James Bond, man of action, would never choose a Maybach as his personal ride.A Maybach is coddling, a supreme luxury experience for those who want to ride in the reclining leather loungers in back, sipping Glenfiddich and reading the latest Robb Report. But Maybach apparently understands that the financially successful businesspeople of the world are ambitious, go-getting, control freaks. They want to get behind the wheel and master their destinies, and they want to do it, like, yesterday.

Thus the introduction of the warp-speed Maybach 57S performance model, unveiled to Americans at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. We’re talking about 12 twin-turbocharged cylinders, more than 600 horsepower, and a torque curve that peaks flat between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Acceleration to 60 mph takes less than five seconds, impressive for a vehicle that weighs more than 7,000 pounds, with 275/45 Michelin Pilot Sport tires wrapped around 20-inch multi-spoked wheels keeping the power glued to the pavement. The Maybach 57S is also equipped with a lowered chassis and an Adaptive Damping System II suspension that is designed for perfect calibration regardless of speed, road surface, or vehicle direction. Plus, the stability and traction control systems are calibrated to offer a wider handling and performance envelope than standard models.

When Diddy rolls by in his new Maybach 57S with custom rims, you can still identify it as the performance model by its redesigned grille with double louvers. Other styling changes include chrome surrounds for the fog lights, a redesigned rear apron, and chrome-dipped exhaust outlets. You can get a Maybach 57S in black or silver, but the interior can be custom-tailored. Most buyers might want to stick with the piped Nappa leather upholstery, piano lacquer trim, and carbon fiber panels. For 2006, a Business Package with Bluetooth wireless technology, a color printer, and a wireless 80 kbps Internet connection can transform the Maybach 57 or 62 into a mobile communications station, but is rightly dismissed from the 57S.

We say good riddance. Leave that Business Package option for Moneypenny’s chauffered Maybach 62. Bond definitely wants the performance-tuned Maybach 57S, which is both shaken and stirred.