Remember Weismann? The German manufacturer founded in 1988 most well-known for its two-seater, retro-inspired ‘GT’ of 2003? Well, following its return in 2019, the independent marque has now taken a stab at EV production in what the company calls its “extraordinary response to the electrification revolution.”
“This is the culmination of a dream, the result of years of design excellence and engineering brilliance,” company owner Roheen Berry explains. “I truly believe we’ve made not just the world’s most exciting electric sports car, but a car so unique that it will appreciate in value over its lifetime.”
Wiesmann Project Thunderball
Called Project Thunderball, the two-seater dispenses with Weismann’s traditional BMW gas powerplant in favour of two electric motors, each apparently capable of producing 340 kW. These send a slightly paired back 500 kW (680 hp) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) of torque to the rear wheels only, making it the most powerful Weismann to date. Zero-to-100 km/h is completed in a sprightly, targeted 2.9 seconds while 0-200 km/h is done in a shade under nine seconds.
Brute horsepower, though, is not the GT’s only calling card: boasting fully adjustable sports suspension, a limited-slip differential, and 48-52 per cent front-to-rear weight distribution, Project Thunderball, which sits on a 2,595 mm wheelbase, is said to boast Weismann’s ‘Drivers’ Car’ DNA, “something lacking in most EVs on the market today.”
Wiesmann Project Thunderball
Of course, as a pure EV, it’s also the heaviest example from the German marque to-date, though a new aluminum chassis and carbon-composite bodywork means Project Thunderball tips the scales at a reasonable 1,775 kg.
The electric motors work in tandem with a 92 kWh battery, and Weismann is targeting a 500 km electric range, on par with the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. 300 kW DC rapid charging capabilities are available, as is, interestingly, an Intelligent Regenerative Braking System, developed specifically for Project Thunderball to help preserve the range.
Hand built at the company’s ‘Gecko’ facility in Dulmen, notable elements of the cabin include seven analogue driver-focused dials, leather straps in-place of door handles, a central touchscreen, and a carbon fibre centre console. The seat backs are also moulded from carbon.
Wiesmann Project Thunderball
On the outside, Weismann’s traditional nods to classic sports cars continues with the elongated hood and front grille – not blanked-out, interestingly – reminiscent of Jaguar’s XK120, while the twin headlights seemingly pay homage to Weismann’s own MF4 sports car. The headlight cluster is mirrored by the tail lamps at the back, which also boasts a moulded rear-spoiler and sizeable diffuser. Project Thunderball rolls on 21-inch alloys front and rear.
Orders are now open in Europe, but don’t be too shocked to part with at least a quarter million of your hard-earned dollars.
