Daimler added the Maybach Landaulet -- an open-top version of its Maybach 62 S -- to its lineup for 2009. Maybach will produce only a handful of the cars for a select few customers with exceptionally deep pockets.

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True to the tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of the car can be opened fully at the rear, while the driver's compartment remains completely enclosed. The passengers are then able to enjoy the sky above.

Maybach engineers have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky. The side walls remain, and have been reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the complete interior with its reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closed the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the driver operates a switch in the centre console.

The roof opens electro-hydraulically and is stored on the parcel shelf in the rear. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fitted leather cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view

The Maybach Landaulet study is powered by the uprated V12 engine that Maybach engineers developed for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 612 hp and 738 pound-feet of torque.