up between the 62 laundaulet and Mercedes’ Ocean Drive concept from 2007.

Despite Mercedes’ ongoing issues with CAFE standards, motivation will continue to be provided by the same 6.0L V12 powering current Maybachs, although horsepower is expected to rise, torque output could crest 1150Nm and Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic will be part of the package.

With the new transmission, an electric motor could also be fitted, boosting output by 20bhp and allowing the massive log to drive in full electric mode for up to 16km. There’s also talk of a new nine-speed automatic transmission being fitted and fuel economy rising by around 25%.

In order for Maybach to survive, it has to be more than just a reworked S-Class and to that end, future models will be “jewels on wheels and at last worthy of the brand.”….lets wait.