A
prototype of the upcoming Wiesmann MF6 has been spied testing while bathed in
camouflage and sitting on a flatbed truck. The small German car manufacturer announced that it was
working on an all-new model back in late August. As these spy shots reveal, the
MF6 will have a similar classic shape to previous Wiesmann models but beneath
that skin will be some very exciting technologies.
Most
notably, it is understood that the MF6 will be powered by the same 4.4-liter
twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the current BMW M5. Consequently, the sports car
should pump out around 600 hp and as it is both significantly smaller and
lighter than the M5, it should be a touch faster and much more nible.
Mated
to this engine should be the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the M5
although unlike the German super sedan, the MF6 will be rear-wheel drive as
opposed to all-wheel drive. Wiesmann is reportedly quoting a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5-seconds (obviously impacted by the rear-wheel drive) and a top
speed of 320 km/h.
Known
internally as Project Gecko, there were reports that the sports car would be
unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in September. Obviously that never
eventuated and we instead think it’s likely that the car will premiere early
next year, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Underpinning the car will be a
lightweight front mid-engine platform with an integrated tubular safety cell
and a claimed 50-50 weight distribution to ensure the MF6 handles as well as
possible.
