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 MF4.
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 MF4 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
MF4 even at night.
With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.41 kg/HP the Wiesmann GT MF4 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 MF4 is an individual sports car with a classic design,
which fits perfectly in the automotive landscape and which will
capture its own niche.
