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Maybach Pullman, S550 4Matic coming next

Mercedes-Benz officially revived the Maybach name as a sub-brand with the reveal of the luxed-up S600 at the LA Auto Show last week, but that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the German automaker's new plans for its uber-prestige marque. Motor Trend reports that Mercedes is planning two additional Maybach variants to launch in the near future, both of them also based on the S-Class. First up, we're told to expect the even longer Pullman limousine to launch, complete with Maybach treatment, at the Geneva Motor Show next March – although this model won't necessarily be offered in America. Whether it will or not, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman will be even bigger, more luxurious and more expensive than the one just unveiled. What is being planned for US customers, however, is an Maybach S550 4Matic. Mating the 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 to all-wheel drive would be a boon for wintery upscale markets, and is reportedly a more feasible option than trying to pair the V12 to the 4Matic system. As for other model lines, we've heard rumors of a Maybach GL-Class utility in the pipeline, but have yet to receive any such confirmation. Car confirms, however, that we shouldn't expect to see AMG versions of Maybach models. The two are being cultivated as separate pillars atop the Mercedes range – one focused on performance, the other on luxury – and never the twain shall meet. The previous model line did breed a sportier Maybach 57 S, however, and we wouldn't be surprised to see a similar treatment applied to one of the new models should Daimler find there's demand. In related news, MT also reports that a new S-Class Cabriolet is coming around the corner, and that the G550 is preparing to drop its aging 5.5-liter V8 in favor of the GL's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

XCAR marks 20-year anniversary of Senna's passing with Mercedes 190E Cosworth

While the automotive world is focusing on the twentieth anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death, there was much, much more to the legendary driver than his untimely passing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
XCAR has the story of a younger Senna, who, by a stroke of luck, found himself matched up against a veritable dream team of nine Formula One champions, not to mention a cadre of German touring car aces. A "probably still pissed (drunk)" James Hunt, hard-driving Niki Lauda and future champion and rival Alain Prost, were in attendance for the one-off, spec race, which was put on by Mercedes-Benz, in honor of the opening of the Nürburgring's Grand Prix circuit. And Senna was on hand with the explicit goal of besting them all.
Each driver was handed a lightly modified, but brand-new 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth, a car that can best be though of as the distant ancestor of the lovable C63 AMG. As for the race itself, well, it was sort of like an introduction of what the sport could come to expect from the Brazilian.

Brabus luxes up new Mercedes V-Class

Looking for a luxury coach to get you around town in style and comfort, but don't need anything as big as a Sprinter? Mercedes will gladly point you towards the smaller V-Class, trading Stateside as the Metris. And now Brabus has released a full array of customization options for the van as well. The list of modifications available from the venerable Benz tuner include an aero kit to give the van a sleeker look while reducing front-end lift, a full complement of 18- and 19-inch wheel options, a retuned suspension, engine enhancements, exhaust upgrade, and a fully refitted interior. The first-class cabin on this show vehicle has been reupholstered in leather and Alcantara, offset by wood and carbon-fiber trim, and a complete entertainment system. It includes a pair of 15.6-inch LCD screens that drop from the headliner and WiFi. Finally, there's a touchpad integrated into the interior C-pillars to operate the system as well as the lamps, heated seats, power windows and curtains, and the sliding doors. Accommodation is clearly the emphasis here. But Brabus being Brabus, it has also optimized the BlueTec four-cylinder turbo diesel engine to produce 44 more horsepower and 52 pound-feet more torque. With output now up to 232 hp and 376 lb-ft, the van will reach 62 miles per hour from a standstill in 8.8 seconds and top out at 130 mph – and look that much slicker in the process. Related Video: Engine tuning, exclusive looks and entertainment: BRABUS Exclusive Program for the new Mercedes V-Class The new Mercedes V-Class as a sporty-elegant jack-of-all-trades: in a world premiere, BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, internet www.brabus.com) presents the exclusive refinement program for the new Mercedes V-Class. BRABUS upgrades the people mover with powerful engine tuning, an exclusive appearance package, tailor-made wheels and an individual entertainment concept. A sporty-elegant design is the trademark of the BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit for the new Mercedes V-Class and Vito. All components are manufactured from PUR in OEM quality, giving them a precise fit and making them easy to paint. To give the vehicle an even more distinctive face, the BRABUS designers have developed attachments for the side air intakes, which can be complemented with auxiliary LED side markers, and a front spoiler that attaches to the lower section of the bumper.