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Posted on July 23, 2020 By Robert Payne

Wiesmann GmbH
Company typePublic (GmbH & Co. KG)
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1988
FounderMartin Wiesmann
Friedhelm Wiesmann
Headquarters
Dülmen
,
Germany 51°50′40.04″N 7°17′30.24″E / 51.8444556°N 7.2917333°E / 51.8444556; 7.2917333 (Weismann factory at An der Lehmkuhle 87, 48249, Dülmen, Germany)
Key people
  • Roheen Berry (CEO)
Productshand-built custom convertibles
Websitewww.wiesmann.com

Wiesmann GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer that specializes in hand-built custom convertibles and coupes. Brothers Martin Wiesmann and Friedhelm Wiesmann founded the company in 1988 which has its headquarters located in Dülmen.[1] The business was temporarily closed in May 2014,[2] and following a buyout by London-based investor Roheen Berry who took over as CEO,[3][4] it is set to return with a new model, powered by a BMW M division-sourced V8 engine.[5][6][7] The relaunch of the Wiesmann brand has more than one model, including an electric vehicle, in the pipeline and the pre-development phase of the car has been completed. A teaser video of the brand's rebirth, posted on their website, tells viewers to “expect the unexpected”.[8]

In its previous era, Wiesmann used BMW's six-cylinder engines to power its MF models until the introduction in 2003 of the GT MF4, which used BMW's 4.8-litre V8, and the MF5, which used the M5's 5.0-litre V10.[9]

History

Wiesmann's gecko logo was incorporated into the design of its factory in Dülmen, Germany.

The company's first roadster left the workshop in 1993. By 2006, they were producing the Wiesmann MF3 and MF30 roadsters and the Wiesmann GT MF4 coupé, all of which utilized engine and transmission components supplied by BMW. The company, which made around 180 hand-built cars each year, used a gecko logo because they claimed their cars "stick to the road like geckos to a wall"

By 2010, Wiesmann planned to begin exporting vehicles to the US. Factors including poor exchange rates and the high costs of modifying and testing cars to meet US automotive regulations hindered these plans.[10][11] On August 14, 2013, Wiesmann filed for insolvency at the local court in Münster.[12] Four months later, Wiesmann's management board filed to dismiss the insolvency proceedings due to abolition of the insolvency reasons, while the creditors’ meeting was also postponed.[13] A UK-based consortium was interested in taking over Wiesmann and resuming production, but the company was closed a month later. London-based investor Roheen Berry bought out the company and became its CEO.[14]

In 2022, Wiesmann announced they were entering the electric sports car market.[15] Production of the zero-emission Thunderball will start in the 2024 model year[16] with the entire first year's run already sold out.[17]

MF30 / MF3

MF30

Wiesmann MF30

The Wiesmann MF30 is the first Wiesmann model ever built, with cars entering production in 1993.[18]

The MF30 is powered by a six-cylinder M54B30 engine borrowed from BMW, with a capacity of 2979 cm3 and a power output of 170 kW (228 hp; 231 PS) at 5,900 rpm and 300 N⋅m (221 ft⋅lbf) of torque at 3,400 rpm. It has a dry weight of 1,080 kg (2,381 lb) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

The model was discontinued in order to give way to the new, slightly modified model named MF3.[19]

Specifications

Chassis Hot-dipped galvanized steel, aluminum clad
Body fiber glass reinforced composite material
Engine BMW 6-cylinder engine – Capacity 2979 cm3
Rated power/rated speed

170 kW (228 hp; 231 PS) @ 5,900 rpm

max. torque/speed

300 N⋅m (221 ft⋅lbf) @ 3,400 rpm

Fuel Consumption City 12.8 L/100 km (22.1 mpg‑imp; 18.4 mpg‑US) - Highway 6.9 L/100 km (41 mpg‑imp; 34 mpg‑US)
Combined 9.1 L/100 km (31 mpg‑imp; 26 mpg‑US)
Transmission 5-speed or 6-speed manual or 6-speed sequential (SMG II)
Power Train Rear wheel drive
Performance Maximum speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
Acceleration: 0 –100 km/h (62 mph): 5.0 sec.
Suspension MacPherson strut front suspension with transverse link, stabilizer
Central control arm rear axle with leading and transverse link, stabilizer
Weight 1,080 kg (2,381 lb)
Dimensions Length: 3.86 m (152 in) / Width: 1.75 m (69 in) / Height: 1.16 m (46 in)

MF3

Wiesmann MF3
Wiesmann MF3
Wiesmann MF3

The primary difference between the MF3 and the MF30 was the new engine. The engine featured on the MF3 was a BMW S54, which is originally from the M3 (E46). The engine has a displacement of 3246 cc with a maximum power output of 252 kW (338 hp; 343 PS) at 7900 rpm, and a maximum torque of 365 N⋅m (269 ft⋅lbf) at 4900 rpm. With the new engine and due to its weight of 1,180 kg (2,601 lb), this car can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.0 sec and reaching a maximum speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). The MF3 came with a five-speed manual transmission as basic, and a six-speed sequential gearbox as an option. Another additional option were the 20-inch rims running on (front: 235/30/20, rear: 285/25/20) rubber.

Specifications

Chassis Hot-dipped galvanized steel, aluminum clad
Body fibre glass reinforced composite material
Engine BMW S54 – Capacity 3246 cc
Rated power/rated speed

252 kW / 343 hp @ 7900 rpm

max. torque/speed

365 N⋅m (269 ft⋅lbf) @ 4900 rpm

Fuel Consumption City 17.8 L/100 km (15.9 mpg‑imp; 13.2 mpg‑US) - Highway 8.4 L/100 km (34 mpg‑imp; 28 mpg‑US)
Combined 11.1 L/100 km (25 mpg‑imp; 21.2 mpg‑US)
Transmission 5-speed or 6-speed manual or 6-speed sequential (SMG II)
Power Train Rear wheel drive
Performance Maximum speed: 255 km/h (158 mph)
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 5.0 sec.
Suspension MacPherson strut front suspension with transverse link, stabilizer
Central control arm rear axle with leading and transverse link, stabilizer
Weight 1,180 kg (2,601 lb)
Dimensions Length: 3.86 m (152 in) / Width: 1.75 m (69 in) / Height: 1.16 m (46 in)
Price ~£90,000

Other models

Other variants exist, such as the MF25-4, MF28 and the MF35.

MF4

Wiesmann GT MF4 at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show
Wiesmann GT MF4

The GT MF4 is a closed two-seater with more power than the other models, intended for long distance touring. The first edition GT MF4 was produced from 2003 to 2009.

Wiesmann GT MF4-S
Wiesmann Roadster MF4-S

At the 2009 Geneva Motorshow Wiesmann revealed the Roadster MF4 and Roadster MF4-S,[20] which featured facelifted bodywork and an updated engine choice.

In 2010, also at Geneva, they updated their coupe, with the GT MF4-S. This also had modernized bodywork, including modernized headlights and automated retracting spoiler.[21]

Wiemann released their most exclusive model, the GT MF4-CS, at the 2013 Geneva Motorshow. This was a track-focused lightweight limited edition car, with only 25 slated for production.[22] It differed from the standard cars with a 40kg weight reduction, a pared back interior and more aggressive bodywork for better aerodynamics, paired to the MF4-S drivetrain for better performance.[23]

Specifications

Chassis Aluminum
Body Fiber glass reinforced composite material
Engine naturally aspirated 4.8L (367 HP/270 kW) V8 BMW engine BMW N62
naturally aspirated 4.0L (420 HP/309 kW) V8 BMW engine BMW S65B40 (MF4-S)
Rated power/rated speed

270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp) @ 6,300 rpm
309 kW (420 PS; 414 hp) @ 8,300 rpm (MF4 S)

Max. torque/speed

490 N⋅m (361 lb⋅ft)) @ 3,400 rpm
400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) @ 3,900 rpm (MF4 S)

Fuel Consumption City 17.2 L/100 km (16.4 mpg‑imp; 13.7 mpg‑US) - Highway 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg‑imp; 25 mpg‑US)
Combined 12.3 L/100 km (23.0 mpg‑imp; 19.1 mpg‑US)
Transmission 6-speed sports automatic
Power Train Rear wheel drive
Performance Maximum speed: 291 km/h (181 mph)
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.6 sec.
Suspension Single wheel suspension front and rear
front: aluminium double transverse link
rear: aluminium double transverse link with trailing link
Weight 1,390 kg (3,064 lb)
Dimensions Length: 4.23 m (167 in) / Width: 1.85 m (73 in) / Height: 1.19 m (47 in)

MF5

Wiesmann GT MF5 Coupe
Wiesmann Roadster MF5 V10

The GT MF5 & the Roadster MF5 are two-seater cars with more power than previous models. The GT MF5 was released at the 2008 Geneva Motorshow,[24] followed by the Roadster MF5 at Frankfurt IAA in 2009.[25]

Fewer than 200 MF5 cars were produced in total. Although the roadster was limited to just 55 cars,[26] only 43 were manufactured before the company ceased production.[27]

Specifications

Chassis Aluminium-monocoque, bonded and riveted
Body glass fiber bodyshell
Engine BMW S85 V10 – Capacity 5000 cc
BMW S63B44O0 V8 Twin-turbo – Capacity 4.4 L (4,395 cc) (2011–2014)
Rated power/rated speed

373 kW (500 hp; 507 PS) @ 7,500 rpm
408 kW (547 hp; 555 PS) @ 6,000 rpm (2011–2014)

Max. torque/speed

520 N⋅m (384 ft⋅lbf) @ 6,100 rpm
680 N⋅m (502 ft⋅lbf) @ 1,500-5,650 rpm (2011–2014)

Fuel Consumption City 15.8 L/100 km (17.9 mpg‑imp; 14.9 mpg‑US) - Highway 7.9 L/100 km (36 mpg‑imp; 30 mpg‑US)
Combined 12.9 L/100 km (21.9 mpg‑imp; 18.2 mpg‑US)
Transmission 6-speed sports automatic gearbox (steering wheel paddle shifters)
Power Train Rear wheel drive
Performance Maximum speed: 311 km/h (193 mph)
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 3.9 sec.
Suspension
Front: Aluminum double wishbone suspension with coil springs, anti roll bar
Rear: Aluminum double wishbone, trailing arm suspension with coil springs, anti roll bar
Weight 1,405 kg (3,097 lb)
Dimensions Length: 4.22 m (166 in) / Width: 1.95 m (77 in) / Height: 1.18 m (46 in)
Price €189,500+

New models

Project Gecko

Project Gecko is an as-yet unreleased project, the first vehicle announced since the manufacturer's acquisition by Roheen Berry.[28] The proposed drivetrain will use BMW's TwinPower, turbocharged eight-cylinder petrol engine and eight-speed gearbox, with a proposed top speed of over 320 km/h (200 mph) and a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of less than 3.5 seconds.[29]

Production of Project Gecko was delayed in December 2021 in order for Wiesmann to focus on releasing Project Thunderball.[30]

Project Thunderball

Revealed in April 2022, Project Thunderball is a fully electric two door luxury roadster, featuring Roding-supplied powertrain and batteries. The car makes 671 hp and 1100 Nm of torque. This allows for a 0º100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds, with a weight of 1,775 kg. The first production cars will be delivered to customers in 2024.[31]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Wiesmann Sports Cars – a Journey Of Time Travel". dyler.com. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  2. ^ "Retro sports car maker Wiesmann to return next year". Driving.co.uk from The Sunday Times. 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  3. ^ "Interview With Roheen Berry, Owner & CEO Of Wiesmann". July 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  4. ^ Radu, Mihnea (2015-11-17). "Wiesmann Bought by British Investors, to Restart Production in 2016, Company Founder Says". autoevolution. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
  5. ^ "The BMW M5 Powered Wiesmann GT MF5 - The Market Herald". themarketherald.com.au. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  6. ^ "2020 Wiesmann MF6 Makes First Public Appearance, Packs BMW M5 Power". Carscoops. 2019-11-04. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  7. ^ "2020 Wiesmann 'Project Gecko' to have BMW V8 power". Autocar. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  8. ^ Leftlane (8 May 2014). "Germany's Wiesmann shuts down". Leftlane. Retrieved 2015-03-23.
  9. ^ "The neo-retro coupe returns with revised styling and a BMW M5-sourced engine". www.topspeed.com. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  10. ^ "Autoweek Wiesmann Article".
  11. ^ "GTSPIRIT Article". GTSPIRIT Article. Retrieved 2011-02-06.
  12. ^ SPIEGEL ONLINE, Hamburg, Germany (15 August 2013). "Wiesmann meldet Insolvenz an". SPIEGEL ONLINE.
  13. ^ Carscoop Carscoop. "Wiesmann Emerges from Insolvency, Will Meet Creditors on December 16". Carscoops.
  14. ^ "Wiesmann MF6 Spied In The Wild". CarBuzz. 2019-12-08. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  15. ^ Duff, Mike (December 7, 2022). "Wiesmann Project Thunderball EV Prototype Fuses Past and Future". Car and Driver. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  16. ^ Barontini, Francesco (March 8, 2023). "WIESMANN PROJECT THUNDERBALL ELECTRIC REBIRTH". Auto & Design. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  17. ^ Doll, Scooter (February 13, 2023). "Wiesmann's $320k 'Project Thunderball' roadster EV sells out entire first year of production". Electrek. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  18. ^ "HISTORY". Wiesmann Sports Cars GmbH. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  19. ^ Njuguna, Marcus (2022-03-21). "A Detailed Look At The Wiesmann MF30". HotCars. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  20. ^ Moore, Alina (March 6, 2009). "2009 Wiesmann Roadster MF4". Topspeed.com.
  21. ^ Joseph, Noah (March 3, 2010). "Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S gives 'em something to talk about". Autoblog.com.
  22. ^ "Wiesmann GT MF4-CS: limited edition track model headed to Geneva". Drive. 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  23. ^ Serban, Tudor. "WIESMANN GT MF4-CS Specs & Photos - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023". autoevolution. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  24. ^ "Weismann GT MF 5 2008 Geneva Motor Show". Drive.com.au. 2008-03-04. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  25. ^ "Frankfurt 2009: Wiesmann MF5 Roadster gets its lipstick on". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  26. ^ "Road Test: Wiesmann Roadster MF5". gtspirit.com. 2010-09-10. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  27. ^ "WIESMANN MF5". Wiesmann.com. Wiesmann Sports Cars GmbH. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  28. ^ "Interview with Roheen Berry, Owner & CEO of Wiesmann". July 2019.
  29. ^ "Wiesmann Project Gecko". Wiesmann. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  30. ^ Gauthier, Michael (December 24, 2021). "Wiesmann Delays Project Gecko, Reveals Plans for a Second Model". Carscoops.com.
  31. ^ "Wiesmann Project Thunderball Is A 671 HP Electric Roadster". InsideEVs. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiesmann

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