Autoblog

Gumpert gets new investment, tells of new models on the way this year

Seyth Miersma — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

German supercar maker Gumpert didn't bring any new models to the Geneva show this year - just a couple of current-generation Apollos, seen above - but it did come bearing some interesting news about prospective vehicles. In a brief press release that mentions new investment in the company, Gumpert's managing director says, "Our distribution and dealer networks are being expanded worldwide and sister models will soon be added to the Apollo. What's more, we'll already be presenting the first of these models this year at a major trade fair."

That is heartening news from a company that declared insolvency just about a year ago following a disastrous foray into the Chinese market. Either that flirtation with financial danger had little influence on the company to date, or the new investor has deep pockets, or both.

At any rate, the short statement from Gumpert offers more hope than ever that we'll see the rumored Tornante model, and maybe sooner rather than later. A sleek, 700-horsepower Gumpert won't be easy to hide at upcoming auto shows, we're guessing, now that we've been given some notice. Stay tuned.

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Gumpert gets new investment, tells of new models on the way this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumpert: Insolvency's going great, wish you were here!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, MISC

At the end of August, the maker of the Apollo, German carmaker Gumpert, declared insolvency after an unsuccessful campaign into the Chinese market. It joined Artega and Melkus at the courthouse, the trio of boutique makers succumbing to violent economic waters that are troubling even the biggest fish.

Unlike the other two, though, Gumpert predicted that renewed focus on Europe would allow it to continue, and we're happy to report that the bankruptcy administrator agrees. Apollos are already back in production, an investor was reportedly found, the dealer network has been reengaged, and the overseer "is convinced that with all orders in negotiation, business will continue permanently and sustainably."

Congratulations to Roland Gumpert and co. You'll find the company's press release below.

Continue reading Gumpert: Insolvency's going great, wish you were here!

Gumpert: Insolvency's going great, wish you were here! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumpert rescued by new investor

George Kennedy — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Earnings/Financials, MISC

With zombies all the rage and Halloween right around the corner, it should be fitting that one of the most ghoulish-looking supercars on the planet has risen from its grave, mere months after it was declared dead. Gumpert, the maker of the absurd Apollo hypercar, could very well be rescued by a new investor. It was only August when we reported on Gumpert's insolvency, but apparently an investor is getting in the mix and the German company could very well live.

Little if anything is known about the deal; the actual identity of the investor remains a mystery and it appears that the agreement is tentative and has not been written in ink. De Telegraaf has apparently learned of the investor from an undisclosed Gumpert employee. Let us hope that the source is correct. A Gumpert spokeswoman told the Dutch newspaper, "Currently we cannot say anything about the future prospects of Gumpert."

Gumpert rescued by new investor originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumpert declares itself provisionally insolvent

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Once asked by Adam Carolla what this blogger's two favorite cars were, I replied the Lamborghini Murcielago and the Gumpert Apollo. Proving that this August is the cruelest month as far as niche German carmakers are concerned, the latter company, Gumpert, just filed paperwork to begin provisional insolvency proceedings in Altenburg, Germany. This month has seen fellow Teutons Artega and Melkus file for bankruptcy.

The ten-year-old company had apparently been trying to break into the Chinese market and the move didn't pan out. It's not over for Gumpert - an administrator has been appointed, and we're told he sees the chance of recovery as extremely positive, so now the makers of the Apollo will return their attentions to the European market while they seek new investors. There's a press release below with more details.

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Gumpert declares itself provisionally insolvent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumpert gears up for the race with Apollo R and Enraged

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:39:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, MISC, Racing

It doesn't get much more hard-core than the Gumpert Apollo. The German supercar is about as close as it gets to a race car for the road. But an outfit like Gumpert isn't about to sit around and let its product speak for itself. You can count on it taking the extreme to an even further extreme, and that's exactly what it's done here at the Geneva Motor Show with not one, but two new versions of the Apollo.

What you're looking at above is called the Apollo Enraged, which Gumpert calls the most powerful street-legal car ever to leave its factory. Limited to just three examples, the Apollo Enraged ups the output from its Audi-sourced supercharged 4.2-liter V8 to 780 horsepower and trims weight down to 1,175 kg. Further details are scarce, but the vehicle looks positively scary.

Joining it on the Gumpert show stand is the Apollo R (above right), a customer racing version that, while not street-legal, packs a whopping 860 horsepower. Burdened by just 1,100 kg of dry weight, the Apollo R promises to be just as devastating on whatever track it's driven as the hybrid prototype that Heinz-Harald Frentzen campaigned at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2008.

Both models pack more wings than a Boeing factory and "Pure German Speed" decals that would still raise a few eyebrows in parts of Eastern Europe, but are, in typical Gumpert style, positively menacing. Look below for the full press release, and scope out the live and official images in our collection of galleries for a closer look.

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Gumpert gears up for the race with Apollo R and Enraged originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumpert shows second Geneva teaser, will debut two new Apollo models

Drew Phillips — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

The Geneva Motor Show sets itself apart from the other international auto shows with a gathering of Europe's smaller boutique manufacturers and tuners. One of those is Gumpert, the German builder of supercars that have impressive performance and a polarizing appearance. Gumpert has had a strong showing at Geneva the last couple years, debuting the 750-horsepower Apollo S in 2010 and the coachbuilt Tornante last year.

Gumpert has big plans for this year's Geneva Motor Show, and back in November released a shadowy teaser showing a new supercar that would be revealed in March. Now that the show is just days away, Gumpert has released another teaser (seen above), and a few more details, including the fact that two Apollo models will be making their debut. First is the Apollo R, which Gumpert says is a "a true racecar with the brute power of up to 860 horsepower." Second is the Apollo Enraged, an exclusive model limited to just three examples that will be the "strongest Apollo that Gumpert has ever set on the road."

Gumpert also hinted at a time of 7:11.75 - no doubt a Nürburgring lap set by one of the aforementioned cars. Could the German supercar maker have nicked the production car lap record set by the Dodge Viper ACR back in September? We'll have to wait to find out. Check back on March 6th and 7th for official details and photos for both cars, as well as the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.

Gumpert shows second Geneva teaser, will debut two new Apollo models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Lapping Monza in the Gumpert Apollo

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:54:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Specialty

2010 Gumpert Apollo - Click above to watch the video after the jump

This video comes to us from a tipster named Marco, who's pals with the owner of the only Gumpert Apollo in Italy. On a recent winter's afternoon, Marco's friend invited him along for a couple laps of Monza in the 800-horsepower extraterrestrial German supercar.

Marco points out that this particular Gumpert has been massaged a little to meet the power put down by the Apollo's race-prepared sibling. Marco's buddy gives this thing a decent workout, but understandably holds back from really thrashing his rare-as-bird's-teeth bespoke rocket. See for yourself after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Marco!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Lapping Monza in the Gumpert Apollo

Video: Lapping Monza in the Gumpert Apollo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: The Gumpert Apollo is a near-mythological, utterly fantastical beast

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, First Drives, Racing

2010 Gumpert Apollo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now this is a fascinating little creature. A compound of contradictions that goes by the unlikely name of Gumpert Apollo. The first word in its name is in allegiance to Roland Gumpert, practically the father of Audi's Quattro system - yet this creation is rear-wheel drive only. The second name is for the Greek god who had nothing to do with speed or handling prowess, and a space mission whose only intersection with cars was a lunar rover. The Gumpert Apollo's badge, however, depicts a Griffin, a creature with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle; an Indian or Central Asian creation that has essentially no connection to Apollo.

Nevertheless, these ostensible discrepancies live together beautifully in the compact body of the Gumpert Apollo. The company's aim was racing, and two driven wheels are all that are allowed in most categories. Apollo might not have been the god of driving, but he did count victory among his oversight portfolio, something the Apollo vehicle is quite familiar with. And the Apollo space missions did represent, at the time, the ultimate in proven high-technology, while the Griffin, as a mix of the kings of beasts and birds, represents mastery of land and air. We got to drive it, and we have never found anything like it anywhere else on the planet. Our chosen words to describe it are these: Hoe. Lee. Cow.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Gumpert Apollo

Continue reading First Drive: The Gumpert Apollo is a near-mythological, utterly fantastical beast

First Drive: The Gumpert Apollo is a near-mythological, utterly fantastical beast originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Gumpert Apollo S now with 750 horsepower

Drew Phillips — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show

Gumpert Apollo S - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a quick glance it might look like there's nothing new at the Gumpert display here at the Geneva Motor Show, but the German sportwagenmanufaktur actually had several new announcements regarding their Apollo supercar. For 2010 Gumpert has added even more horsepower to the Apollo S - 750 compared to 700 - thanks to a new engine calibration and improved cooling. The 6-speed sequential transmission can now perform shifts in a mere 40 milliseconds, and gear changes are made easier with new paddles behind the steering wheel. Visually the Apollo gets LED running lights and additional flaps at the rear of the car to improve aerodynamics. Lastly, Gumpert has launched its very first right-hand-drive Apollo in a push to capture more international buyers.

While we still aren't completely taken with the Gumpert's looks, there's no doubt that the Apollo S is in the upper echelon of supercars. The previous version lapped the Nurburgring in an astounding 7:11.57, and we have no doubt the the new car can improve on that time. Hit the jump for the press release from Gumpert or browse through our gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Gumpert Apollo S

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Gumpert Apollo S now with 750 horsepower

Geneva 2010: Gumpert Apollo S now with 750 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revised Gumpert Apollo coming to Geneva Motor Show

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

Gumpert Apollo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following in the tradition of the Apollo Sport and Speed, Gumpert is coming to the Geneva Motor Show with a upgraded variant of its supercar for the 2010 model year.

In addition to a new black and white paint scheme and the first availability of right-hand drive, the new Apollo is set to get a revised carbon fiber aerodynamics package and a bump in output to 750 horsepower. As the Speed variant produces over 800 ponies from its twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter Audi-sourced V8, we're a little confused by the apparently drop in power, but when you're already running to 60 mph in three seconds and topping out at 224 mph there's only so much tweaking you can do. More details next week. Stay tuned...

Gallery: Gumpert Apollo

Revised Gumpert Apollo coming to Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Gumpert Apollo Sport sets new production car lap "record" at Nürburgring

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe

Gumpert Apollo Sport at the Nurburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche GT2? Get lost. Godzilla? Scram. Corvette ZR1? Take a hike. Dodge Viper ACR? Nothing but a big sissy. There's a new sheriff in Nordschleifeland and its name is Apollo, Gumpert Apollo. Actually, the proper name is Gumpert Apollo Sport, and on August 13, one piloted by a 26-year-old named Florian Gruber ran around the Nurburgring in 7:11:57, shattering all the other production car "records" by eleven seconds or more. Dang, right?

What makes the Apollo sport so fraggin' fast you ask? How does a 700-hp, twin-turbo'd Audi 4.2-liter FSI V8 strike you? Makes a bit more sense suddenly that little David here was able to chop down all those Goliaths, right? Anyhow, hats off to Mr. Gruber, Mr. Gumpert and the rest of the crew. Here's hoping that one day some sort of governing body sanctions 'Ring times. And we won't say a word to Radical and their "record."

Gallery: Gumpert Apollo Sport Nurburgring

[Source: World Car Fans]

REPORT: Gumpert Apollo Sport sets new production car lap "record" at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Gumpert Apollo Speed caught circling the 'Ring?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Audi

It may not be pretty - eye of the beholder and all that - but the Gumpert Apollo is one serious ride. But as hardcore as the Apollo is, the eponymous former Audi Sport director behind the niche German automaker apparently wasn't satisfied leaving fast enough alone, so the company unveiled the Apollo Speed at this year's Geneva auto show. But that was just about the last we heard of it, until now, as spy shots of the super-Gumpert lapping the Nurburgring have surfaced online.

The (ahem) stock Apollo already packs a range of Audi V8 engines producing 650, 700 or 800 horsepower depending on customer specification, so clearly there's nothing wrong there. The Apollo Speed spied, however, carries an adjustable rear wing, a more streamlined overhead induction system, revised front fenders and updated tail-lights. And while the focus is clearly on performance here, right down to the racing buckets and competition-spec removable steering wheel, the Apollo Speed is still tipped to carry air-con and DVD info-tainment system. The Stig will undoubtedly be pleased.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Spy Shots: Gumpert Apollo Speed caught circling the 'Ring? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: First U.S.-spec Gumpert Apollo arrives

John Neff — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Supercars

Click above to watch video after the jump

Gumpert has finally expanded its reach beyond Europe and begun selling its Apollo supercar in the U.S. The supercar, which currently sits atop the list of fastest cars around the Top Gear test track, will be shipped to the U.S. and arrive in Arizona where the drivetrain will be assembled and final performance checks done by Evolution Motorsports. Then the cars move on to California where customers actually do the purchasing and pick up at European Touch in Huntington, Beach. The base price for one of ten U.S.-spec Gumpert Apollos coming to the U.S. each year is reportedly $400,000, though each can be infinitely customized and final prices above $700,000 are not uncommon. Just watch out for those speedbumps, as any repair work has to be done back in Arizona by Evolution Motorsports, the only authorized Gumpert repair center in the country. Follow the jump for a video of the first U.S.-spec Apollo's arrival in Arizona.

UPDATE: Second video of U.S.-spec Gumpert Apollo being driven on-track by Sam Hubinette added after the jump.

[Source: Streetfire.net]

Continue reading VIDEO: First U.S.-spec Gumpert Apollo arrives

VIDEO: First U.S.-spec Gumpert Apollo arrives originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Out of This World: Goodyear and NASA collaborate on airless tire

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

click above image for more views of the NASA Chariot rover

Any good article about space exploration starts with "when I was a kid...". So, when I was a kid, my older brother was working on his college thesis. He cooperated with NASA on designing various devices for use in space, the basic premise being that few of the things we take for granted here on Earth would work in a zero-gravity environment. Everything needed for use in space needs to be redesigned.

Recently Goodyear and NASA announced a collaboration in developing a special non-pneumatic tire to be used by vehicles on the Moon, and potentially, on Mars, in support of a 2004 presidential mandate to further exploration on the celestial bodies. This isn't the first time Goodyear has collaborated with NASA to develop special moon-tires, having spent over ten years developing a piano-wire-mesh tire for the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle in the 1960s. However, the new Chariot vehicle (pictured above) is expected to support ten times more weight and travel 100 times longer than the Apollo, so Goodyear's Akron Technical Center and NASA's Glenn Research Center are developing a stronger version by testing and re-testing the Apollo's wheel and tire set-up to determine where they break down. Better here than out there, because as big a pain as it is to change a tire down here, imagine mounting a spare in space.

The researchers expect to demonstrate the Chariot, with its special tires, a year from now at the Johnson Space Center in Texas, after which, they say, the findings could be applied towards the development of new tires for use here on Earth.

[Source: Goodyear]

Gallery: NASA Chariot

Continue reading Out of This World: Goodyear and NASA collaborate on airless tire

Out of This World: Goodyear and NASA collaborate on airless tire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Che bella! 21st Annual Concorso Italiano

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Europe

Still plenty of memories to share with all of you from last week's automotive orgy in Monterey and Pebble Beach. Today's coverage is from the Concorso Italiano. Originally held at Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club as a Maserati Club International meet in 1981, the Concorso Italiano has grown to become one of the largest annual gatherings of all things Italian. "A celebration of Italian style," it covers Italian music, cuisine, fashion and tourism, as well as those exquisite cars we all love for their passion. The show gave up its former digs to the Quail show and now takes place at Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey Bay, allowing a much bigger field of cars and more elbow room for the huge crowds this show always attracts.

Follow the jump for more details and a mega gallery of wallpapers.

Continue reading Che bella! 21st Annual Concorso Italiano

Che bella! 21st Annual Concorso Italiano originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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