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.