The Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien GT represents an ambitious attempt to occupy the space Porsche has left vacant by stepping away from the traditional supercar segment. Developed from the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the limited-production GT transforms its donor car with bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork, extensive aerodynamic development, a thoroughly reworked cabin, and substantial engine upgrades. Its design philosophy is unmistakably influenced by the Porsche 959, one of the defining technological supercars of the late 1980s.
Unlike the original Marsien, conceived as an extreme all-terrain machine, the GT is deliberately optimized for road use. Only the roof and doors are retained from the off-road model; virtually every other exterior panel is unique. The wider body incorporates enlarged air intakes, a functional roof scoop feeding the rear intercoolers, 911 RSR-inspired mirrors, and front aerodynamic elements that can deploy as air brakes. At the rear, a dramatic wraparound wing draws directly from the 959 while incorporating modern active-aerodynamic functionality. A more aggressive diffuser and quad Akrapovič exhaust system further distinguish the GT from its off-road sibling.
Power comes from a RUF-tuned twin-turbocharged flat-six. The standard GT specification raises output to 830 horsepower, while an optional 900-hp package pushes performance even further. The engine is based on the previous-generation 911 Turbo S rather than the newer hybrid-assisted configuration, partly because the earlier platform is lighter, simpler, and more amenable to tuning. With the higher-output configuration, the Marsien GT is claimed to reach 62 mph in just 2.4 seconds and achieve a 205-mph top speed.
Inside, the transformation is equally extensive. A raised center console, bespoke numbered plaque, Carrera GT-inspired gear selector, GT3 RS-derived shift paddles, and physical instrumentation give the cabin a more specialized character. Retaining the pre-facelift 992’s physical rev counter and rotary starter also reinforces the car’s mechanical identity.
Production is limited to just 30 Marsien GTs, alongside 40 original Marsiens, creating a total of 70 cars as a tribute to Uwe Gemballa’s 70th birthday. More than an elaborate 911 conversion, the Marsien GT is a statement of intent: a highly exclusive road-going supercar that combines modern Porsche engineering with the adventurous spirit and technological ambition of the legendary 959.
Source: Top Gear
