Many companies have brought it upon themselves to make the automotive industry better through services, and some have attempted to create their own production companies. Introduce Wiesmann GmbH, a German automotive company that is determined to make a mark on the automotive industry.
The company was founded by two brothers, Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann, and were sure to leave their mark on the industry. In the beginning stages of their automotive production en career, Wiesmann GmbH started as a custom hardtop manufacturer for convertibles, though they would have rather built cars.
They made their company logo in the form of a gecko, in hopes that their cars would grip to the road as well as a gecko grip onto things. This is the beginning of their story, and we’ll gladly tell you more.
The Wiesmann Company: Wiesmann MF30 Roadster
After 1986, their stages of development were complete and testing was underway. Wiesmann later opened their first factory and made a debut at the Essen Motor Show in 1993 with their first production car: the MF30 Roadster. The Roadster shared the same engine as the BMW E60 5 Series platform: the M54B30. The “MF” in the MF30 originated from the brothers’ initials, though the reason for “30” is unknown. Transmission options were also courtesy of BMW, which included either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or BMW’s SMG transmission.
The naturally aspirated BMW engine was able to push 228 horsepower and 221 ft-lbs of torque. While these aren’t impressive numbers, the MF30 was still fairly quick courtesy of its light curb weight. The MF30 weighed just under 2,400 lbs, which was only possible with its fiberglass body panels.
The Wiesmann Company: Finding Early Success
The MF30 was later replaced with the Wiesmann MF3 Roadster. Continuing their partnership with BMW, the MF3 featured yet again another BMW engine: the S54. This engine was used in the famous E46 M3, which was capable of pushing 343 horsepower and 269 ft-lbs of torque. Similar to the MF30, courtesy of its light curb weight, the inline-six was able to do a 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds.
Following the MF3 Roadster was the GT MF4. This was the first time that a Wiesmann vehicle offered engine options, though the options well all BMW engines. The GT MF4 featured either a 4.8L V8 or 4.0L V8, pushing 367 horsepower and 362 horsepower, respectively.
The design and engineering behind the GT MF4 were catered to long distance driving, so this touring was built with comfort in mind. Since this car was made for touring, the only gearbox that the GT4 offered was an automatic gearbox. This was also the year when Wiesmann vehicles first offered hardtops, which was slightly ironic for the company that made hardtops for convertibles.
The Wiesmann Company: Second Factory Success
With overwhelming support and success, the brothers decided to relocate their factory to expand their business. Despite their relocation, Wiesmann GmbH remained in German territory, moving into a new factory with more than enough space, including room for production lines and offices.
Produced out of this factory was the MF5, which was based on the MF4, but with a wider base. The car had a limited production run of 43, featuring the S85 V10 Engine, which is found in the BMW E60 M5s. This was a completely redesigned look that wasn’t usual for Wiesmann GmbH.
Walk Before You Run: The Wiesmann GmbH
As a result of some poor decisions and unstable market conditions, the Wiesmann company faced financial difficulty at one time. After the brothers had gone their ways, the company started to suffer, and it had filed for bankruptcy in 2013. After some changes in leadership roles and investments, the company was able to start thriving once again.
The MF5 Roadster is their most recent project, and you guessed it features a BMW engine, again. The MF5 uses the same power plant from the BMW M5: BMW S85. This is no surprise for the German company, as they have been keen on their build quality in the past.
The Wiesmann Company: Modern Wiesmann GmbH
The MF5 Roadster was the last vehicle that Wiesmann GmbH has produced, and the public has long-awaited another one. This is where their proposed “Project Gecko” comes in. The proposed project will feature a BMW Twin-Turbo V8 paired with an 8-speed transmission. This will probably be sourced from the BMW M750i platform, which utilizes a similar configuration. Power numbers are expected to be around 530 horsepower and 550 ft-lbs of torque, and an expected 0 to 60 mph time of mid 3 seconds.
While traditionally Wiesmann vehicles remain rear-wheel-drive platforms, the 750i is an all-wheel-drive platform, possibly suggesting a drivetrain upgrade from the German company. Though we don’t know much more about the design or specifications, if it’s anything like Wiesmann’s past creations with characteristics from BMW’s M750i, Wiesmann GmbH won’t disappoint with their upcoming release.
