Autoblog

Wiesmann upgrades all V10 models to twin-turbo V8

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, MISC

Spy Shots: Wiesmann prototype out for a spin - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wiesmann was in a bit of a pickle when BMW announced it was no longer producing its V10. In addition to the M5 and M6, the high-revving 10 was used to power the Roadster MF5 and GT MF5 and we assumed Wiesmann would make the switch to the new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. We were right. What we didn't guess is that it would be sticking the new mill under the hoods of both the Roadster MF4 and GT MF4. The Wiesmann MF3 will retain its 343 horsepower six-cylinder engine.

No word yet on how much power the twin-turbo will produce when utilized with the MF4, but when stuffed into the engine bay of the MF5 it's set to produce 555 horsepower, allowing it to run from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, hit a top speed of 193 mph and become the most powerful Wiesmann ever produced.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe

[Source: Wiesmann]

Continue reading Wiesmann upgrades all V10 models to twin-turbo V8

Wiesmann upgrades all V10 models to twin-turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Wiesmann coupe prototype looking sinister

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, MISC

Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wiesmann, builder of exotic sport coupes that boast BMW power, has been working out a problem. The issue is that its sporty two-door MF5 and GT MF5 both featured V10 Teutonic muscle, but that engine has since been put to sleep. Apparently, they've now figured out what mill they want to place under their cars' long snouts. Spy photographers in Germany managed to capture a blacked-out Wiesmann GT MF5 taking a cruise and stopping for fuel.

Wiesmann have stated that even though the V10 has gone away, the MF5 will not. New versions will be produced utilizing an as-yet unannounced BMW engine. Our guess? The new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that will be found in the next-generation BMW M5/M6. That would be a nice jump in power for the Wiesmann MF5, since the V10 was rated at 500 horsepower and the new twin-turbo V8 is rated closer to 560 hp.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Wiesmann coupe prototype looking sinister originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S gives 'em something to talk about

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:57:00 EST

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

Wiesmann GT MF4-S - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all the hullabaloo - yes, hullabaloo - about the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it would've been all too easy to assume the new gullwing is the only retro German sportscar on the market. But forgetting the Wiesmann GT would be a cardinal sin and capital offense, because the niche-market sportscar is among the most tantalizing on the road. While the design may be decidedly old-school, Wiesmann works tirelessly to keep it fresh with successive updates to propel this time-machine well past the requisite 88 miles per hour and out from the past and into the present.

At this year's Geneva Motor Show, the small German outfit rolled out the modestly updated GT MF4-S. New bi-xenon headlamps show the way home and a new automatically- or manually-actuated retractable spoiler keeps the tail planted. Under the hood, the MF4-S is treated to the same 4.0-liter, 420-horsepower V8 as the BMW M3 from which it's sourced and, more poignantly, the MF4-S Roadster. All in all not major changes, but then who ever said the Wiesmann needed much changed?

The Wiesmann GT MF4-S will push you to highway speeds in four seconds flat and cost 133,000 euros (equivalent to about $175k). If that's too rich for your blood, you can take a gander in the galleries below and browse the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S gives 'em something to talk about

Geneva 2010: Wiesmann GT MF4-S gives 'em something to talk about originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Safety First: Wiesmann MF5 sets the pace for FIA GT Championship

Noah Joseph — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:11:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

Wiesmann MF5 FIA GT Safety Car - Click above to view in high resolution

The 2009 FIA GT Championship kicked off this weekend at England's stoic Silverstone circuit, and with it a number of new racing machines - including competition versions of the Nissan GT-R, Audi R8 and Ford GT - started their bid for the crown. But at the front of the field was another beast entirely. While other racing series tend to go with more mainstream, albeit high-end vehicles to set the pace at their events - Corvettes at Indy, Bimmers at MotoGP, Mercedes AMGs at F1 grands prix and DTM - the FIA GT Championship has opted to go with something decidedly more obscure: the Wiesmann MF5.

The niche retro sportscar is made by small German exotic automaker Weismann, and is differentiated from the stock GT by the motivation of one of the most lauded engines in autodom: the high-revving V10 from the BMW M5 and M6. With over 500 horsepower under the hood, the MF5 hits 60 in less than four seconds, giving it the pace it needs to stay ahead of the field.

[Source: Wiesmann]

Safety First: Wiesmann MF5 sets the pace for FIA GT Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 May 2009 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Conga Line Forms Here: Wiesmann celebrates with special edition MF4-S

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Specialty

Automakers don't celebrate birthdays like the rest of us. While we might blow out some candles and down a few beers with our friends, carmakers occasionally make special editions of their best offerings. And when it's a niche automaker like Wiesmann, you know you're going to want one.

Founded in 1985 by brothers Martin, an engineer, and Friedhelm, a businessman, Wiesmann got its start building hardtops for convertibles. In 2006, however, the Brothers Wiesmann came out with their own vehicle curvaceous and retro-tastic coupe and roadster. We can't figure what occasion they started counting from, but the company is now celebrating their 20th anniversary with a series of special editions, starting with this GT MF4-S.

Power comes from a 4.8-liter V8 derived from the BMW M3's and tuned to 420 horsepower, placing it between the standard 367hp MF4 and the 507hp V10-powered MF5. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch transmission, while special touches include a revised interior featuring the obligatory numbered and signed plaque. Only 30 examples of the MF4-S will be offered, but Wiesmann is expected to follow it with two more special editions before the partying's done. Look for it at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Gallery: Wiesmann MF4

[Source: Motor Authority and autoblog.nl]

The Conga Line Forms Here: Wiesmann celebrates with special edition MF4-S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Car Porn: Supercarmovies.com tackles the Wiesmann GT

John Neff — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Supercars

Click above to view more high-res glamor shots of the Weismann GT

Supercarmovies.com has released its latest mini feature film and the leading role is played by a relative unknown. You've seen Wiesmann pop up on Autoblog from time to time, most recently in Frankfurt when we caught the unveiling of the GT MF from the sidewalk. The company's staple car, the Wiesmann GT, is a blend of old world European styling that's been shrink wrapped around modern mechanicals. The doors are comically small, head room is not an available option and the hood is aircraft carrier long. But it's gorgeous in a way that modern designs just aren't thanks to safety regulations that ensure every mass produced motoring vehicle is a facsimile of the same design with tiny variations. Powered by a 4.8L V8 sourced from BMW producing 362 horsepower and 361 pound feet of torque, the relatively featherweight Wiesmann is certainly quick, but judging from its performance on the big screen, one gets the most of out of it by burbling around at idle for all to see.

Thanks to Supercarmovies.com for sending over some high-res eye candy of the Wiesmann GT, and you can check out a preview of the new video after the jump, or click here to watch it in full HD glory. We suggest full HD glory.

Gallery: Wiesmann GT

[Source: Supercarmovies.com]

Continue reading Car Porn: Supercarmovies.com tackles the Wiesmann GT

Car Porn: Supercarmovies.com tackles the Wiesmann GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wiesmann prototype eats it on the Autobahn

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc.

The first time we saw a Wiesmann driven in anger, we couldn't make heads or tails of it. The designer seemed to be living in the 40s, with a misguided view of what future sports coupes would look like. However, on the engineering side of things, it was pure pistonhead porn. The GT model, with its uncompromising suspension and inline-six from the E46 M3, was masterful.

So when news of a crashed Wiesmann prototype found its way onto the feeds yesterday, we were taken aback. Motor Authority came across photos of the crashed coupe after the test driver nicked the center barrier, collided with a truck and then began spinning while undergoing testing on the Autobahn. Thankfully, no one was injured in the crash, but serious damage was sustained to the vehicle.

We took the liberty of posting the Top Gear review of the cabrio after the jump.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Related Post: