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