Maybach Exelero Replica Offered for $670,000 with Viper V10
A Swiss company linked to Maybach is building Exelero replicas powered by Dodge Viper V10 engines, offering customisation and delivery in four months for $670,000.
The Maybach Exelero was unveiled in 2005 as a one-off, ultra-luxurious concept car. Commissioned by Fulda, a German tyre manufacturer, the Exelero was designed to test high-performance tyres at speed. Its dramatic, imposing design and 700-horsepower, twin-turbo V12 engine made it an instant icon among automotive enthusiasts and collectors. The car’s exclusivity was further cemented by its reported $8 million sale price, making it one of the most expensive vehicles ever sold at the time.
Background: The Original Maybach Exelero
With only a single example ever produced, the Exelero became a symbol of extreme automotive luxury and bespoke engineering. The car’s unique blend of power, style, and rarity led to significant interest from collectors, celebrities, and fans of the Maybach brand. Its high-profile appearances and association with luxury culture ensured its place in automotive history.
The Replica Project: A More Accessible Exelero
In 2010, a Swiss-based company connected to Maybach announced an ambitious project: to build replicas of the Maybach Exelero. Priced at $670,000, these replicas were designed to offer the visual drama and exclusivity of the original Exelero at a much more accessible price point. While still costly, the replica was less than a tenth of the reported price of the original.
The company stated that the replicas would be powered by an 8.3-litre V10 engine sourced from the Dodge Viper, producing a claimed 800 horsepower. This powertrain marked a departure from the original’s V12, but it promised impressive performance and a distinctive character. The use of a Viper engine also allowed for more straightforward sourcing and maintenance compared to a bespoke Maybach V12.
Customisation and Ordering Process
One of the key selling points of the Exelero replica was its high degree of customisation. Buyers were invited to specify their preferred interior materials, colours, and even some elements of exterior styling. The company emphasised that both the interior layout and the exterior colour could be tailored to suit the buyer’s individual taste, aiming to deliver a vehicle that reflected the owner’s personality and preferences.
The company also promised a rapid build time, stating that each car would be delivered within just four months of the order being placed. This short turnaround was unusual for a car of such exclusivity, particularly given the level of personalisation on offer.
Comparison: Original Exelero vs. Replica
| Feature | Original Exelero | Replica Exelero |
|---|---|---|
| Year introduced | 2005 | 2010 (project announced) |
| Engine | 5.9-litre twin-turbo V12 | 8.3-litre Dodge Viper V10 |
| Power output | 700 hp | 800 hp (claimed) |
| Production | One-off | Limited, bespoke builds |
| Price (approx.) | $8 million | $670,000 |
| Purpose | Tyre testing/showcase | Customer-ordered, custom luxury |
Market Impact and Reception
The Exelero replica was positioned in a niche between high-end custom builds and official manufacturer one-offs. At $670,000, it was still a significant investment, but it offered a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own a car inspired by one of the most extravagant concepts of the 2000s without the prohibitive cost of the original.
Despite the ambitious announcement, there is little evidence that the replica project achieved high production numbers or widespread market uptake. The offer, however, reflected a broader trend of interest in ultra-exclusive, custom-bodied vehicles, particularly those with connections to prestigious brands like Maybach. For collectors and fans unable to acquire the original Exelero, the replica represented a chance to capture some of its allure and presence.
Legacy of the Exelero Replica
The Maybach Exelero replica project stands as a notable example of how demand for exclusivity and customisation continues to influence the luxury car market. While the project may not have resulted in many cars on the road, it underscored the enduring fascination with the Exelero’s design and the appeal of owning a vehicle tailored to personal tastes. For Maybach enthusiasts, the replica offered a unique blend of heritage, individuality, and performance at a price far below the original’s stratospheric value.
