Does Jay-Z Own the Maybach Exelero?
The sleek lines and powerful presence of the Maybach Exelero have captivated car enthusiasts and music fans alike, thanks in part to its prominent feature in Jay-Z’s 2006 music video for “Lost One.” The video showcased the rapper behind the wheel of this stunning vehicle, leading many to believe he was the owner. However, the reality is somewhat different.
While the Exelero appears to be a high-end luxury coupe, it is, in fact, a concept car. Only one Exelero was ever created and was unveiled to the public in 2005. The vehicle, with its bold, flowing lines, immediately drew attention, reminiscent of pre-War luxury sports cars, but with a modern, closed-wheel design.
This unique vehicle was a collaboration between Maybach and Fulda, a German tire company now owned by Goodyear. The Exelero was built to showcase the capabilities of a new line of high-speed tires. The actual construction was handled by Stola, an Italian automotive company, which used the Maybach 57 S as a base.
Under the long hood of the Exelero is a biturbo 6.0-liter V12 engine, reportedly producing close to 700 horsepower. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 218 mph, as demonstrated in a high-profile top-speed test performed in Italy shortly after its unveiling.
Despite the widespread perception, the Maybach Exelero is not in Jay-Z’s private collection. It is currently housed in the National Auto Museum in Germany. While numerous articles continue to propagate the myth of Jay-Z’s ownership, the fact remains: the one-of-one Exelero does not belong to the rapper.
