I've been doing a lot of research on LWB (long-wheelbase) luxury automobiles because I am not a fan of SUVs and will not purchase one for myself next go around. I currently own an Explorer and an SC400. Both of which are in great shape, but within the next 5 years both vehicles are going to be replaced. In previous threads I have stated that my wife loves the LX470, that is fine as that will be her daily driver. I, on the other hand, would like to know if Lexus will ever make a LWB LS430? I know Mercedes-Benz made both SWB and LWB versions of the previous S-Class, but I do not know if that has continued into the 2000+ redesign.

I like large cars. I don't want to drive a limo, but I love legroom in the back seat. This is where I came across Mercedes Benz's latest creation, the Maybach Saloon, and will attach a link to the website where there are tons of pics of the inside and outside of this vehicle. This thing is gorgeous, but it's only for the insanely rich or to haul around company execs. Check it out and let me know what you think. The Maybach Saloon is also going to be made with the SWB and LWB option. Oh, if you have time read about the hand-built V12 that's going in there. Twin turbo V12 producing 550hp! The gas on that car alone would break me! <GRIN>
http://www.maybach.ru/inside/index_en.php

 

Wait until you see their price tag for it.:eek:

 

The Short Wheelbase model is going to start at $267,206 USD(290,000 Euro) & the LWB model is going to start at $314,000. On overboost mode(550hp) the car should run the quarter in the mid 13's:eek:

 

Jayson:

That is the most beautiful car interior I have ever seen.
I had no idea there was such a thing....

I did sit in a Lincoln Town Car Cartier "L" long-wheelbase not too long ago. Very nice, and only about $50K, if you want a long-wheelbase vehicle.

 

This has to be the ugliest car I have ever seen.

 

It's so nice and comfortable on the inside.
But it's so ugly looking on the outside.
I guess, that's what one would call a perfect
balance.

 

Can you imagine what the insurance premium on that vehicle will cost?

 

What a bargain! I'll take one of each wheelbase and an S-Class to have as a standby!

 

At that price level I'd rather take the SLR 0-60 in 3.6, in a 5-speed auto:eek: :eek: :eek:

By Mark Wan
AutoZine

"According to Autocar, SLR will be powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V8, not the 5.5-litre supercharged V8 specified in the show car. This lifts maximum power from 557 to 580hp, exactly the same as the V12 of Lamborghini Murcielago. IMO the switch to twin-turbo might be a response to the competition from Lamborghini, as the Mercedes will be priced higher than the bull. The turbocharged V8, however, will produce significantly more torque than the higher-revving Lamborghini V12.

Gordon Murray is also optimistic to achieve a kerb weight of a little more than 1400kg(3086.47 lbs), giving the Mercedes an advantage of nearly 300kg(661.387 lbs)compare with Lamborghini and Ferrari 575M.

Another surprise is that SLR will drive through a 5-speed automatic rather than 6-speed. So far, Mercedes insists to use only its own automatic gearbox rather than outsourcing from ZF which has a superb 6-speeder. It is known that Mercedes is also developing a 6-speed automatic, but it is at least 18 months away, therefore the SLR will not be equipped with 6-speeder, at least for the early production cars. Having 1 less ratio will affect its acceleration. However, with so much power and torque and a relatively lightweight body, it is believed the Mercedes can easily sprint from 0 to 60mph in less than 3.6 seconds. "
:eek: