Archive for November, 2010

Kawasaki Z: Bringing You the World’s Coolest Streetbikes Since 1973  With this latest in a long line of naked Kawasaki streetbikes, we threw out the old rules and started with a clean sheet, drawing upon more than 35 years of experience in giving the people what they want. If the new Z1000 knocks your eyeballs out, that’s exactly what we had in mind. Even more important, though, is the feeling this one provides every time you twist the throttle.

A sharp new front cowl sloped back at an acute angle highlights the Z1000’s new nose, followed by a tilting instrument panel, visible through an orange lens, that can be angled to suit rider preference. Just below that a long, narrow headlight represents Kawasaki’s first use of a line-beam unit. Following the lines rearward, the eyes will next encounter a dynamically designed steel gas tank, flared on the sides to let you grab it with your knees, and trim at the rear for a snug fit. The seat’s low and narrow at the front to make ground contact easy, and it flows beautifully rearward to end in a futuristically retro LED taillight behind a red lens.

At the heart of every naked bike is its engine. We didn’t just bolt it into that frame for solid handling, we did it so you won’t forget what you’re riding: You’ll definitely feel those 1,043 cubic centimeters of fuel-injected Kawasaki four-cylinder every time you twist the throttle. A secondary balance shaft eliminates excess vibes, but on this bike, a little bit of character is designed in. In the same spirit, the bike’s cool air system uses ducts just ahead of the fuel tank to usher air into the airbox, a placement that lets the rider savor the bold sound of screaming air being sucked into the engine’s downdraft intakes.

The Z1000’s four-cylinder uses a longish stroke—56mm—to make the most impact in the rpm range most used by naked bike riders. Long-stroke engines keep intake air velocity up for maximum midrange power whatever the displacement. From nearly any rpm, rolling the Z1000’s throttle open provides the kind of instant gratification most sportbikes just can’t quite muster. Having said that, this engine also spins up noticeably faster from about 7000 rpm upwards, with a silky smooth, highly intoxicating response.

The Z1000 clearly surpasses the dynamic performance of its predecessors, thanks to a new quick-revving 1,043cc inline-four cylinder engine, and an all-new quick-steering aluminium chassis connected to an all-new horizontal rear suspension design. Though it offers true sportbike handling; the Z1000’s comfortable, upright riding position mean it remains a practical transportation tool, even as the dramatic howl from its new cold-air intake raises hairs on the back of its rider’s neck.

Features And Benefits

All-new Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043cc inline-four offers greater torque and a stronger top-end rush than previous Z1000 models
- Bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character -strong in the everyday rpm range most used by naked super bikes
- 38mm downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in the shortest possible distance
- Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim – a good thing since the throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees
- Soft rev limiter provides good overrev; power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high rpm
- Crankshaft and transmission shafts are arranged in a straight line instead of a triangular layout, to maintain the design from the previous Z1000 – a design that offers the best look for a naked model
- The crankshaft was lowered to allow for a longer stroke without adding engine height
- A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration

Cool Air System
- The intake system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts above the radiator shrouds, minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
- Positioning the ducts close to the rider allows the intake sound to be enjoyed by the rider
- A resonator inside the airbox reduces noise at low rpm, and enhances intake sound at high rpm

Exhaust System
- The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps maintain the quad-style image
- Main and pre-catalyzers ensure emissions are clean
- Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume could be reduced. The silencers are also lighter. Overall exhaust system weight is about the same, but the new system offers much better mass centralization and contributes to a lower center of gravity

Fuel Pump
- Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel gauge
- With revised fuel tank design and the slim-type fuel pump, dead volume inside the tank is minimized; fuel capacity is 4.1 gallons.

All-New Aluminum Backbone Frame
- An aluminum backbone frame designed specifically for the Z1000, and similar in concept to the frame of the Ninja ZX-10R, allows a narrow construction that is easy to grip with the knees
- Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member, for a firm, planted feeling and enhanced stability
- Frame is tuned to transmit the ideal level of engine feedback directly to the rider
- The frame’s five-piece construction consists of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections
- As much as possible, welds were eliminated for simplicity and appearance. The frame beams and swingarm brackets are now single die-cast pieces
- The new frame uses four engine mounts; three mounts are rigid, the upper rear crankcase mount is rubber
- The rear sub-frame is a three-piece aluminum die-casting construction, light, strong and good for mass centralization – The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach to the ground.

All-New Horizontal Rear Monoshock – New rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes to mass centralization
- Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the aggressive appearance of the new Z1000
- Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard UNI-TRAK rear suspension: Wheel movement versus shock stroke is the same ratio
- The shock features rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Fully Adjustable Front Fork
- The Z1000′s 41mm inverted fork is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload – and it’s protected from harm by a cool-looking shroud
- Settings are designed for both sporty back road performance and excellent comfort on the street

Handlebar, Grips and Footpegs
- The tubular handlebar is rigid-mounted, contributing to sharp, direct handling
- A wide, flat bend handlebar offers a design similar to those on off-road bikes, for excellent control
- Tapered-type grips, like those used on supersport models, offer more direct feel
- Ninja ZX-10R-style footpegs with knurling offer good grip, direct feel and control and no-nonsense looks
- The passenger footpeg brackets incorporate convenient luggage hooks

Brakes
- The Z1000′s 300mm front petal brake discs are gripped by opposed four-piston radial-mount calipers. (Caliper piston size is 4×30 mm)
- A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the new calipers – The rear brake is a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod.

Chassis

The new Z1000 takes the aggressive styling of its predecessor a step forward. From the sharply sloped front cowl design made possible with the slim new line-beam headlamp, to the minimalist tail section, the new Z1000 presents a very condensed, mass-forward image. This dynamic design is reinforced by the front fork covers and wide shrouds adorned with intakes for the new Cool Air system. Where its predecessor formed the image of an athlete poised to explode out of the blocks, the new Z1000 gives the appearance of a dangerous predator feigning sleep – though no less ready to leap forward without a moment’s hesitation.

Condensed, Mass-forward Image for Dynamic Design

Sharp front cowl slopes back at an acute angle, contributing to the aggressive design and the image of a low, forward-located centre of gravity.

Control

Handlebar
- Wider and moved slightly further and higher. New position contributes to the rider’s freedom of movement.
- Fat-type handlebar contributes to tough appearance.

Seat height
- Lowered approximately 5 mm. Slightly narrower thanks to the new frame; this contributes to the rider’s freedom of movement.

Footpegs
- Aluminum footpegs from the Ninja ZX-10R with machined edges contribute to the direct feel.

Front brakes
- Radial-mount calipers and a radial-pump master cylinder deliver superb braking performance and precise brake control.

Front suspension – Compression damping adjustability added. Settings chosen to deliver light handling.

GMC Terrain is a hit. Its combination of bold styling and segment-leading fuel efficiency racked up impressive sales numbers in its inaugural year, drawing customers who’d never before purchased a GMC.

An Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and direct injection technology helps the Terrain achieve a segment-best EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 32 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an ‘eco’ mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed of the standard six-speed automatic transmission to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel.

A 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering 264 horsepower (197 kW) is optional; and for 2011 it becomes E85-capable. Like the Ecotec 2.4L, the V-6 is backed by six-speed automatic that helps save fuel through reduced engine speed at highway speeds.

Terrain is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, in SLE and SLT trim levels. All models include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags.

Design and Interior

Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC’s aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille, with a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

The Terrain’s rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrasting stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A ‘floating’ center stack, highlighted by warm, ambient lighting, houses ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

Terrain’s seats offer outstanding comfort. The standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo. The rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.

Ride and Handling

The Terrain rides on a long, 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks that support car-like ride and handling traits. The long wheelbase and wide tracks reduce body roll for a stable, confident driving experience.

Front and rear independent suspension systems meet the pavement via a family of large wheels, including 17-inch and 18-inch aluminum, with available 19-inch chrome-clad wheels. A rack-mounted electric power steering system (2.4L models) contributes to greater fuel efficiency, because there’s no engine-driven pump.

GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models to enable better fuel economy by allowing lower engine idle RPMs. ANC uses microphones to detect objectionable harmonics inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

Quality

A rigid, body-integral structure with single-piece body side stampings allows more precise assembly, with tighter and more uniform gap tolerances. The result is a vehicle that will feel solid for years.

Higher-quality materials and many long-life engine/powertrain components reduce the need and frequency for servicing; and the backing of GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty delivers even greater assurance.

The Terrain is produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario, one of the highest quality, most efficient assembly plants within GM’s network.

The GSX-R 600 has continued to win races in many 600cc classes across AMA Pro Racing and World Supersport, and for 2011, Suzuki decided on full redesign of the motorcycle. New for 2011, the GSXR 600 shares the same advances as its 2011 brother, the GSX-R 750: race-proven advanced engine technology, with broader power delivery, improved throttle response, lower emissions and about 10-percent better fuel mileage as measured by Suzuki engineers using the standardized Worldwide Motorcycle Test Cycle.

Efficiency

Combustion efficiency, for example, is a measure of how completely an engine burns its fuel. Better combustion efficiency can increase power and torque output across the rpm range; improve throttle response, acceleration and fuel mileage; and reduce emissions.

Mechanical efficiency is a measure of how much of the power and torque produced by an engine actually reaches the rear wheel. Reducing mechanical losses by minimizing internal engine friction, reducing the weight of reciprocating internal parts and relieving crankcase pressure can increase mechanical efficiency, putting more of an engine’s output to use actually moving and accelerating the motorcycle and also improving fuel mileage and reducing emissions.

Performance efficiency is best expressed by the power-to-weight ratio, or, the comparison of a motorcycle’s output to a motorcycle’s weight. The more power and torque the engine makes and the less the motorcycle weighs, the better the power-to-weight ratio becomes. In turn, a better power-to-weight ratio can produce stronger acceleration, better fuel mileage and reduced emissions in many situations.

Chassis

The GSX-R600 model both features completely new chassis designs, each based on a more compact, lighter twin-spar aluminum frame with a 15 mm shorter wheelbase. The GSX-R600s wheelbase now measures 1385 mm. Rotating each model’s engine rearward by 3 degrees around the countershaft sprocket made it possible for the engineers to reduce the distance from the front axle to the swingarm pivot while maintaining the race-proven steering geometry and without losing the needed clearance between the front wheel and the radiator at full wheel travel.

For both models, the shorter wheelbase better centers the combined machine/rider mass between the wheels, improving racetrack cornering and also shortening the reach between the seat and the handlebars. The shorter reach and slightly wider handlebar angle make it easier for the rider to reposition their weight while on the racetrack and also improve comfort on longer highway rides.

Each model’s main frame is built using five welded-together castings. But changes in the size and shape of the main spar castings and the relocation of the connecting welds contributed to a 1350 grams significant reduction in frame weight for each model and also allowed the engineers to adjust torsional rigidity and enhance racetrack cornering. Each frame is also narrower at the seat, making it more convenient for the rider to reposition their weight for cornering on the racetrack.

Engine/Design

The GSX-R600 shares the compact and powerful four-cylinder engine design of the GSX-R 750 that is perhaps best described as a real-world demonstration of advanced high-performance motorcycle technology. The engine is liquid-cooled with Suzuki Ram-Air Direct (SRAD) induction and a digital engine management system. Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) are driven by a link-plate chain off a forged crankshaft and open four titanium valves per cylinder through bucket tappets, with shim-under-bucket lash adjustment.

The valves are set at a narrow angle, 22.0 degrees for the GSX-R600-allowing a very compact Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber (TSCC)-with the GSX-R600′s intake valves set at 10.0 degrees from the cylinder centerline. The exhaust valves are set 12.0 degrees from the cylinder centerline. Each model’s engine is oversquare, which means that it has a larger bore and a shorter stroke, producing a race-proven bore/stroke ratio which contributes to better efficiency and allows higher rpm. High-compression, forged aluminum three-ring slipper pistons feature cutaway sides and ride on short wrist pins carried by shot-peened chrome molybdenum steel connecting rods.

The GSX-R600′s revised close-ratio six-speed transmission features a taller first-gear ratio and shorter ratios for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th gear, making it easier for a racer to get a good start and also improving straight-line acceleration and drive out of corners. The overall combined weight of the transmission gearsets is reduced. The race-proven ramp-and-cam design of the back-torque-limiting clutch reduces pressure on the plates during deceleration, producing smoother downshifting and corner entry and allowing the track rider to concentrate on braking and cornering.

The four-into-one stainless-steel exhaust system features four individual head pipes and a single collector. The mid-pipe located between the collector and the under-engine exhaust chamber carries a Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) servo-controlled butterfly valve to match exhaust system back-pressure to engine rpm, throttle position and gear position, maximizing torque and improving throttle response, especially in the low-to-mid rpm range.

Suspension

For the first time, the Suzuki GSX-R600 come with the revolutionary, race-developed Showa Big Piston Front-fork (BPF) inverted front suspension system. Conventional inverted front forks use a cartridge assembly that fits inside the fork leg on each side and typically incorporates a 20 mm piston to control damping. The advanced BPF design eliminates the separate internal cartridge assembly inserted into each fork leg and instead uses a single, 37.6 mm piston riding against the inside wall of the 41 mm inner fork tube.

The BPF design also has minimized change in internal fork pressure throughout the stroke, improving response to small bumps and racetrack surface imperfections. And because the fork springs are relocated to the bottom of each fork leg where they are completely submerged in oil, foaming is reduced and damping performance remains more consistent. Because the piston is located above the fork springs, maintenance on the racetrack takes less time. Rebound and compression damping can also be externally adjusted, using convenient screws built into the fork caps.

The single Showa rear shock features externally adjustable rebound and compression damping, along with adjustable ride height. The threaded spring seats used to adjust preload are now made of anodized aluminum alloy instead of steel, reducing weight by 90 grams. The spring itself is also 200 grams lighter and a new shock linkage is 490 grams lighter. Suspension response is also improved by a 550 grams reduction in unsprung weight, thanks to a 210 grams lighter front and 190 grams lighter rear cast aluminum wheel set and a 150 grams lighter rear sprocket drum assembly.

Unsprung weight-which is the weight of the components between the suspension (or springs) and the pavement-has a huge effect on each wheel’s ability to stay in contact with the racetrack surface. More contact means more traction, which is especially important when accelerating out of a corner on the racetrack, or when trail-braking into the apex of a corner on the racetrack.

Controls

The GSX-R600 both come with 310 mm fully-floating front brake discs and new radial-mount, four-piston Brembo monoblock calipers. The 32 mm caliper pistons are staggered to promote even pad wear, the trailing pistons offset relative to the pad centerline. The monoblock design of the new calipers makes them lighter, and their more rigid construction and increased piston area improve braking performance by providing the rider with more consistent power and better feel at the lever.

The front brake master cylinder uses a 17.46 mm radial-mount piston. The position of the front brake lever relative to the handlebar is 6-way adjustable, using a convenient adjustment wheel. Combined, the new front brake calipers and associated hardware are 405 grams lighter than the system used on previous models.

The facelifted versions of the Maybach saloons are even more self-confident and effortlessly superior, their charisma even more striking. The exceptional status they enjoy finds its main emphasis in the new dominant chrome radiator grille, which is meticulously produced in two different variants. In the Maybach 57 and 62 models it has 20 fine longitudinal bars, and in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S twelve solid double louvres and a ‘shadow strut’ flag up the vehicle’s tremendous power. Both arrow-shaped radiator grilles are also higher and boast significantly greater dimensions than before, and they have been assigned a more upright position.

The designers have elevated the modified bonnet and given it sharply defined contours. It has a contoured edge and appears distinctly arrow-shaped. A restyled, horizontally structured bumper trim gives the Maybach saloons an even broader look. Daytime driving lights featuring LED technology and bordered with a chrome insert have been integrated into the outer air intakes.

The new exterior mirrors with optimised aerodynamics for less driving noise harmonise with the striking front, whilst their large surface means improved vision. Dark red tail lights and chrome trim used on the handle in the boot lid lend the end section a powerful, distinguished look. This in turn is underlined by new high-sheen 21-spoke 19-inch wheels in titanium silver for the Maybach 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 57 S and 62 S models will in future be shod as standard with new 12-spoke 20-inch wheels in noble sterling silver. All models are available in the new Bahamas Blue paint.

More Powerful yet Fewer Emissions

Even though the Maybach developers have increased the output of the Maybach 57 S and 62 S by 13 kW (18 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), they were able to reduce the consumption figures (from 16.4 to 15.8 l/100 km) and the CO2 output (from 390 to 368 g/km CO2). The output of the 57 and 62 models remained unchanged, whilst consumption (15.0 as opposed to 15.9 l/100 km) and CO2 output (350 as opposed to 383 g/km) was also cut here. All the Maybach twelve-cylinder engines meet the EU5 standard/LEV2.

Interior

The rear reclining seat which has only been available in the Maybach saloons with a long wheelbase up until now can, with immediate effect, also be installed on the front-passenger side in the rear of the Maybach 57 and 57 S models. At the same time Maybach has enhanced the craftsmanship of the seats for all models. The look of the seat upholstery layout has been refined and given additional piping. On request the piping can also be hand-braided or adorned with valuable CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements. In the upper part of the seat backrest a redesigned badge in 925 sterling silver with ‘MAYBACH MANUFAKTUR’ lettering is an impressive indication of the great love of detail and serves as a reminder of the prestigious environment in which one is travelling.

Maybach cuts an equally fine figure when it comes to the range of individualisation options available for the luxury saloons, which has been significantly extended. For the very first time there is an extremely high-quality flacon perfume atomiser available on request, having been developed exclusively by Maybach. Up until now it was reserved only for the special Maybach Zeppelin model, limited to just 100 units. As an option a large, high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5-inch monitors in the rear available until now. If required Maybach will also fit the vehicles which have a partition – which, incidentally, can now also be personalised with motifs of the customer’s choosing – with an overview camera, via which the rear passengers are able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves – even with an opaque partition window.

Thanks to an innovative WLAN router it is even possible to enjoy wireless internet access during the journey. This state-of-the-art connection uses the fast transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. A new mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality is also available in the rear. And a newly developed DVD player in the rear now also reads extended DVD formats.

As one would expect, the Maybach MANUFAKTUR showcases masterly handcraftsmanship with no compromises in the interior, where materials of the highest quality abound. There are three new interior appointments with different leather, carpet and headlining colours. New trim in selected dark brown bird’s-eye maple, which can be combined with brilliant porcelain piano lacquer in the Maybach 57 S and 62 S, underline the regal ambience. As an alternative, customers can now choose from carbon-fibre trim elements with a sporty touch in various different colours, such as silver and red.

Entertainment and Electronics

Entertainment galore comes courtesy of a new multiformat DVD player. It reads all important formats such as DVD-R/DVD-RW/CD-R/CD-RW, DVD video/video CD and CD-DA playback/MP3. As an option a large high-resolution cinema screen with a 19-inch diagonal can now be fitted to the centre of the partition in the Maybach 62 models, as an alternative to the 9.5 inch monitors in the rear available until now. Sound in concert-hall quality is on tap in the form of a 600-watt sound system with 21 loudspeakers from renowned hi-fi specialist BOSE .

As an option Maybach can now also install an overview camera in the vehicles with a partition and cinema screen. Rear passengers are then able to keep an eye on the traffic in front of them without being seen themselves even with an opaque partition window. This creates an oasis of seclusion in which they can always enjoy total privacy.

An innovative WLAN router takes care of wireless internet access even during the journey. As an alternative, mobile devices can also be connected via a cable to a LAN socket in order to reduce electromagnetic radiation in the interior. This sophisticated internet connection is unique in this vehicle segment and utilises the rapid transmission standards HSDPA, UMTS and GSM/EDGE. It is capable of serving three mobile devices such as laptops simultaneously, so now it is child s play for Maybach owners to synchronise the data on their laptop with those on their computer at home or in the office, or to keep constant track of the current news via the internet, for instance. A mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth functionality and voice transmission via the vehicle s existing loudspeakers and microphones is also available as a further option.

Warranty

To coincide with the facelift, Maybach has introduced a new warranty policy. With the country-specific Maybach service and warranty packages Excellent and Basic, service and warranty are covered up to a vehicle age of eight years or a mileage of 200,000 kilometres/125,000 miles. After this point the life-long mobility warranty applies.

The numerous different variants of the Maybach service and warranty package can be purchased at various points in time and extended again according to personal requirements, which means that it offers even more extensive cover in case of damage, plus calculable maintenance costs. A unique feature of the package is the fact that it includes, for example, replacements in case of wear such as paint, leather, wood, carpet and upholstery, as well as noise repairs. The Maybach experts use only genuine Maybach parts of the very highest quality, meaning that the Maybach is always in pristine condition. This facilitates the luxury saloons long-term value retention and is an advantage not to be underestimated when it comes to resale.

Travelling

Journeying in a Maybach means relaxing in peace and calm. If at all, noise from the road or airflow reaches the ears of the passengers as though from afar. The high-end luxury saloons from Sindelfingen possess nigh-on proverbial quiet-running characteristics. The smooth ride is all thanks to the carefully optimised, low natural body frequencies, a suspension with a hydraulic subframe and shock absorbers meticulously developed with enormous attention to detail. Also co-responsible for the exemplary smooth ride are the four-bearing propshaft, the differential with gears carefully ground-in by hand and the large wheels with tyres specially developed for the Maybach. Michelin had made no less than 27 tyre samples available just for the Maybach saloons, and it was only after lengthy tuning work that the best result was finally achieved.

But it is not only these major measures that turn the Maybach saloons into a blissfully peaceful haven reminiscent of a sedan chair. An equally important contribution is made by textile trim in the wheel arches, which dampen the clatter of stone chippings that are thrown up, acoustically dampened air ducts, in whose acoustically effective labyrinth sound waves become lost and an unusually long exhaust system measuring six metres in length which is characterised by multiple flexible decoupling. A total of 224 parts in every Maybach saloon boast superb acoustic effectiveness such as the windows with acoustic film, which connects two panes, thus preventing them from vibrating, or 93 kilograms of function-optimised acoustic material.

And Maybach does not leave the task of achieving perfection at the highest level merely to intensive engineering work this happens first and foremost in the Maybach Manufaktur itself. Only the very best specialists work here. Just as every single Maybach is individually equipped, they also treat each Maybach as an individual. And they add their signature to the certificate which belongs to every saloon, confirming the high quality of their work. This means that the Maybach is far from being an anonymous product each employee is identifiable and takes personal responsibility. This also applies to the employees at the Manufaktur who are responsible for the final inspection. At the end of the process they test-drive the finished luxury car and subject it to meticulous scrutiny with their sensitive senses an extensive procedure which Maybach prescribes for every single vehicle, and one which goes far beyond what is customary.

Individualisation

Tailor-made individualisation is part of the recipe for success of the luxury Maybach brand. It offers its customers unique ways of customising the specification of its top-class saloons. The Manufaktur in Sindelfingen turns a whole host of special requests in reality: of crucial importance in the work performed are the materials and cutting-edge technologies used to offer an extraordinary visual and tactile experience. This is why the Maybach specialists repeatedly come up with superb new materials and paint finishes many of them specially developed for Maybach and not available from any other vehicle manufacturer. One of the brand-new features is the option of having individual motifs included on the partition window.

With its flair for the extraordinary, its acute understanding of the perceptual capabilities of the senses and through continuous dialogue with its customers, the Maybach Manufaktur continuously expands its range of optional and customised extras in order to keep fulfilling the wishes and requirements of the automotive market s most prestigious clientele. And it is for this reason that the luxury Maybach saloons will again be available with special protection after the facelift.

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