Autoblog

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.

Continue reading Gumpert gears up for the race with Apollo R and Enraged

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST

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

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

There are plenty of companies making a single line of supercars. Pagani, Weismann, Spyker, McLaren... we could go on and on. But if you're going to pick a serious fight with established names like Ferrari and Lamborghini, you're going to need a second line. And that's precisely what Gumpert has in store for us at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

You may recognize the name Gumpert as the company behind the Apollo, a ridiculously fast and extreme exotic supercar. It was founded by one Roland Gumpert, former head of the motorsport division at Audi, whose engine powers the Apollo with as much as 800 horsepower.

The Apollo, however, is derided as having been thoroughly worked over by the ugly stick. And that's where Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera comes in. The Milanese coachbuilder has designed a new mid-engined V8 "fast tourer" called the Tortante with a composite shell over a space frame and carbon fiber monocoque. Enticing to be sure, and you can read the full announcement after the jump, but for the moment that's all we have to go by.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Gumpert Apollo

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

[Source: Gumpert]

Continue reading Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva

Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2010: HRE Wheels homers with the Oakley Design 458 and a Gumpert Apollo

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Ferrari, Luxury

HRE Wheels on the Oakley Design Ferrari 458 Italia - Click above for high-res image gallery

HRE had a trio of cars parked in its booth, one of them being a Ferrari 458 Italia tuned by British aftermarket house Oakely Design. The car was showed off for the first time in June, and in white, and Oakley said it would build just five. The production was upped to the seven, and this one here comes in a hue red rich enough to make Sleeping Beauty want to take another bite.

The carbon fiber lip up front boosts downforce by more than 50 pounds, and the sliver of a rear spoiler adds about 48 more pounds of aero downforce to the rear axle at 150 miles per hour. A carbon fiber roof panel, mirror housings and 20-inch HRE wheels complete the coupe's Jenny Craig makeover, with the rims subtracting 11 pounds at each corner. Performance mods tune the car to 632 horsepower, and a reflashed ECU is meant to make the most of it. Oakley's work is said to reduce the 0-62 mph time to three seconds and top speed is a lofty 208 mph.

Just in front of that was a Gumpert Apollo, rarely seen on the big-rim circuit, wearing a set of single-lug-nut HRE's, and a Porsche GT3 RS with some fire-engine red multi-spokes. They're all in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: HRE Wheels Booth

SEMA 2010: HRE Wheels homers with the Oakley Design 458 and a Gumpert Apollo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: Toyota MR2 dressed up as Gumpert Apollo

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Toyota, Specialty

Gumpert Apollo Replica, and yes, we use that term loosely - Click above for image gallery

Ever seen a Salet S5 Turbo Concept Car? Well, you have now. And it's actually more of a rebodied Toyota MR2 than anything else, designed and built to look something like a Gumpert Apollo. And you thought that such kit cars would end as the world's supply of unmolested Pontiac Fieros dried up? Don't be so sure.

According to the seller (yep, this sucker is available on eBay), a Toyota MR2 frame was utilized, "along with the modern conveniences of airbags, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, exhaust and suspension." No, we don't consider exhaust and suspension modern conveniences, either. But we digress...

Supposedly, the massaged 2.0-liter Twin Cam engine from the donor Toyota has been dyno'd at 255 rear-wheel horsepower thanks to the large aftermarket turbocharger. Crank it all the way up to 19 pounds of boost and you're at 303 horses. Not bad, but still a far cry from the 650-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in its supercar inspiration.

In any case, feel free to browse our image gallery below, and click here if you've got itchy bidding fingers.

Gallery: Gumpert Apollo Replica

[Source: eBay Motors via Carscoop]

eBay Find of the Day: Toyota MR2 dressed up as Gumpert Apollo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Playstation3 gamers: If you were disappointed that only XBox 360 players got the Ferrari DLC package for Need for Speed SHIFT, take heart, because the next one's got your name on it, too. The Exotic Racing Series pack is being released by EA for both platforms (though not for PC, PSP or mobile platforms) on March 18, with some of the most alluring machinery this side of Maranello.

Included in the downloadable content package are the McLaren MP4-12C and SLR Stirling Moss, the Alfa 8C Competizione and Maserati GranTurismo S, BMW M1 Procar, Gumpert Apollo and Acura NSX. The DLC costs $10 (or equivalent points) on either XBox Live or PlayStation Network, and also includes an array of new events and track layouts. Video and press release after the jump, screen shots in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Andrey!

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC

[Source: EA via rpmgo.com]

Continue reading Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2009: Apollo Oh, No - Latest Gumpert is one Raging Smurf

Chris Paukert — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Supercars

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Gumpert Apollo Speed

Despite its massive performance credentials, the Gumpert Apollo has endured more than a few knocks for its extreme function-over-form design. After seeing the new, more powerful Apollo Speed in the flesh, we can report that the naysayers are likely to keep jawing, particularly given this car's Raging Smurf two-tone paint.

The renovated Gumpert is lower and meaner, with the buyer's choice of 650-, 700-, or 800- horsepower specification, along with revised aerodynamics, new taillamps, and ultra-aerodynamic disc wheel covers. Inside, there are different four-point seat harnesses, a detachable steering wheel, and a two-tone interior loaded with blue Alcantara.

Given that the new Speed can run to 60 miles-per-hour in three seconds dead, hit 124 mph in 8.9 clicks, and storm to a top whack of 224 mph, however, we suspect that Gumpert owners will at least take a measure of comfort in knowing that they can outrun all hecklers.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Gumpert Apollo Speed

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Apollo Oh, No - Latest Gumpert is one Raging Smurf

Geneva 2009: Apollo Oh, No - Latest Gumpert is one Raging Smurf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed promises ludicrous velocities

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars

Click above to view the Gumpert Apollo Speed rendering in high resolution

Despite economic conditions, the upcoming Geneva Motor Show promises to be a rip-roaring cacophony of high-end machinery, with independent German sportscar firm Gumpert taking its shot at the slowing economy with an even faster version of its Apollo supercar. Called the Apollo Speed, the revised supercar features a reduced ride height and revised aerodynamics to deliver blistering performance numbers.

The Gumpert Apollo Speed is capable of hitting 100 kilometers-per-hour (62 miles-per-hour) in three seconds flat and 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 8.9, en route to a claimed 360 km/h (224 miles-per-hour) top speed. And that's in 700 horsepower trim - the twin-turbo V8 is also available in 650 and 800 horsepower specifications, promising devastating performance at any level.

A new induction system delivers fresh air to the engine, while revised wheel arches, rear end and an adjustable spoiler direct the air over the slick body with increased efficiency. Inside, the cabin can be outfitted in leather or Alcantara trim, with a competition-style removable steering wheel and four-point harness securing the driver. So far, Gumpert has only released the teaser rendering you see above, but the new Apollo Speed, in a Bugatti Veyron-style two-tone paint scheme, will be unveiled in Geneva on March 4, so stay tuned. Full details are available in the meantime in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Gumpert Apollo Speed

[Source: Gumpert]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed promises ludicrous velocities

Geneva Preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed promises ludicrous velocities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2008: Two Gumperts are uglier than one

Drew Phillips — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Supercars

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Gumpert Apollos

In case you hadn't noticed, the Gumpert Apollo isn't the prettiest car. Its garish and over-emphasized styling make it look cartoonish, but what it lacks in the visual department is made up with one of the most capable chassis and motor combinations ever produced. In fact, a pair of Apollos were tucked away in one of the connecting halls at the LA Auto Show, and as far as we know they are the only two examples in the country. We've seen the black one tackling speed bumps and taking on the Gumball 3000, and Streetfire featured the orange one a few months back. We're always up for new photos of interesting cars, so behold the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: LA 2008: Gumpert Apollo duo

LA 2008: Two Gumperts are uglier than one originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Gumpert Apollo taking top spot on Top Gear's test track

Drew Phillips — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars

Click above to see the Gumpert Apollo on Top Gear's test track

The Gumpert Apollo may not be able to drive over a speed bump, but it sure is fast on the track. Top Gear's most recent episode included a review of the German supercar by Richard Hammond and a Power Lap on the Top Gear Test Track in the hands of the Stig. The result was quite impressive: a time of 1:17.1 that eclipsed the previous best mark of 1:17.3 set by the Ascari A10. Follow the jump to watch the two-part video.

Gallery: Gumpert Apollo

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gumpert Apollo taking top spot on Top Gear's test track

VIDEO: Gumpert Apollo taking top spot on Top Gear's test track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gumpert Apollo takes on America, foiled by speed bump

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars

The first Gumpert Apollo on American soil was brought out for its big debut Saturday, only to make more of an impression than intended. That impression was not only left on showgoers, but also on the speed bump leading into the parking lot. With roughly 4 millimeters of ground clearance it was easy to see this coming. The driver had brought the car from the sole U.S. distributor to show it off at a weekend cruise. He somehow failed to recognize that the speed bump was in fact approximately half the height of the low-slung supercar and after inexplicably getting the front air dam over the hump, found himself stuck.

The car came down and gently ground to a halt. It teetered a bit as it crept along the driveway, producing a grinding noise that had all of the witnesses cringing. As the carbon undertray was polished along its midsection, it became apparent that the rear tires might not make it over too. The driver stopped as the rears lifted just enough to take away traction. After a few moments of contemplation, he had the passenger get out and the lower payload gave the suspension just the right amount of lift to get the job done. Afterwards, there was much rejoicing in supercarland. A follow-up note from the dealer told us that there was thankfully no damage to the car from this incident. We recommend that anyone considering buying one of these 2400 lb, 750 hp monsters consider waiting for the "softer" model the company has pitched. Hopefully it will have an adjustable suspension.

Gumpert Apollo takes on America, foiled by speed bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gumpert Apollo Hybrid begins testing at Nurburgring

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Performance, Supercars

Gumpert is entering a hybrid version of its supercar, the Apollo, in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race. Instead of the normal car's Audi 4.2-liter twin-turbo with 650 HP, the racer gets a 3.3-liter V8 with something like 630-HP, in addition to a 100kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The 190 kilos of batteries will be recharged by application of the brakes, but it isn't clear exactly how the electric motor will be applied -- slow speed (aka pit lane) use only, or to provide an extra boost during the race.

The car will be driven by Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Dirk Muller. The hybrid Apollo will test its fortunes against the Audi R8 and Lexus LF-A, both of which are in the same class. If the car does well, it could mean good things for the introduction of hybrid technologies into other race series like Formula 1.

[Source: BridgeToGantry]

Gumpert Apollo Hybrid begins testing at Nurburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Green Hell: Gumpert to campaign hybrid Apollo at Nurburgring 24

Noah Joseph — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Green, Supercars

Click to view more of the Gumpert Apollo in hi-res

Gumpert intends to give new meaning to the term "the green hell", the nickname given by race drivers to the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife. The German supercar-maker has announced that it will be racing at the 24-hour endurance race there next month with a race-prepped hybrid version of its Apollo supercar.

To supplement the 630-hp Audi-sourced twin-turbo V8, Gumpert will employ a 100kW electric motor recharged by captured brake energy. The system is similar to the KERS mechanism being phased into Formula One, and to highlight the F1 connection (and hopefully score some points in the process), Gumpert has solicited the services of former F1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who will share driving duties with veteran endurance sportscar racer Dirk Müller.

Check out the images in the high-resolution gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Gumpert Apollo

[Source: Gumpert]

Continue reading Green Hell: Gumpert to campaign hybrid Apollo at Nurburgring 24

Green Hell: Gumpert to campaign hybrid Apollo at Nurburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gumpert looking to build a new model: More luxury, less power

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars, Audi

Winding Road just relayed some info from the newest issue of Autocar, regarding supercar maker, Gumpert. Apparently, the firm is working on a new model said to be "less powerful, more relaxed, and less track-oriented." The brief mention is in the March 21 issue of Autocar, and quotes Apollo builder Francois Sittler. No details about whether the car will be based on the current Apollo or not. We're sure we'll get more details before the car shows up three years from now.

For those who might not recognize the name, Roland Gumpert was a big part of Audi's Motorsport department in the '70s and '80s. That was the period during which Audi managed to snag four World Rally Championships with its awesome Quattros. The company that bears his name, Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH, uses Audi mechanicals to power race-type supercars developed with help from the Audi supertuner MTM's Roland Mayer. The griffin-badged Gumpert Apollo started production in late 2005 and was joined by the "Sport" edition at Geneva. Both feature Audi's 4.2-liter V8 but with twin-turbos boosting horsepower to around 800. Price on the Sport starts around $400,000.

[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

Gumpert looking to build a new model: More luxury, less power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments