It's been eight years since Wiesmann closed its doors and ended production of its classically British-styled coupés and roadsters underpinned by BMW drivetrains. Under the firm's new owner, UK investor Roheen Berry, it's return has been previewed for sometime - not least with Project Gecko. Not content with one esoteric name, Wiesmann has unveiled another: Project Thunderball, and hinted that the forthcoming model might be the first to feature an electrified powertrain.
Not fully electric, obviously. As with previous Weismann models, Project Thunderball will likely use BMW's 4.4-litre twin-turbo S63 V8 from the F90 M5, along with its eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Even without additional help, this could mean a potential power output in excess of 600hp backed up by more than 550lb ft of torque, making it by far the most powerful model the company has ever made.
Until now, that honour went to the GT MF5 that used a version of the S63 fitted to the F10 M5, with 555hp and 501lb ft, giving that car the ability to blast from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 193mph. Wiesmann has a history of producing its cars in aluminium and glass fibre to keep weight down (the GT MF5 weighed in at 1,405kg) although it remains to be seen whether the new car will stick with rear-wheel drive or use the four-wheel-drive format from the current M5.
Project Thunderball will be produced at the company's Gecko factory in Dülmen, Germany, and Roheen said, "As the automotive industry undergoes its biggest revolution in a century, there can be no better time to announce the return of a refreshed, reborn and recharged motoring icon. Thunderball will continue Wiesmann's reputation for setting the standard for performance, craftsmanship and sheer enjoyment. With its unequivocal style, this is the Wiesmann fit for the 21st century, and this is just the beginning."
If previous efforts are anything to go by, expect any new Wiesmann-badged car to be impressively well made with its quintessential traditionalism underpinned by a thoroughly modern chassis. But that's with our fingers crossed; for now there's precious little detail beyond the test car pics. Assuming Wiesmann follows through on its latest promise, expect a price tag in excess of £200,000.
1 / 2
