RE: Wiesmann back in business!
Thursday 12th October 2017
While definitely a niche player, even in the rarefied world of six-figure sports cars, there was always a lot to like about Wiesmann. Using BMW engines, including one or two M units, guaranteed strong performance, while the handling was pretty sharp too. Combine that with unmistakeable styling - we'll let you decide whether it's good or not - and the cars offered something quite different in a pretty busy market.
Er, perhaps not our first choice of colour..Therefore the news of its demise was sad to report, but now Wiesmann is to return! Autocar is reporting a deal struck with BMW to use an M Division V8 - i.e. the 4.4-litre twin-turbo from the M5 - in more than one new model, with production beginning next year.
Wiesmann back in business!
Deal signed for BMW M V8s, multiple models planned and a return in 2018...
Er, perhaps not our first choice of colour..
"In the pre-development phase, which has now been concluded, we worked together extremely well and we are delighted to be able to collaborate with our reliable top partner BMW Group," said CEO Mario Spitzner. 2018 will mark 25 years of the BMW and Wiesmann alliance, so it's certainly an opportune moment to launch a new model.
Sadly we don't know exactly what the car will be, though it's a story we'll be following with interest. The cars were always fantastically exciting beforehand, so let's hope that can continue into the new era. And if you can't wait that long, a few Wiesmanns can be found lurking in the PH classifieds - this one has the old M5 V10 in it...
[Source: Autocar]
Discussion
Paracetamol said:
I love the stance and the build quality, engineering etc but the styling really need bringing up to date. There must be ways to classically style it without it looking so Mock Tudor Mansion.
I think you may be completely missing the point, it meant to look retro....its conceptually a German MorganEdited by GTEYE on Friday 13th October 09:14
AyBee said:
Always remember that road test Clarkson did of the Weismann vs the Tuscan and think my money would go the Weismann way if they were the same price. Needs to be pitched at the right price though!
On the face of it, you could have the new TVR and a number of the old ones too for the price of the Weismann. In all honesty, I've not looked at how much these are for a while, but I suspect you wouldn't get anything back from £150k... GTEYE said:
I think you may be completely missing the point, it meant to look retro....its conceptually a German Morgan
I totally get it but I think the market has moved on..hence them alreday going bust once before.Edited by GTEYE on Friday 13th October 09:14
TVR and Jaguar and even caterham etc are moving away from this trap. Whilst people admire some of these designs, they simply do not buy them.
I reckon a front facelift is all it really needs.
Paracetamol said:
I totally get it but I think the market has moved on..hence them alreday going bust once before.
TVR and Jaguar and even caterham etc are moving away from this trap. Whilst people admire some of these designs, they simply do not buy them.
I reckon a front facelift is all it really needs.
Still not sure you get it.TVR and Jaguar and even caterham etc are moving away from this trap. Whilst people admire some of these designs, they simply do not buy them.
I reckon a front facelift is all it really needs.
It's supposed to look retro; like an old english sports car on steriods. Making it look modern would therefore make it not look retro.
It's not a problem you don't like it; looks are subjective after all. Personally I think the stance of them is just perfect, and I like the pumped up Healey/Jag look.
Can't comment on VFM as never seen one in the flesh, let alone up close. But the impression they seem to give is that it is both an extremely bespoke car, but built with all the best bits. It's therefore not a surprise that a niche manufacturer is going to have sell it for a lot of money, and by the same token will therefore struggle to sell large quantities. These companies need backers who are willing to take a risk on short-term takings. That's why they went out of business, not due to the styling - IMO.
These do absolutely nothing for me.
Lazy styling and lazy development and similar in concept to the Morgan Aero, the Sebring 3000 or those awful PGO Speedster which I equally don't like. There is just no need for retro styling when there are so many good modern car designers producing fabulous new cars. If you want a classic car, buy a classic car. If you have £100k plus to spend and want something that looks like a Jaguar XK120 or Healey 3000, buy an XK120 or Healey 3000. Honestly the originals look so much better than these gopping lash-ups.
If you want a modern car which drives and handles like a modern car, buy a modern car not a sad pastiche. The Jaguar F-Type V8-r Roaster is gorgeous, so is the 911 Turbo S Convertible and the R8 roaster with its epic V10, even the 570s Spider is in the same cost group and quite a looker.
The Wiesmann just makes me a little sad.
Lazy styling and lazy development and similar in concept to the Morgan Aero, the Sebring 3000 or those awful PGO Speedster which I equally don't like. There is just no need for retro styling when there are so many good modern car designers producing fabulous new cars. If you want a classic car, buy a classic car. If you have £100k plus to spend and want something that looks like a Jaguar XK120 or Healey 3000, buy an XK120 or Healey 3000. Honestly the originals look so much better than these gopping lash-ups.
If you want a modern car which drives and handles like a modern car, buy a modern car not a sad pastiche. The Jaguar F-Type V8-r Roaster is gorgeous, so is the 911 Turbo S Convertible and the R8 roaster with its epic V10, even the 570s Spider is in the same cost group and quite a looker.
The Wiesmann just makes me a little sad.
hondansx said:
Still not sure you get it.
It's supposed to look retro; like an old english sports car on steriods. Making it look modern would therefore make it not look retro.
It's not a problem you don't like it; looks are subjective after all. Personally I think the stance of them is just perfect, and I like the pumped up Healey/Jag look.
Can't comment on VFM as never seen one in the flesh, let alone up close. But the impression they seem to give is that it is both an extremely bespoke car, but built with all the best bits. It's therefore not a surprise that a niche manufacturer is going to have sell it for a lot of money, and by the same token will therefore struggle to sell large quantities. These companies need backers who are willing to take a risk on short-term takings. That's why they went out of business, not due to the styling - IMO.
Not saying it needs to look modern. I own a Z8- there is an example of a car that is simply classic looking without being retro. The first minis from 2002 got this super right too.as did the SLS etc etc.. There are lots of examples. It's supposed to look retro; like an old english sports car on steriods. Making it look modern would therefore make it not look retro.
It's not a problem you don't like it; looks are subjective after all. Personally I think the stance of them is just perfect, and I like the pumped up Healey/Jag look.
Can't comment on VFM as never seen one in the flesh, let alone up close. But the impression they seem to give is that it is both an extremely bespoke car, but built with all the best bits. It's therefore not a surprise that a niche manufacturer is going to have sell it for a lot of money, and by the same token will therefore struggle to sell large quantities. These companies need backers who are willing to take a risk on short-term takings. That's why they went out of business, not due to the styling - IMO.
Doing big chrome grill retro is just super lazy and buyers are far more sophisticated now.
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