Introduction: The Maybach Exelero
Maybach Exelero When it comes to the world of ultra-rare hypercars, few names carry the mystique of the Maybach Exelero. Built as a one-off concept, the Exelero is not just a supercar — it’s a symbol of extravagance, secrecy, and unrelenting performance. But what makes it the most mysterious supercar ever built? Let’s dive into the captivating story.
The Maybach Exelero stands as one of the most enigmatic supercars in automotive history. Unveiled in 2005, this one-of-a-kind vehicle captivates with its rarity and shrouded past. Built by DaimlerChrysler in collaboration with Italian firm Stola, it’s not a production model but a bespoke creation tied to an unusual purpose. With only one unit ever made, its $8 million price tag and elusive ownership history fuel its mystique. As of April 17, 2025, the Exelero remains a symbol of luxury and mystery, sparking curiosity among car enthusiasts worldwide.
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Table of Contents
- The Birth of a One-of-a-Kind Supercar
- Design That Defies Convention
- Performance Specs That Still Turn Heads
- Why Only One Was Ever Made
- Rumors, Celebrities, and Controversies
- Where Is the Maybach Exelero Now?
- The Exelero’s Lasting Legacy
- Conclusion: A Mystery That Keeps Growing
- FAQ: Maybach Exelero Mysteries
1-The Birth of a One-of-a-Kind Supercar
The Maybach Exelero was born from an unusual collaboration. In 2005, Fulda, a German tire company under Goodyear, needed a high-performance vehicle to test their new generation of wide tires. They turned to Daimler’s Maybach division, known for their ultra-luxury sedans, to develop a car that could handle extreme speed tests — and look good doing it.
This wasn’t a production car. It wasn’t even meant for sale. It was a rolling showcase, and yet, it ended up becoming one of the most talked-about vehicles of the 21st century.
The Exelero’s story begins with Fulda, a German tire subsidiary of Goodyear, seeking a high-speed testbed for its Carat Exelero tires. Commissioned in 2004, it was built on the Maybach 57 platform, echoing a 1938 Fulda-Maybach collaboration lost during World War II. Designed by students from Pforzheim University, it achieved a verified 218 mph at the Nardo test track in 2005, fulfilling its tire-testing mission. Unlike typical supercars, its purpose-driven design sets it apart, adding to its enigmatic allure.
Sold for $8 million in 2011, the Exelero’s ownership is a puzzle. Rapper Birdman claimed purchase, intending a red repaint, but sales disputes arose. Jay-Z featured it in his “Lost One” video, fueling speculation of his ownership. Later, Mechatronik’s Frank Rickert and a private collector were linked to it, with its current home at Germany’s Nationales Automuseum The Loh Collection adding to the uncertainty.
2-Design That Defies Convention
The Exelero is a visual beast — long, wide, and commanding. With a length of nearly 6 meters (19.7 feet), it looks more like a stealth fighter than a car. Designed by students at the Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, the Exelero blends classic luxury with futuristic aggression.
Key Design Features:
- Jet-black aerodynamic body
- Two-door coupe with limousine-like proportions
- Retro-inspired grille reminiscent of the 1930s Maybach SW 38
- Massive 23-inch wheels
- Side-mounted exhausts that rumble like thunder
Its design isn’t just for show — every curve serves a purpose, from high-speed stability to cooling performance.
With a sleek, Batmobile-like silhouette, the Exelero measures 6 meters long and weighs 2.66 tons. Powered by a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 690 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque, it boasts a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Its 23-inch alloy wheels and luxurious interior—featuring leather, neoprene, and carbon fiber—blend performance with opulence. This fusion of utility and extravagance enhances its mysterious charm.
4-Performance Specs That Still Turn Heads
The Exelero isn’t just about looks. Under the hood, it houses a twin-turbocharged 5.9L V12 engine capable of producing 700 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque.
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Performance Highlights:
- 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds
- Top speed: 218 mph (351 km/h)
- Weight: approx. 2.66 tons (2,660 kg)
Despite its size and weight, the Exelero performs like a true supercar — with the added refinement of a luxury limousine.
5-Why Only One Was Ever Made
Unlike other hypercars, the Exelero was never intended for mass production or even limited release. It was created purely as a testing platform and brand statement. The cost of developing and building it reportedly exceeded $8 million, making it economically unfeasible to replicate.
Its uniqueness adds to the allure. You can’t buy another Exelero — you can only dream of owning the Exelero.
Housed in a German museum as of 2025, the Exelero’s future is uncertain. No successor is planned, but its legacy could inspire future Maybach concepts, though its niche purpose limits replication.
6-Rumors, Celebrities, and Controversies
Over the years, the Exelero has been linked to numerous celebrities. The most famous of these is rapper Birdman, who allegedly purchased the car in 2011 for $8 million. However, reports later surfaced claiming he never completed the payment.
Other rumors suggest that Jay-Z used the Exelero in one of his music videos, further boosting the car’s cultural significance.
And then there are whispers of the car disappearing for years, quietly tucked away in private collections, occasionally resurfacing at exclusive events.
The Maybach Exelero’s $8 million price, unique tire-testing origin, and elusive ownership cement its status as the most mysterious supercar ever built. Its rare appearances and cultural impact keep it legendary. For enthusiasts, it’s a tantalizing enigma—explore its story and decide for yourself!
7-Where Is the Maybach Exelero Now?
Current ownership remains somewhat murky, but most reports suggest it now belongs to a private collector, potentially in Europe or the Middle East. The car occasionally appears at auto shows or private viewings, but it’s largely off the grid, adding to its mystique.
8-The Exelero’s Lasting Legacy
Even though only one Exelero exists, its influence on car culture is undeniable. It became a benchmark in combining extreme luxury with raw performance. Brands like Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, and even Mercedes-Maybach have taken notes from the Exelero’s blend of exclusivity and shock value.
It also helped redefine what a concept car could be — not just a design study, but a fully functioning machine capable of pushing engineering limits.
9-Conclusion: A Mystery That Keeps Growing
The Maybach Exelero is more than a car — it’s a myth on wheels. Its unique origin story, unforgettable design, and aura of secrecy make it one of the most fascinating supercars ever created. In a world where most vehicles come off assembly lines by the thousands, the Exelero stands alone — a silent titan shrouded in mystery.
The Maybach Exelero’s $8 million price, unique tire-testing origin, and elusive ownership cement its status as the most mysterious supercar ever built. Its rare appearances and cultural impact keep it legendary. For enthusiasts, it’s a tantalizing enigma—explore its story and decide for yourself!
10-FAQ: Maybach Exelero Mysteries
1. What is the Maybach Exelero’s top speed?
218 mph, verified in 2005.
2. Who owns the Maybach Exelero?
Currently at Nationales Automuseum The Loh Collection; past owners are disputed (Birdman, Jay-Z, others).
3. Why was it built?
To test Fulda’s Carat Exelero tires.
4. What is its price?
Sold for $8 million in 2011, now worth more.
5. Will there be more Exeleros?
No, it’s a one-off with no production plans.