Wiesmann
Handbuilt. Heartfelt. The Ultimate Retro-Themed German Sports Car
Introduction
Wiesmann’s story is a testament to passion over volume. Founded by brothers Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann, this tiny German manufacturer dedicated itself to building exclusive, handcrafted sports cars that combined classic, roadster-inspired styling with modern BMW powertrains. Every Wiesmann was a work of art, featuring voluptuous curves, a reptile-like leather interior, and a driving experience focused on raw, analog feedback. It was a brand built for purists who valued craftsmanship and emotion over mass-production and trends.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Status | Defunct (1988-2014), Revived (2023+) |
| HeadQuarters | Dülmen, Germany |
| Founders | Martin & Friedhelm Wiesmann |
| Production | Handbuilt, ~1,500 cars total |
| Key PartnerShip | BMW engines and drivetrains |
Iconic Wiesmann Engines
- BMW S54B32 Inline-6 (2003-2007): The high-revving heart. The 3.2L engine from the E46 M3, delivering 343 HP and an incredible 8,000 RPM redline in the Wiesmann GT MF3.
- BMW N62B44 V8 (2007-2013): The muscular performer. A 4.4L or 4.8L V8 from the 5-Series and 7-Series, providing smooth, torquey power in the GT MF4.
- BMW S63B44 Twin-Turbo V8 (2009-2014): The ultimate Wiesmann engine. The 4.4L twin-turbo V8 from the F10 M5, producing 555 HP in the ferocious GT MF5.
- BMW M54B30 Inline-6 (1993-2003): The early foundation. A reliable and smooth 3.0L inline-six from various BMW models, used in the earliest Wiesmann roadsters.
Legendary Wiesmann Models
- Wiesmann Roadster (1993-2011): The car that started it all. A small, lightweight, and minimalist two-seater that established the brand’s classic roadster design language.
- Wiesmann GT MF3 (2003-2007): The first coupe. A fixed-roof version of the Roadster, powered by the E46 M3’s inline-six engine.
- Wiesmann GT MF4 (2007-2014): The V8 grand tourer. A larger, more powerful, and more refined coupe using BMW’s naturally aspirated V8 engines.
- Wiesmann GT MF5 (2009-2014): The ultimate hyper-Wiesmann. The flagship model powered by the twin-turbo V8 from the BMW M5, capable of supercar performance with classic looks.
The Art of Analogue Driving
In an era of increasing digitization and driver aids, Wiesmann was a defiantly analog experience. There was no electric power steering, no synthetic engine sounds piped through speakers, and no overly intrusive stability control. The driving experience was raw, mechanical, and entirely focused on the connection between driver, road, and machine. This commitment to purity, combined with their stunning handmade bodies and lavish interiors, made each Wiesmann a rare and deeply personal object of desire for driving enthusiasts.