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]

Since its inception back in 1985, Wiesmann has been busy building beautiful retro-themed coupes and convertibles, and to celebrate its 20th anniversary (of what, exactly, we're not sure) the automaker has just released its MF4 Roadster at the Geneva Motor Show. We love the old-school looks, especially the soft top that collapses on the rear parcel shelf as it does on classic British and German roadsters. The running gear, though, is thoroughly modern and highlighted by a modified version of the BMW M3's 4.0-liter V8, in this case tuned to put out 367 horsepower.

If you want one, you'd better act fast. Wiesmann only plans to assemble between 250 and 350 units this year, and they are only available in Europe for now.

Wiesmann is celebrating it's 20th anniversary this year and to commemorate two decades of oddly attractive, highly desirable retro-mobiles, the automaker will roll out several special edition models during 2009. The first 20th Anniversary Model from Weismann is the MF4-S GT, and the follow-up model will be a convertible version of the V8-powered coupe.

The Wiesmann MF4 Roadster loses its roof but will gain a soft-top, with power provided by the same BMW-sourced 367hp, 4.0-liter V8. A MF4-S Roadster is also in the works, packing a 4.8-liter V8 putting out 420 hp.

Wiesmann plans to increase output from 250 to 350 units this year, but for the time being, sales will remain exclusively in Europe.


[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

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.


[Source: Motor Authority and autoblog.nl]

Wiesmann, the German manufacturers of the love-em-or-hate-em GT and Roadster, has plans to add V8 and V10 versions of its drop-top model that will be introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The current Roadster lineup includes only the MF3, which is powered by BMW's 3.2-liter flat-six found in the last generation M3. The new MF4 and MF5 Roadsters will be powered by BMW's 4.8-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 already found in the current Wiesmann Coupe models. Unfortunately, Wiesmann still has no plans to bring either the GT or the Roadster to the United States.

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

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.


[Source: Supercarmovies.com]

Click the image above for more shots of the Wiesmann GT MF5.

While we never did see the official premier of the Wiesmann GT MF5, we were able to catch a sneak peak of the V10-powered blue beastie during an exclusive party held in the bespoke coupe's honor. Finally, Wiesmann was kind enough to provide some detailed shots of the MF5 along with a press release (after the jump), and it turns out that it's as brutishly awesome as we expected.

Made up of an aluminum monocoque and composite body panels, the GT MF5 has been dropped, widened and lengthened compared to its MF4 sibling. As we already knew, power is provided by a BMW-sourced five-liter V10 producing 507 HP. But with the MF's new diet and a seven-speed sequential gearbox, the trip to sixty will take a click under four seconds and on to a top speed of 193 MPH. Nineteen-inch wheels are fitted at all four corners, with 245/40ZR19 tires up front and 275/30ZR19s out back, while customer-fitted carbon fiber seats find their way into the cabin.

Although we were only able to adore the Wiesmann GT MF5 from afar (and through a pane of glass), it's probably better off that way. At a cost of $250k, we'd gladly sell off a few unnecessary organs and move abroad to take delivery when it goes on sale this spring.

Click the image above more for shots.

After entirely too much traveling in one 24-hour period, the auto-Gods shined a light upon our hotel, conveniently located a scant two blocks down from the Frankfurt Wiesmann dealer. Low and behold, the seething throngs of car cognoscenti were assembled in the locked-down dealership to preview the BMW V10-powered GT MF5. The only rub: a large gentleman in an overly tight-fitting blazer denied us entry. That didn't stop us from strolling up to the floor-to-ceiling windows where the new uber-coupe was well within reach of our lens. Although the Wiesmann folks did their worst to block our view, Frank snapped off a handful of photos of the matte baby-blue coupe minutes before its official unveiling. Score!

The spec sheet was too far away to glean any more details, but we'd suspect the body panels are some form of composite, considering the way they contorted when the hood was closed. More details should be on their way soon enough, but in the meantime check out the gallery below.

According to a variety of reports circulating the web, it's been confirmed by Weismann that a V10-version of its retrotastic coupe will be making its official debut in Frankfurt next month. Based off the company's current coupe, the GT MF 5 will be sporting a BMW-sourced 507 HP V10, the same found in the M5/M6.

The current model tips the scales at just over 2,700 pounds when equipped with the 362 HP V8, so a 0-60 time under 4.5 seconds should be easily within reach.

Expect the new model to make it to dealers abroad sometime next year, likely sporting revised body panels and a tweaked interior.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

The Wiesmann GT is about to get a mad, bad engine to match its mad, bad looks. Available since inception with BMW's 362 HP V8 that gets it to the six-oh in 4.6, the niche maker from Muenster is said to be considering a variant that hides the M-edition five-liter V10. If Wiesmann didn't alter the car in any way, it would be an instant boost of 148 HP for a car that weighs quite a bit less than 3,000 pounds. That would raise its performance -- and its handling -- from 'more than adequate' to 'absolute nutter.' There's a chance the car could do its first meet-and-greet at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month.

[Source: Motor Authority]