Maybach Launches Armored Limousine

ABOUT PHOTO: The 2011 Maybach Guard is almost indistinguishable from the Maybach 62.

SUMMARY: Reinforced steel has been built into the Maybach Guard’s roof, rear wall, firewall, doors and floor, while Kevlar blankets have been incorporated to absorb bullets that pass through the steel.

STUTTGART, Germany -- Luxury car maker MAYBACH has built an armored limousine capable of defending against blunt instruments or handguns up to .44 caliber at point-blank range.

The MAYBACH GUARD is almost impossible to distinguish from the Maybach 62, the model it was based on. A special armor, made of highly specialized steel and high-tech Kevlar, is integrated in the body shell and only raises the weight of the vehicle by 895 pounds, with no effects on the handling system.

In fact, since the base of the Maybach Guard already was designed for the extra weight of the vehicle, no changes have been made to the drive train, suspension or braking system, and the car handles effortlessly at all times.

Furthermore, the Maybach Guard is the only armored car in the world able to reach a top speed of 155 mph and goes from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The armor is certified by independent state bodies which carry out on-the-spot quality control checks and can immediately revoke their certification.

The Maybach Guard’s alarm system includes alarm activation buttons at every seat, along with an intercom system to allow communication with people outside the vehicle without opening a window.

Source: MAYBACH; Michael Campos, LCT assistant editor