Auto Shows

Maybach Exelero Auto Show Photo

In a different twist on show car origins, the breathtaking Exelero project was initiated by long-time company partner Fulda, a century-old tire manufacturer. The two companies teamed together in 1938 to develop a car capable of testing tires at speeds over 200 km/h (120 mph). Sadly, this high-performance engineering mule vanished during WWII, never to be seen again. In the 21st century, the companies united to created a showpiece to launch a new range of large-fitment tires, ranging up to 315/25/ZR23 and speed rated up to 350 km/h (185 mph). To create the prerequisite power needed to achieve the heady terminal velocity, the V-12 Maybach engine displacement was bumped from 5.6 to 5.9 liters, with performance enhancements and turbo tuning elevating output to almost 700 hp. The dramatic, Vaderesque bodywork was one of four designs developed by Pforzheim Polytechnic's Department of Transport Design, under professorial guidance and involved with DCX designers. In the end, Fredrik Burchhardt, 24, created the winning combination of limousine grandeur and coupe proportions. The results are simply stunning, and we suspect, we'll see that young designer's name again.

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