Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH, founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl, was a German manufacturer of engines for Zeppelins and later, large and luxurious automobiles. The company has historic roots through the involvement of its founder who was the technical director of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (Daimler Motor Company). Today, the brand is owned by DaimlerChrysler and based in Stuttgart. Between 1921 and 1940, the company produced various classic opulent vehicles.During World War II, design and production was redirected to military applications — Maybach designed and/or produced the engines of many German military vehicles and German armored fighting vehicles such as the PzKpfw IV, Tiger I and the Panther.The company also built heavy duty diesel engines for marine and rail purposes. Famous locomotives with Maybach engines include the German V200 and between 1961 and 1964, British Rail Class 52 "Westerns."In 1960, Daimler-Benz acquired a majority shareholder status. Six years later, Maybach-Motorenbau was merged with the heavy-duty engine arm of Daimler-Benz to form a new company, Maybach Mercedes-Benz Motorenbau GmbH. In 1969 this became MTU Friedrichshafen.For performance the Maybach's 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 contributes to its design and components similar to the Mercedes-Benz S600. Output is rated at 543 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 664 pound-feet of torque at 2,300 rpm (compared to 493 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque in the S600). The Airmatic DC suspension system offers for a continual adjustment to the air spring and shock absorber rates for the advantages of choosing luxury or performance rides.