Wiesmann Project Thunderball is a rapid retro electric roadster
Taycan-baiting outputs and performance promised from bespoke German electric sports carGerman sports car specialist Wiesmann has detailed some of the core goals of its upcoming battery-powered roadster, formally dubbed the Wiesmann Project Thunderball.
Described by the brand as the world’s first bespoke electric roadster, Project Thunderball looks like a concoction of different sports car models from varying eras with a traditional cab-back silhouette accentuated by a high hip line, low windscreen and obligatory fabric folding roof.
Previous Wiesmann models have traditionally been powered by BMW-sourced V8s, but this time around we find a pair of electric motors lurking under the retro-styled skin, both of which drive the rear wheels.
The system draws current from a relatively big 92kWh battery pack and generates a big 500kW of power and 1100Nm of torque – enough to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 2.9 seconds and cover up to 500km on a single charge.
Project Thunder’s bespoke 800-volt EV architecture enables the generously sized battery to be charged at up to 300kW via a DC fast-charger or 22kW when charged at home with an AC wallbox.
As with most EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles these days, a multi-level regenerative braking system is on hand to recuperate as much energy as possible under deceleration, with divers able to transition between regeneration levels via paddle ‘shifters’.
Wiesmann CEO Roheen Berry said Project Thunder will put “the emotion back into EVs” and drive “like a world-class sports car”.
“The continued development of Project Thunderball is bringing Wiesmann ever closer to the goal of producing what will be the world’s most exciting electric sports car,” he said.
“Thanks to endless research and testing, the roadster will blend our bespoke cutting-edge powertrain technology with Wiesmann’s trademark German engineering excellence.
“I am equally pleased to say that we have had an enthusiastic response from customers.”
According to Berry, around 75 per cent of the 2023 build allocation has been spoken for, with reservations open at the brand’s website. How big the production run will be remains unclear, as does the possibility of any examples being delivered to Australia.
German pricing will start from €300,000 ($A466,066) plus on-road costs.
Related: Wiesmann Project Gecko V8 teased
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