(From Wiesmann Press Release) The success of the Roadster concept is based on a successful synthesis of classic design and state-of-the-art engineering. This encouraged Friedhelm and Martin Wiesmann to develop a new, similarly fascinating, sports car on the basis of the Roadster, the Wiesmann GT.

The two-seater coupé celebrated its premiere as a production vehicle at the IAA 2005 in Frankfurt, to be acclaimed by the motoring experts.

Despite the suggestions of a classic design as a further development of the Wiesmann-Roadster it was a completely new car which was created. Basic data were gained from the Wiesmann Racing GT, which was tested as a experimental vehicle under extreme conditions during the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2002.

Since it was clear from the outset that this vehicle would not only be optically different, but based on different fundamental data, from the Roadster, there was plenty of room for manoeuvre in the development. Starting point for considerations was the engine. This was to represent a new sparkle, come what might.

Since, as it is well known, displacement can only be replaced by one thing, and that is more displacement, thoughts quickly made friends with the idea of using a BMW V8 engine of 4.8 litres capacity. This made a larger engine compartment than the Roadster's essential, which consequently meant that all the dimensions of the Wiesmann GT would have to be oriented towards that.

Thus, the GT grew in all directions, compared with the Roadster: it was three centimetres higher, eleven wider, and no less than 37 longer. To take account of the rather higher fuel consumption of the larger engine, 10 litres additional fuel tank volume was provided, at 70 litres, to guarantee adequate range on longer journeys.

The challenge now facing the engineers was to convert the engine's output into vehicle dynamics. Normally, a larger vehicle also weighs more, which in turn adversely affects the performance figures. This was avoided by designing an aluminium monocoque, familiar from the racing scene. In this way, the increase in weight was kept within bounds, and at 70 kg was extremely modest for a car of this size. The bodywork is of lightweight, high-quality, fibreglass-reinforced compound material and in the familiar manner is also fabricated in the factory.

The xenon headlights ensure good visibility in darkness, and the rear lights, which consist of LEDs, not only give a clear signal but are also unmistakable as the hallmark of the Wiesmann GT even at night.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.41 kg/HP the Wiesmann GT is to be found in the leading group of sports cars. The low centre of gravity, the perfectly-tuned running gear combined with the bullish torque delivered by the engine, the optimum seating position for driver and passenger ensure unalloyed driving enjoyment.

The Wiesmann GT is an individual sports car with a classic design, which fits perfectly in the automotive landscape and which will capture its own niche.

Completed just in time for the start of the IAA: the Wiesmann GT with the model name of MF 5 and a 10-cylinder motor. Hiding behind this unpretentious name is the most exciting sports car ever to be presented by Wiesmann to the public.

It is a perfect blend of the corporate philosophy’s contents, which is a combination of beautiful body shapes and state-of-the-art technology. The appearance of this super sports car alone would clearly signal the arrival of something extraordinary: a very low and cowered-down body in combination with wide base tyres stand for abounding power and a highly racy vehicle to be expected.

Wiesmann fulfils the desire of many a GT enthousiast, who had welcome the successful expansion of the Wiesmann model portfolio, and who, at the same time, had still wanted for the engine to become even racier.

Dipl.-Kfm. Friedhelm Wiesmann (business graduate), spokesman of the board, explains: „Our intention is to meet these demands with the GT MF 5. This new sports car tops off our porfolio of models, setting the new benchmark when it comes to the Wiesmann sports cars’ driving performance – which is rather impressive anyhow.“

Dipl.-Ing. Martin Wiesmann (graduate engineer), managing director in charge of development and production, says: „Compared to the normal GT, it is already the outer appearance of the MF 5 that would be outstanding: both a wing as well as a diffusor generate the necessary rear-suspension drive line, thus ensuring an excellent stability especially for those high-speed moments. A lot of effort went into the development of a high-performance chassis to make sure the MF 5 driver will enjoy the ride and yet will at all times be safe no matter what.”

The drive system of this super sports car comprises a 12:1 compacted V 10-cylinder front-mounted mid-engine with a cubic capacity of 5 litres boasting 507 HP which are generated by 7,750 crankshaft rotations. A maximum torque of 520 Nm ensures a powerful drive at all speeds and driving fun at its best.

GT experts will immediately notice the lower total height (- 5 cm), the slight increase in width (+ 9,6 cm), and the increase in total length by 8 cm to 4.3 m compared to the MF 4 with a correspondingly bigger track gauge of + 10 cm (front) and + 9.8 cm (rear). These details are crucial for its very low centre of gravity and hence its good roadability.

In spite of all its safety features, the vehicle’s bigger size, the engine’s high capacity, and the corresponding sequential 7-speed transmission system (in connection with a variable differential lock) account for a modest increase in weight of only 100 kg compared to the MF 4. The resulting driving performance is beyond each doubt: the acceleration time of 0 – 100 km/h is 3.9 seconds, and the power to weight ratio amounts to a sensational 2.7 kg/HP. With this value the MF 5 ranks among the top class of the sportsters league.

In order to be able to control such a powerful vehicle, both its driver as well as its fellow passenger need to be in close contact with it. The GT MF 5 therefore comes with especially designed bucket seats with an excellent lateral support, which by request may be adjusted to the driver’s and fellow passenger’s body contours. They give the necessary support, for the passengers to have a firm grasp in view of the great acceleration forces that may develop, and to be able to fully enjoy the driving performance. Special carbon seats are also available by request.

The passengers’ safety is ensured by energy absorbing car body parts, by a stiff aluminium monocoque including a side-collision protection structure, and by the serial ABS combined with a dynamic stability control system DSC.

The months following the world premiere will be reserved for fine tuning and long-term as well as endurance testing, in order to fulfil all requirements of those already highly interested in Wiesmann’s newest super sports car.

The market launch of the Wiesmann GT MF 5 fully suitable for daily use is scheduled for spring of 2008. The price of the GT MF 5 with its comprehensive equipment amounts to 178,900 € incl. VAT. Exclusive carbon parts are also available by request.