Niche German performer Mark Wiesman returned to new ownership earlier this year, and with the release of Project Thunderball Electric Sports Car, there has been a new focus on electrical mobility.
However, the company has not yet abandoned the tradition of gas-powered sports cars. In fact, it is working on a new sports car powered by a BMW V-8 engine, which is currently being rolled out under the Project Gecko code name.
An early prototype of Project Gecko was spotted in 2019 and currently the car, which could be called an MF6, is expected to be set for release later this year.
The car will have the same Jaguar XK140-inspired exterior design as the previous Wiesmanns but will benefit from a new advanced lightweight platform that will help ensure 50:50 weight distribution.
Wiseman Project Thunderball
Wiseman Project Thunderball
Wiseman Project Thunderball
The platform is thought to be a version of the aluminum space-frame chassis under Project Thunderball EV. Even with its heavy battery, the electric sports car weighs less than 3,750 pounds. This means that Project Gecko should be a real lightweight.
In Project Gecko, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 will sit in the front and run only the rear wheels. Peak output is expected to be around 600 hp.
If Project Thunderball’s cabin is anything to go by, it’s a big step up in terms of interior quality and refinement compared to previous Wiesmanns. The instrument cluster and infotainment hub should also have the latest technology, including digital displays.
“[Project Gecko] The perfect 50:50 weight distribution has the classic Wiesmann look and mind-blowing Wiesmann performance, ”Roheen Berry, the current owner of Wiesmann, said in a statement. “Like every Wiseman, it will make you speechless.”