Wiesmann Project Thunderball sold out for a year
Brave decision to cancel the V8 and go all-electric for Wiesmann's reinvention, but it seems to have paid off
For those that don’t know the history, the Wiesmann brothers – Martin and Friedheim – started off building aftermarket hard tops for roadsters. Then, in 1993, they decided to start producing the rest of the car as well. These were retro-styled sports cars in the traditional classic British mold, but grounded by a modern platform and German running gear bought in from BMW. So far, so good. Except that by 2013, the Wiesmann’s had ground to a halt financially, and the company’s assets and factory in Dülmen, not far from Munster, were acquired by a British-Indian businessman called Roheen Berry. Berry’s plan was to pick up where the company had left off, creating a new V8 sports car called, during its development stage, Project Gecko.
Except that Project Gecko went south, too, but not for financial reasons. This was part of a drastic new business plan that was to swap from V8 to full BEV. Wiesmann said it was the world’s first all-electric luxury roadster, which is fair considering the original Tesla Roadster was based on an Elise, and designated it Project Thunderball. Mike Duff drove the prototype at the end of last year, and while he noted a few rough edges, there was enough good stuff for him to sign off with a sense of ‘cautious optimism’ for the end result.
Well, apparently there are people out there who share MD’s optimism, only they’re less cautious. Wiesmann has announced that it’s sold all its first year allocation for Project Thunderball (actual name still to be announced). That sounds impressive, bearing in mind the order books only opened last September, but the key piece of missing information is a number. Has Wiesmann sold one, ten, or a hundred? We don’t know. We only know each of these rear-wheel drive, two-seaters costs 300,000 euros, with the first customer cars scheduled to arrive in 2024.
We also know the spec, which is impressive assuming it’s all achieved. It employs lightweight carbon fibre in its construction, runs with twin electric motors and they deliver 670hp and 808lb ft of shove. With a targeted production weight of 1,700kg that equates to 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, and the electric range that’s being touted is a WLTP equivalent of 310 miles. Just as importantly for anyone looking to cover proper road trips, the charging rate is up to 300kW.
Berry said: “We are all extremely proud that Project Thunderball – the car which heralds the return of the storied Wiesmann brand – should resonate so strongly with driving enthusiasts from around the world. We knew that combining the timeless design, luxury, and hand-crafted finish that Wiesmann is renowned for, together with a state-of-the-art electric powertrain that delivers exceptional performance, range and charging and our own technology, including the innovative regenerative braking system, would result in a truly captivating and iconic car.
"To have already sold out the first year of production proves the unique appeal of Project Thunderball and represents a phenomenal start to a Wiesmann’s new, electrified era.”
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