Gemballa announced the world debut of two works of automotive art at the 2011
Top Marques Monaco Show, from 14-17th April.
Experts call Top Marques
Monaco "the world's most exclusive car show" with good reason. It is the only
international motor show where the most exclusive names in the automotive
industry come together under one roof. The unique venue for this high-end car
enthusiasts' show is the Grimaldi Forum, located in the heart of Monte Carlo.
Each year, The Show is opened by HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, patron of the
event and connoisseur of fine automobiles.
Like Monaco itself, the Top
Marques Monaco is not purely motoring centric. As with this gem of a location on
the Côte d'Azur, it is a showcase for related luxury activities like yachting,
exclusive travel and luxury brands.
If the highest levels of
individuality and exclusivity are some of the requirements for greatness, then
these offerings from Gemballa surely qualify: the Gemballa Tornado, based on the
Porsche Cayenne (958) and the Gemballa Mistrale based on the Porsche Panamera (970).
Design, cutting edge technology and the finest materials are the most important
ingredients in the transformation of these fine cars into something really
unique.
The Gemballa Tornado and the Gemballa Mistrale undergo a
near-complete reconstruction of their outer bodyshells, with the majority of the
steel panels replaced by light and strong carbon-fibre equivalents made to
Gemballa's unique designs.
"We have significantly reduced weight, but
without compromising strength, safety or comfort," explained Andreas Schwarz,
CEO of Gemballa GmbH. "Rather than cutting into the steel panels and bonding on
new parts, as is common in the aftermarket industry, we completely replace
entire panels with bespoke carbon-fibre ones that use the original mounting
points," he said. "These new panels, which include the bonnet, front wings,
doors, front and rear bumper/valance, save a total of 150 lbs (70 kg)."
The big wheel arches are filled with Gemballa'S 22-inch multi-spoke alloy
wheels. Forged rather than cast, these wheels are stronger than the original
20-inch OE equivalents, but are around the same weight. The new high performance
brake system was developed in collaboration with Brembo, exclusively for the
Mistrale and Tornado. Massive 411-mm cross-drilled, vented discs with six-piston
monoblock calipers in front are partnered by 380-mm cross-drilled, vented discs
with four-piston fixed calipers at the rear.
The first stage of power
upgrade for the twin-turbo V8 engine provides 580 hp for the Cayenne/Tornado,
and 610 hp for the Panamera/Mistrale. The latter conversion is accompanied by a
healthy 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. Really power hungry customers can opt for
Stage 2, which gives both cars 700 hp, and around 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of
torque. This significant output is achieved through the use of larger
turbochargers, a modified intake system, high efficiency intercoolers, sports
exhaust, free-flow catalytic converters and bespoke ECU remapping.
"Optimized efficiency and bespoke high quality components allow us to achieve
this impressive output on a relatively low 1.1 bar of boost," said Schwarz. "The
relatively low stress imposed on the engine ensures long term durability and
reliability in everyday use."
Gemballa bespoke interiors are world
renowned, and the cabins of these cars showcase the company's skill and
craftsmanship, with perfectly color-co-ordinated upholstery fashioned from the
finest leathers and Alcantara. Precision with emotion, right down to the
smallest detail is the watchword at Gemballa, and the fact that everything is
done to individual requirements, means that no two vehicle will be the same. On
the occasion of the 30-year Anniversary of Gemballa, only 30 each of the
Gemballa Tornado and Gemballa Mistrale models will be made for selected
customers.