For almost thirty years, automobile manufacturer Gemballa has shown us what its capable of when it comes to the development and production of exclusive programs for Porsche sports cars. Throughout its turbulent history they have set the standards on getting the best possible performance and unique design implemented into an existing full production sports car. Its doesn’t go unsaid that the brand has left its mark upon the tuning world.

We were given the opportunity to experience the Gemballa heritage for a full long day in bright sunny weather. Not one, but two keys were handed to the GTspirit team who gathered in Leonberg, Germany. One belonged to a tuned sports car offering more than 750hp, which we will not discuss right here, but in a few weeks time. For now we will share our story on the latest Gemballa Mirage GT built by the car specialist from Southern Germany; the Matt Blue Edition.

Over the past few years a small group of Mirage GTs have been produced. A total of 19 vehicles exist globally, making it one of the most exclusive and rare supercars out there. The basis for the vehicle is the Carrera GT, Porsche’s fastest and most expensive supercar in its time, challenging the Ferrari Enzo and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren for the title of ultimate supercar of the early twenty-first century.

The combination of technical achievements, performance, uniqueness and sound track makes the Porsche Carrera GT a beloved supercar around the globe. An example of its seamless technical highlights is the carbon fiber engine cradle and passenger cell, which comprises of a thousand layers, each one lovingly cut and laid into the mould by hand in a five-day process.

The engine however takes center stage and is a magnificent 5.7 liter V10, salvaged from Porsche’s aborted 2000 Le Mans program, capable of handling up to 16,000rpm. It has a 68-degree V angle, four overhead camshafts actuating four valves per cylinder, a forged steel crankshaft, and titanium connecting rods. Figures? Stock, it produces 612hp at 8,000rpm, 590Nm at 5,750rpm and it will take you to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, and from zero to 193km/h in 9.9 seconds. The red line is at 8,400rpm and the top speed is 330km/h.

Anybody would suggest that only a slight improvement would be possible, but Gemballa proved differently. Upping the power to 670hp at 8,000rpm and 630 Newton meters at 5,700rpm, the ten-cylinder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in breath-taking 3.7 seconds. The top speed gained is five km/h, making it faster than the production model. The final engine performance and acceleration results were achieved by optimized engine management and a special exhaust system with sport catalysts and pneumatic valve control. The special tailpipe covers are iconic to the Gemballa Mirage GT and coated anthracite.

The package is not only performance focused, but also includes a characteristic set of body parts machined from ultra-light and high-strength carbon material. We made our way around the car and the first thing we noticed is the striking front. It has an apron with enhanced air inlets for improved ventilation of the front coolers and additional driving lights, a new hood and front wings. The front lip is adjustable and contributes a minimum of 35kg of down force at 250km/h, which helps counterbalance the 85kg available from the rear when the adjustable wing is jacked to its most aggressive ‘air-brake’ style setting.

The flanks have a set of newly designed side skirts with ventilation channels. In the area between the wheel housing and door Gemballa replaced the standard side panels with its own mudguards. The reshaped openings blend harmoniously with the original design of the Carrera GT. At the rear, a new diffuser is fitted into the new rear skirt and is complemented by an enlarged rear wing. The roof channel together with the air scoop of the engine compartment and the rear view camera casing complete the truly unique package.

To connect the car to the road, the Germans fitted multi-part rims GT Sport Forged in the dimension 9.5×19 and 12.5×20 with tires in the serial measurement 265/35 ZR19 at the front axle and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear axle. The full racing center-locks were painted in a white/black color trim suiting the car’s matt blue exterior color. The brake system on the Mirage is similar to the Carrera GT, the calipers got another color and logo.

The most noticeable difference when you step inside the Mirage is the redesigned center console, which is made of carbon fiber and contains a multimedia unit with reverse camera, dvd player, and sat nav. The black and white interior is a bit tacky, but suites the overall character of the Mirage GT’s exterior. The cockpit somehow feels like a combination between a true style statement and a work station. The Mirage GT isn’t overly practical. With the roof off, the trunk volume shrinks from nearly anything to next to nothing.

Continue reading right here: Road Test: Gemballa Mirage GT Matt Blue Edition

 

I'm more of an unmodified cgt fan but this looks very clean. Very cool.

 

damn, i need to get a job as a automotive journalist

 

The joke here is that building those monstrosities was why Uwe Gemballa was killed . New owners better be careful ...

 

Why ruin such an amazing car.

 

I'm fine with the colour, but that's about the only thing I like about the car

 

i like the blue, but not all the white accents

 

Gemballa: Where Great Porsches Go To Die

 

I'm surprised Porsche allowed that blue gt to touch their museum grounds.

 

Yes,it is really sad that one of the most beatiful car is so ****ed up!