Wiesmann GmbH was a German automobile manufacturer that specialized in hand-built custom convertibles. The company, which had its factory in Dülmen, was founded by brothers, engineer Martin Wiesmann and businessman Friedhelm Wiesmann, in 1988. The business was liquidated in May 2014.
History
The company's first roadster left the workshop in 1993. By 2006, they were producing the Wiesmann MF 3 and MF 30 roadsters and the Wiesmann GT MF 4 coupé, all of which utilized engine and transmission components supplied by BMW. The company, which made around 180 hand-built cars each year, used a gecko logo because they claimed their cars "stick to the road like geckos to a wall"
Weismann planned to begin exporting vehicles to the USA by 2010, however, factors including a poor exchange rates and the high costs of modifying and testing cars in order to make them road-legal in the US stymied these plans. On August 14, 2013 Wiesmann filed for insolvency at the local court in Münster. Four months later Weismann's management board filed to dismiss the insolvency proceedings due to abolition of the insolvency reasons while the creditors’ meeting was also postponed. Following unsuccessful talks with CMMW, a UK-based consortium that was interested in taking over Wiesmann and resuming production, the company was permanently closed a month later in May 2014.
Early models
MF 30
Wiesmann MF30 is the first Wiesmann model ever built.
The MF 30 is powered by a six-cylinder M54B30 engine borrowed from BMW, with a capacity of 2979 cm3 and a power output of 170 kW/231 hp (232 PS) at 5,900 rpm, reaching 300 N·m (221 ft·lbf) of torque at 3,400 rpm. Due to its dry weight of 1080 kg, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 s with a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
The model was discontinued in order to give way to the new slightly modified model named MF 3.
Specifications
MF 3
The primary difference between the MF 3 and the MF 30 was the new engine. The engine featured on the MF 3 was a BMW S54, which is originally known from the M3 (E46). The engine has a displacement of 3246 cc with a maximum power output of 252 kW (343 PS / 343 hp) at 7900 rpm, and a maximum torque of 365 N·m (269 ft·lbf) at 4900 rpm. With the new engine and due to its weight of 1,180 kg (2,601 lb), this car can accelerate from 0â€"60 mph in 5.0 sec and reaching a maximum speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). MF3 came with a 5-speed manual transmission as basic, and a 6-speed sequential gearbox as an option.
Another additional option were the 20-inch rims running on (front: 235/30/20, rear: 285/25/20) rubber.
Specifications
Other Models
Other models exist such as the MF 28 or the MF 35.
Later models
GT MF 4
The GT is a closed two-seater with more power than the other models, intended for long distance touring. The GT was first produced in 2003.
Specifications
GT MF5
The GT MF5 is a closed two-seater & two-seater roadster with more power than the other models. The GT MF5 roadster, first produced in 2009, was limited to just 55 cars.
Specifications
See also
- List of German cars
References
External links
- Official website
- Wiesmann - photos, videos and reviews
