Cars

Drive: Wiesmann Presents Project Thunderball

Luxury German car manufacturer Wiesmann has revealed three unique Limited Edition Design Concepts, inspired by the recently unveiled ‘Project Thunderball’. Created in partnership with studiokurbos, the creative process was led by Roheen Berry, Owner and CEO of Wiesmann, and brought to life in collaboration with the global design studio, with the ultimate purpose being to showcase the limitless bespoke possibilities for the new car.

The Limited Edition Design Concepts will inspire clients as they begin their own co-creation journey – a wholly unique experience for which Wiesmann is known and celebrated, which always has, and will continue to, promise endless opportunities for bespoke personalisation. Highlighting three very different facets to the brand, the designs showcase the many individual and versatile ways in which Project Thunderball can be made individual to every client.

Design Concept One – ‘The very essence of convertible motoring, inspired by the moment in time when you and your car become one.’

The memories of the sensation of the warm sun on your face, the wind in your hair and the sight of the sparkling waters of the Cote d’Azur stretching to the horizon were all key elements that inspired the first Limited Edition Design Concept. A bespoke ocean blue metallic paint exterior was created to evoke the warm coastal waters and endless skies of the Mediterranean summer, a luxurious interior finished in the finest vibrant orange leathers with soft-touch cream canvas accents and high gloss teak accents all blend seamlessly to conjure the image and setting of a Saint Tropez beach.

Design Concept Two – Inspired by the Roaring Twenties Gatsby era, when the optimism for the future was symbolised by the pure pleasure of driving.

The Roaring Twenties were an age of Modernism, with an optimism for the future, with these feelings reflected in a new spirit of motoring, one that was just as much about the pleasure of driving as it was the necessity of travel. It was a time also shaped by the ‘joie de vivre’ of the iconic F. Scott Fitzgerald character, Jay Gatsby. The enigmatic socialite, whose love for the finer things in life, would become emblematic of the decade. This opulence and optimism are the inspiration behind the second Limited Edition Design Concept. An exterior finished in a bold golden hue, with a grille to match, contrasts with a deep burgundy leather interior with hints of matte soft-touch velvet details.

Design Concept Three – ‘Like a stealth shadow across the sky, she slides silent into view.’

Inspired by the dark night and heroes of the darkness, the third design is finished in an exquisite matt black exterior, beautifully highlighted with black gloss details, creating the ultimate menacing presence. The interior showcases the purpose and power of the vehicle with matt black leather contrasted with anodized detailing and gloss carbon fibre surrounds to create an evocative and emotional driving experience.

The Limited Edition Design Concepts presented alongside ‘Project Thunderball’ truly encapsulate a new direction for Wiesmann, which will see the unification of a state-of-the-art electric powertrain with timeless design and expert craftsmanship. Proudly featuring incomparable details in a stunning, sumptuous cabin that combines the finest materials – handcrafted and handmade in-house – with timeless design; tactile smooth, warm, leathers work alongside immaculately finished carbon fibre, hand-shaped wood veneers and premium metal finishes to create a powerful, luxurious experience. With a seamless feel between interior and exterior, no detail has been compromised – right down to the prominent, brand-defining grille and the ‘clamshell’ opening of the bonnet.

Roheen Berry, Owner and CEO of Wiesmann: “It has been incredibly exciting collaborating with the team at studiokurbos through the entire design process for Project Thunderball and these Three Limited Edition designs. This car is particularly special, not only because of its timeless design and disruptive specifications, but also because it firmly anchors this new phase of Wiesmann in the luxury automotive industry and beyond. Project Thunderball celebrates Wiesmann’s rich past and uncompromising craftsmanship, incorporating the most iconic design elements from the MF3, MF4 and MF5, to celebrate our rich heritage, while looking to the future by featuring the latest technology and innovation. This is just the beginning for us, and already the response has been exceptional – we cannot wait for what is yet to come.”

Andreas Kurbos, Owner, and CEO of studiokurbos: “It has been a privilege to partner with Roheen and the Wiesmann team, to bring to life the clear vision and direction for what the new Wiesmann should represent. With Roheen’s direction, we were able to discern the elements from the heritage vehicles should be retained to maintain the brand’s iconic image. At the same time, we explored new sources of inspiration to create a modern and versatile sports car, as showcased by Project Thunderball and the Limited Edition Design Concepts.

Beyond delivering timeless and forward-thinking designs, Wiesmann truly stands apart in its approach to harnessing its engaged client base; past, current, and future. Clients are welcomed into the brand as part of the family and are positioned at the very heart of a highly exclusive – and exceedingly rare – ownership experience. The client journey is tailored specifically to ensure that each individual request and requirement meets the most exacting of standards; this is much more than personalisation. Clients are invited to visit Wiesmann’s factory to witness their car being artfully created in front of their eyes, through every stage of the design and making process.

Demand from clients worldwide has been exceptional, with the entire first year of production of Project Thunderball already sold out, with deliveries due to commence in 2024. Project Thunderball will be carefully crafted by many of the team who helped grow this illustrious German brand, using the most modern production technology while retaining Wiesmann’s reputation for bespoke German coachbuilding expertise of the highest order. With pricing starting from 300,000 euros, enthusiasts who wish to register their interest in the following production run are invited to join the new waiting list at www.wiesmann.com

About Project Thunderball

Project Thunderball features a classic two-seat, rear-wheel drive configuration and lightweight carbon fibre construction. This is a car that promises to deliver the performance, responsiveness, and engagement that enthusiasts demand. The German-engineered roadster’s dynamics have been achieved by packaging the two electric motors in a rear-mid mounted position, which have a targeted total output of 500kW (680hp) and 1,100 Nm of instant torque to deliver a targeted 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds. Powering the motors is a state-of-the-art, 800-volt, 92kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This enables an exceptional targeted range of 500km (WLTP), alongside the convenience of super-fast charging of up to 300kW (DC).

About Wiesmann

Wiesmann was founded in 1988 by brothers Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann with the philosophy of producing bespoke sports cars that defied the norm. Since 2008, every Wiesmann car has been built at the factory in Dülmen, Germany. Nicknamed the Gecko, the design was modelled after Wiesmann’s trademark gecko logo. Featuring a beautiful showroom, an overview of the production areas and its very own research and development Atelier, the Gecko factory will always be a place as welcome to Wiesmann customers as it is to the exceptional manufacturing team within it. In February 2016, the Berry family acquired Wiesmann and the pioneering vision of the founders has been passed on to an equally dedicated and passionate sibling duo, Roheen and Sahir Berry, with an equally fierce dedication to creating unbounded automotive masterpieces. One of Europe’s last remaining independent sports car producers, Wiesmann has always integrated traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. In April 2022, Wiesmann announced an all-new, all-electric roadster: Project Thunderball. The future of Wiesmann is extremely bright, a natural evolution of the company’s commitment to German engineering combined with timeless design and the finest materials, the new Wiesmann model has been years in the making and represents the beginning of a new era for this storied brand.

For further information, please visit www.wiesmann.com

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