2005 Maybach Exelero Concept by Stola

The 2005 Maybach Exelero is a one-off, high-performance concept car built by Stola (now part of Blutec) in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler. Commissioned by Fulda, a German subsidiary of Goodyear, it was developed as a test platform for their new Carat Exelero ultra-high-performance tyres. The car debuted on May 11, 2005, at the Tempodrom in Berlin.

The Exelero is based on the Maybach 57 limousine but heavily re-engineered into a sleek, chopped-down two-door coupe. Fulda required it to exceed 350 km/h (217 mph) to properly test their tyres. During trials at the Nardo high-speed track, the Exelero reached 351.45 km/h (218.38 mph). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.4 seconds despite weighing over 2.66 tonnes.

Powering the Exelero is a 5.9L twin-turbo V12 engine mounted at a 60º angle. It produces 700 PS (690 hp / 515 kW) and 1,020 Nm (752 lb-ft) of torque, paired with a 5G-Tronic automatic transmission. It features 23-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Fulda Carat Exelero tyres (315/25 ZR 23), and uses vented disc brakes with ABS.

The design, inspired by the 1930s Maybach SW 38 streamliner, was created by four students from Pforzheim University. The final body is long, low, and wide (5890 mm x 2140 mm x 1390 mm), finished in black with a prominent chrome grille, a long hood, and visible chrome fuel cap.

Inside, it’s fitted with dark and red leather, neoprene, carbon fiber, and aluminum. Sport seats with red harness belts and a full-spec luxury dashboard emphasize its high-end intent. Materials and fit reflect Maybach's philosophy of extreme individualization.

Only one unit was made. Though fully road legal, it was never intended for production. Stola later revealed a follow-up design called the Phalcon in 2007.

The Exelero gained pop culture status after appearing in Jay-Z’s “Lost One” music video, an episode of the German show Cobra 11, and even the anime Nisekoi. Reports once claimed rapper Birdman bought it for $8 million, but it was later confirmed to remain in Germany. As of now, the Exelero is housed in an automobile museum in Dietzhölztal, Germany, part of the Friedhelm Loh collection.