Step aside Ferrari, here comes the Gumpert

The Geneva motor show wasn't just about the major manufacturers. Almost as prominent were a horde of low-volume ultra-niche carmakers with some exotic wares to peddle.

Besides the mandatory high-po brigade comprising the likes of Pagani and Koenigsegg, there were also luminaries such as Gumpert.

Gumpert? What the..

Yes, indeed, Gumpert is a super-exclusive German sports car specialist based in Audi's hometown of Ingolstadt.

The brand's philosophy is simple: build a light, low coupe and stuff it with a ludicrously powerful engine to yield Porsche/Ferrari-bashing performance.

Clued-up Euro sports cars aficionados are already familiar with the marque and respected UK journal has gone as far as to say the Gumpert Apollo is "the most exciting car to wear number plates".

A quick rundown on the Gumpert Apollo's stats: its Audi-based 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8 engine ekes out 478kW and 850Nm, enabling the 1200kg coupe to rocket to 100km/h in 3sec, and on to 200km/h in just 8.9sec. Top speed is quoted at 360km/h.

But clearly this isn't enough for some, as Gumpert's Geneva show star was the new 'Sport' version, which ramps up power to around 600kW for even more outrageous performance.

In view of its extreme performance potential, the gullwing coupe is equipped with a wild looking aerodynamic package that includes a massive wing and F1-style rear diffuser. Gumpert claims this bodywork addenda creates extra downforce -- we reckon this could be handy at 360km/h.

Also noteworthy is the Le Mans racer-style air intake stub over the roof, which "signals power, dynamics and superiority," boasts Gumpert.

It's not a barebones stripper, as the interior is trimmed in alcantara and standard kit includes air-con, CD-player, navigation system and a reverse-view camera (just as well, as rear visibility appears non-existent). As a special accessory the Apollo can also be equipped with an air jack and a pneumatic jacking pad.

Predictably, the Apollo Sport isn't cheap, costing the best part of three quarters of a million dollars in Europe. That said, it's still cheap compared to a Bugatti Veyron.

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