Skip advert
Advertisement

Wiesmann teases all-new V8 supercar ahead of 2020 reveal

The German car maker is back with its first new model in a decade, and it’ll feature a BMW-derived V8

Small-scale German sports car manufacturer Wiesmann has teased its first new model in almost a decade. Codenamed Project Gecko, after the brand’s logo, we’ll get our first look at it at some point in 2020.

Wiesmann says the new model will be an evolution of the MF5, a model that made its debut  at 2008’s Geneva motor show. Featuring BMW’s glorious 5-litre V10 from the E60 M5, it produced a very healthy 500bhp for a 3.9sec 0-62mph time and 193mph top speed – respectable numbers even today.

Advertisement - Article continues below

> Wiesmann GT MF5

The marque’s latest effort will continue its long-standing partnership with BMW, this time using a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Assuming this is in reference to the unit found in the G90 M5, Project Gecko could boast almost 600bhp, and given its sub-1380kg kerb weight, that should result in some rather impressive performance numbers indeed.

The lack of weight in the preceding MF5 gave it a 0.8sec 0-62mph advantage over the M5 it was based on, so given the use of modern lightweight construction methods and a significant bump in power, we can expect a sub-3.0sec 0-62mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph. It might not come with the NA V10’s whaling 8500rpm red line, but it’ll certainly perform...

As with all of Wiesmann’s products, Project Gecko will focus on driver engagement, with lightweight construction, a front mid-engined, RWD layout and perfect 50:50 weight distribution all helping to achieve this.

Wiesmann’s chief executive, Roheen Berry, said: ‘This last true independent manufacturer of German sports cars is back and has an exciting future to look forward to. When we set out on this journey we said we wanted to re-engineer an icon and we are on track to do exactly that.’

Production at its Dülmen, Germany factory will begin next year, and although pricing is yet to be announced, the waiting list is already open. Expect further details to surface in the coming months.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland

If you still think Germans don’t have a sense of humour, you haven’t driven their finest performance cars. You’d be grinning from ear to ear
18 Apr 2025