2012 Gemballa GT
Pure performance with real passion” is the philosophy for the first non-Porsche-based car to wear the GEMBALLA GT moniker. Using the all-new McLaren MP4-12C as its base, the debut of this car opens a new chapter in the GEMBALLA story.
It has been widely reported that while the new McLaren is a distillation of the company’s extensive motorsport expertise, this high-tech, empirical approach has resulted in a car with awesome abilities but a slightly generic look and detached driving experience.
“Our challenge was to imbue the missing emotion into the GEMBALLA GT version of the MP4-12C,” explains GEMBALLA CEO, Andreas Schwarz. “Our starting point is a aerodynamic styling kit and ultra-light forged alloy wheels, and we are developing an engine upgrade programme as well.”
Both McLaren and GEMBALLA have an obsession with lightweight, high-strength construction that has led them to the extensive use of carbon-fibre. From its F1-inspired carbon-fibre centre tub to the body panels, the McLaren MP4-12C embraces this philosophy and tips the scales at just 1,434kg, propelled by a lusty 608hp/441 kW
bi-turbo 3.8 litre V8 motor.
The GEMBALLA GT aerodynamic kit consists of a new front bumper/spoiler, side skirts, rear apron and a small rear wing, all made in Germany. These components give the car a more purposeful air and further improve its high-speed stability. They are fitted to the factory mounting points so the original bodywork is not compromised.
Bespoke GEMBALLA forged alloy wheels are a size larger than factory with 20 -inch diameter wheels at the front and 21-inch at the rear. These wheels fill the arches and give the car a more muscular stance, while further increasing mechanical grip.
The GEMBALLA GT programme for the McLaren MP4-12C adds significant gravitas to the cars appearance, and the forthcoming technical modifications promise to add more emotion to the driving experience as well.
2012 Gemballa GT Gallery
In Detail
| type | Professionally Tuned Car |
| built at | Germany |
| engine | 90º M838T V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
| position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Twin Turbo |
| block material | Aluminum |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/dual VVT |
| displacement | 3799 cc / 231.83 in³ |
| bore | 93 mm / 3.7 in |
| stroke | 69.9 mm / 2.8 in |
| compression | 8.7:1 |
| power | 447.4 kw / 600 bhp @ 7000 rpm |
| specific output | 157.94 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 418.41 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 600 nm / 442.5 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm |
| redline | 8500 |
| body / frame | Carbon Fiber Monocoque ‘MonoCell’ w/Aluminum Front & Rear Subframes |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Forged Aluminum |
| front tires | 235/35 R19 Pirelli PZero |
| rear tires | 305/30 R20 Pirelli PZero |
| front brakes | Cast Iron Discs |
| rear brakes | Cast Iron Discs |
| front wheels | F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19 x 8.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 50.8 x 27.9 cm / 20 x 11 in |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Active Hydraulic Dampers |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Active Hydraulic Dampers |
| curb weight | 1434 kg / 3162 lbs |
| weight distro | 42.5 % / 57.5 % |
| wheelbase | 2670 mm / 105.1 in |
| front track | 1656 mm / 65.2 in |
| rear track | 1583 mm / 62.3 in |
| length | 4507 mm / 177.4 in |
| width | 1909 mm / 75.2 in |
| height | 1199 mm / 47.2 in |
| transmission | 7-Speed Seamless Shift |
| tran clutch | Dual-Clutch |
| top speed | ~330 kph / 204.93 mph |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~10.9 seconds |
| 0 – 100 kph | ~3.3 seconds |
| 0 – 200 kph | ~9.1 seconds |
| combined fuel econ eu | 11.7 L/100 km or 20.10 mpg-us |
| emission | 279 g/km |
Story by GEMBALLA GMBH. Above Images ©GEMBALLA GMBH.
