Maybach yesterday (November 13) lifted the lid on a new design study at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show, Dubai, by unveiling three new Mercedes-Benz debutants -  the SLR McLaren Roadster, CLK 63 AMG Black Series and the C 63 AMG.

With its study of an open-top landaulet, making its world premier in Dubai, Maybach Manufactur has re-enlivened the art of building majestic automobiles.

According to head of Maybach and SLR, Klaus Nesser, 'only the sky is the limit' and true to tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of this sparkling white one-off study can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur's compartment remains completely enclosed.

The Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S, which can claim to be the world's most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above.

The side walls remain, and have merely been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure.  When closed the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof, said an official spokesman.

When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. The roof then opens electro-hydraulically and is gently deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass.

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 and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance.

The Maybach Landaulet study is powered by the uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers a massive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

The C 63 AMG, available in the Middle East and Levant early next year, is the top C-Class model is powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. Developing a peak output of 457 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm, the high-revving, naturally aspirated engine delivers unrivalled figures in this segment with zero to 100 km/h reached in an unrivalled 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h.

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a supercar based on the official Formula One Safety Car and shows conclusively that Mercedes-AMG is the number one address for high -performance cars with thoroughbred racing technology.

The new C 63 AMG cuts a very self-assured figure. The V8 top model is already the fifth generation of the AMG C-Class. The family tree goes right back to the 1993 C 36 AMG - the very first vehicle to emerge from the co-operation between Daimler-Benz and AMG.

But the first steps were taken six years before. The 190 E 3.2 AMG unveiled in 1987 marked the beginning of the successful career of the dynamic and exclusive mid-range model from Affalterbach.

Earlier, Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz cars, Middle East and Levant, announced that Mercedes-Benz had achieved record sales of 15,675 vehicles in the Middle East and Levant in 2006, up nearly 13 per cent on the previous year. He added that figures for 2007 were well on track for another record year.

'This year's sales have again been helped by our magnificent S-Class and the coupe version the CL,' he said. 'The S-Class is our best selling vehicle retaining its status as the region's favourite luxury sedan. With our iconic G-Class, R-Class, ML and GL, we are proud to have the l