Wiesmann GT MF5: Classic Design, Modern Power

Motoring Channel Staff - 7/Apr/2008

Dülmen, Germany — Wiesmann is a niche German sports car maker famous for its retro designs. 

The company has a small customer base but is increasingly making a name for itself with more sophisticated vehicles.

The brand new GT MF5 coupe is Wiesmann's latest - and most powerful - creation. 

It doesn't have the exotic look of a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, but it has the power.

Sitting underneath the MF5's long hood is BMW's 5.0-litre V10, which made it's name in the BMW M5 sedan and BMW M6 coupe.

While this vehicular work of art may not generate as much hype as a Ferrari F430 as it cruises past, it is just as fast thanks to its remarkably powerful 5.0-litre 10-cylinder engine.

Peak power of 378kW (507hp) hits the rear wheels @ 7750rpm, and with a 8250rpm redline the MF5's V10 engine is very revvy.

Maximum engine torque of 520Nm arrives @ 6100rpm.

Like the BMW M5, the Wiesmann MF5 also uses the same 7-speed semi-automatic or 'SMG' gearbox to shift gears and because the car is lighter than the M5 it's much faster.

Wiesmann claims the MF5 will accelerated from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, which nudges the vehicle very close to super car territory.

Weighting just 1,380kg, lighter than the new Mazda6, the MF5 has a top speed of 309km/h (192mph) which in Australia would be fast enough to send you straight to a magistrate now that the Northern Territory unrestricted speed limits have been rescinded.

Part of the reason for the cars light weight is its construction: it has an aluminium chassis and uses composite body work.

If the price of around €180,000 (A$307,000) isn't a stretch, Wiesmann also offers many of the cars parts in carbon fibre which hikes the price even further.

With its insane acceleration and eye-watering top speed, Wiesmann has fitted its retro performance coupe with large 19-inch wheels with huge rear tyres.

The brakes are also very large - 373mm discs on the front axle and 370mm discs at the rear, worked by huge calipers - to ensure that deceleration is similarly strong.

Some of the safety features of the MF5 have also been ported over from the BMW M5, including the dynamic stability control and ABS, to keep the car on the straight and narrow.

As the photos show, the car has a strong retro influence but Wiesmann also had to ensure its aerodynamics were prudent, given that it can reach speeds of 300+ km/h.

Sitting very low to the ground and with a super-wide stance, the custom-made German super coupe also features pronounced rear wing that works in tandem with the rear diffused to increase downforce the faster the car travels.

The cockpit is pushed right back, which means driver and passenger are sitting almost right over the rear axle, which improves the weight distribution and gives the driver a superb 'feel' when accelerating.

Available in Europe for around €180,000, the new Wiesmann GT MF5's unique design and startling performance will ensure it's place in performance car history.

The German-based sports car maker is also developing a convertible/roadster version of GT MF5, which is expected to be revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Related articles:
- Wiesmann GT MF4 (2005)
- Wiesmann Website