Independent German sports car maker Weismann is now taking reservations for the Thunderball – a new, retro-inspired roadster that will bring the company into the electric era.
The latest in Weismann’s luxury two-seat, rear-wheel-drive lineup, the Thunderball offers 671 hp, a 310-mile range and a luxurious, hand-built cabin with prices starting at €300,000. (about £270,000). Customers can register their interest through Weismann’s website to secure a construction slot for the Thunderball, with the first deliveries due in 2024.
Since its founding in 1988, Weismann has built a reputation for building retro-inspired sports cars, often powered by engines from BMW’s M division. Changing to an all-electric powertrain is an important step forward, but on paper, Weismann seems to have kept its performance credentials intact.
A 92kWh battery (83kWh usable capacity) powers two rear mid-mounted electric motors, producing 671bhp and 1100Nm of torque – making it Thunderball Weismann’s most powerful road car yet. Power is sent to the rear wheels only, and Weismann claims a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds.
Despite the heavy use of carbon fiber in the bodywork, the addition of an all-electric powertrain means the Thunderball is heavier than its petrol-powered predecessors at 1,700kg. Underneath its classic bodywork there are some modern touches, but the 800V system allows for fast charging.
The range the Thunderball is targeting is 310 miles, says Weismann, which is good enough to compete with more conventional electric cars like Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5. There’s also a regenerative braking system to help maintain that range.
Like previous cars, Weismann has given the Thunderball many design touches inspired by classic British sports cars. At the front of its elongated clamshell bonnet is a grille reminiscent of the Jaguar XK120, flanked by large headlight cuts similar to the old MF4.
At the rear, we see twin round taillights like previous Weismans with air ducts below them, there’s also a molded rear spoiler that sits above the large rear diffuser to further emphasize the performance. by Thunderball.
There’s a mix of modern and classic design inside, with seven analog dials focusing on the driver and leather door straps along with a central touchscreen, a fiber center console. carbon and the bucket seats are covered in carbon.
The Thunderball will be made at Weismann’s ‘Gecko’ factory in Dulmen, Germany and is available to order now with prices starting at £253,035.
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