"Small" Maybach due in 2009

Mercedes is planning to launch its smallest Maybach model in 2009, according to a new report by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. The V12 vehicle would offer between 500 and 600 horsepower, and would be similar in size to the Mercedes S-Class. Tentatively called the Maybach 51 -- due to its 5.1 meter length -- the car could even share a platform with the W221 S-Class. A coupe version is expected to follow the sedan variant, the magazine said. The sedan will be priced against the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the forthcoming "small" Rolls-Royce model. (Pictured right is the new Maybach 57 S, currently the most driver-oriented model in the Maybach lineup.)