| Madcap sportscars | Weismann GT MF5 |
The Wiesmann GT MF5 may look like a quaint old sports car, but underneath the swooping bodywork lies a car that will crack 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and tops out at 193mph. This is all thanks to Wiesmann cramming the 507bhp V10 engine from the latest
BMW M5 under that long bonnet.
Weighing 1,380kg, the Wiesmann is considerably lighter than the M5 it borrows its 5.0-litre motor and seven-speed sequential manual gearbox from. However, aerodynamics means the two-seater has a lower top speed than a fully derestricted M5 saloon.
The Wiesmann doesn't just use a high-tech engine. Its chassis is an aluminium monocoque with sections of carbon fibre incorporated for lightness and strength. The bodywork is also a mix of aluminium and composite materials, and buyers can choose between coupe or roadster bodywork.
Built in Germany, the Wiesmann GT MF5 is available in the UK and costs from £150,000.
Alisdair Suttie - 15 Apr 2008