This is ‘Project Thunderball’ from German firm Wiesmann, and it’s here to disrupt the market as the ‘world’s first all-electric luxury roadster’.
Wiesmann was founded back in the late 1980s by two brothers - Martin Wiesmann and Friedhelm Wiesmann - and is famous for creating super-exclusive, low volume convertibles and coupes, like the ‘GT’ from the mid-Noughties (below) which was powered by a V8 engine sourced from BMW.
Fast forward to 2014 and the Wiesmann marque had hit the skids, running into financial trouble and ultimately shuttering its factory in Dülmen.
That prompted London-based investor Roheen Berry to lead a consortium to breathe new life into the manufacturer and by 2020 Berry’s Wiesmann had announced a full-blown comeback.
Now the pricey £265,000 Project Thunderball not only represents a ‘new era’ for Wiesmann, it has also proved popular - with all vehicles from the first year’s production run now sold out and ready to be delivered to customers in 2024.
Project Thunderball is described by Wiesmann as a ‘classic’ two-seater that features an abundance of carbon fibre and which has a rear-wheel drive set-up that offers an ‘exceptional driving experience’.
It’s powered by a 92 kWh battery that unlocks power of 680 hp, 1,100 of ‘instant torque’ and a targeted 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
To put that into perspective, it means Project Thunderball is potentially just a shade slower than Porsche’s range-topping electric TaycanTurbo S.
Wiesmann says its Project Thunderball will support super-fast charging of up to 300kW DC.
Meanwhile each car is ‘co-created along with the customer, to ensure that the result is as individual as the customers themselves’.
Roheen Berry, Owner and CEO of Wiesmann, adds:
“We are all extremely proud that Project Thunderball – the car which heralds the return of the storied Wiesmann brand – should resonate so strongly with driving enthusiasts from around the world. We knew that combining the timeless design, luxury, and hand-crafted finish that Wiesmann is renowned for, together with a state-of-the-art electric powertrain that delivers exceptional performance, range and charging and our own technology, including the innovative regenerative braking system, would result in a truly captivating and iconic car. To have already sold out the first year of production proves the unique appeal of Project Thunderball and represents a phenomenal start to a Wiesmann’s new, electrified era.”
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- Lamborghini reveals love letter to the V12 engine
- Big test for electric Rolls-Royce Spectre
- MG HS SUV tops UK sales chart for January 2023
- Major power boost for the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid
- New look for Mazda2 hatchback
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
