Wiesmann EV rear static
Wiesmann EV rear action
Wiesmann EV side
Wiesmann EV front action
- German sports car brand launches comeback
- New electric model in the works…
- … which could be powered by BMW tech
After eight years of silence, Wiesmann has announced its return. The quirky German sports car manufacturer has confirmed it will soon launch a new, pure-electric sports car, which will become a more compact alternative to the likes of the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.
Until it makes its official debut, the roadster has been given the working title of “Project Thunderball.” Judging by these teaser images, it’ll follow the same styling language as the brand’s older petrol-powered vehicles, albeit with some deeper side skirts to hide the battery.
Wiesmann hasn’t yet communicated any details about Project Thunderball’s EV system but, in the past, the company has sourced its powertrains from BMW. The MF3, Wiesmann’s first ever sports car, featured the same 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine as the E46 M3.
Given this history, it’s possible that Wiesmann will borrow BMW’s fifth-generation electric motors for its new sports car, which are currently used in the i4 saloon and iX SUV. However, we don’t expect Wiesmann will use BMW’s entire electric platform, as the prototype in the firm’s teaser images looks far too short and narrow to fit the platform.
Where will it be built?
The finished sports car will be pieced together at Wiesmann’s facility in Dulmen, Germany. Currently, all of the brand’s cars are hand-built, with each taking 350 man-hours to complete – and we expect this tradition will continue during the brand transition into the electric age, offering buyers a similar level of customisation options.
As an aside to its electric sports car project, Wiesmann has also announced that the company is once again controlled by its founder, Roheen Berry. He said: “As the automotive industry undergoes its biggest revolution in a century, there can be no better time to announce the return of a refreshed, reborn and recharged motoring icon.
“Thunderball will continue Wiesmann’s reputation for setting the standard for performance, craftsmanship and sheer enjoyment. With its unequivocal style, this is the Wiesmann fit for the 21st century, and this is just the beginning.”
Keyword: Wiesmann returns, teasing plans for new electric sports car