Thirty years ago Gemballa GmbH was founded by Uwe Gemballa with the goal of providing aftermarket parts and tuning for Porsche models. After the company went through some turbulent times in 2010, it was closed then reopened by CEO Andreas Schwarz and investor Steffen Korbach. Now, another chapter in the history of Gemballa is beginning with the introduction of a new racing team.

The new Gemballa Racing team is owned by Gemballa investor, Steffen Korbach. To head the team, Korbach hired Sascha Bert, decorated racing driver and instructor. Bert brings with him a wealth of knowledge and success in racing, as a German Kart Champion, Nürburgring VLN 24-hour podium winner, and Formula 3 and FIA GT driver. Korbach is confident in Bert’s racing pedigree “Sascha Bert is an absolute pro, and is ideally qualified to manage our new racing team.”

Gemballa Racing will begin the 2012 season with two new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racecars wearing a blue and black livery. The MP4-12C GT3 was chosen because of McLaren’s racing success, performance, and reliability.

“We chose the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 because we think this car has the potential to be one of the season’s leaders,” explained Korbach. “We have also put together a team of drivers and mechanics who are proven winners. Racing is in our blood! We want to win!”

Each Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine mated to a custom racing transmission. The GT3 cars will feature a racing front splitter, carbon safety shell, fixed rear wing, optimized air vents, a rear diffuser, and Formula 1-style integrated display on the steering wheel.

The Gemballa Racing team will participate in the upcoming 2012 racing season.

Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Gallery

Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4-12C GT3

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Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4-12C GT3

[Source: Gemballa Racing SE]

What do you think of the new Gemballa Racing MP4-12C GT3 racecars? Leave a comment and let us know!

The beginning of 2010 was one of the darkest in Gemballa’s 29-year history, as the company lost its founder and CEO, filed for bankruptcy, and prepared to close down for good. After being broken up by liquidators and shut down, it looked as if the famed Porsche tuner would become a distant memory until Andreas Schwarz came into the picture. After obtaining “an investment of millions”, the new CEO reserved the rights of the old Gemballa and launched Gemballa GmbH, saving the brand from the junkyard. Since August, Schwarz and his employees have been working to continue the iconic designs that made the original Gemballa famous. The 29^th year of the brand ends on a high note, with the introduction of the Gemballa Tornado, a limited-production tuning program for the Porsche Cayenne 958; the first to debut for the reborn tuner.

The new Tornado is a statement from Gemballa; a statement that makes you forget about the mess that marred the past year for the brand, and shows that the company is back for good. The exterior of the Tornado continues the well-known design language that the brand has been known for and complements them with a potent power upgrade.

The exterior design of the Tornado has Gemballa written all over it. Well, not literally, just the tailgate wears the Gemballa name, as it is cut into a piece of carbon fiber using a precise ultra-high pressure water jet cutting process. The tailgate also is dressed in a lightweight carbon fiber skin that wraps around the new rear taillight design. The rear bumper and valence are also made from the lightweight material and make room for the four individual exhaust outlets; a longstanding Gemballa design theme.

The face of the Tornado is equally as distinct as the rear. The program gives the Cayenne a serpent-like appearance, readying its poisonous strike. A large, open-mouth grille and two side vents send vast amounts of cool air directly to the turbocharged V-8, while cooling ducts beside both fog lights cool the front brakes. A new carbon fiber hood with twin air vents further optimizes engine cooling. A set of LED daytime running lights sit aside both front wheel arches and give the Tornado an imposing presence.

Gemballa’s latest creation isn’t all about replacing body components with carbon fiber to reduce weight and create a unique appearance. “Carbon-fiber is a high strength, low weight structural material that needs to be used honestly, and not just for decoration,” explains GEMBALLA GmbH CEO, Andreas Schwarz. Gemballa customers are accustomed to varying extremes in temperature, which can cause cracking of the carbon fiber components. To prevent this, Gemballa uses a different manufacturing method to ensure the utmost quality and durability. Almost all steel body components from the hood to the fenders, front and rear bumpers, side sills, and doors are made from carbon fiber and save a total of 154 lbs. in weight.  The overall width of the Cayenne is also increased to 2.05 meters due to the extended fenders. All recessed surfaces such as the doors and rear fascia are finished in a black matte visible carbon fiber for a signature look.

The imposing stance that the widened fenders and striking fascia create is finished by new lightweight wheels. Measuring 10.0J x 22 up front and 12.0J x 22 at the rear, the forged monoblock alloys wear 295/36 ZR22 front and 255/30 ZR22 rear shoes. Due to their lightweight construction the narrow-spoke wheels weigh no more than the Cayenne’s stock 20-inch wheels. Behind the wheels are upgraded six-and four-piston front and rear Brembo brakes, clamping down on cross-drilled and slotted rotors for superb stopping power.

Beauty isn’t just skin deep with the new Gemballa Tornado. Even though the company already offers a “Stage One” upgrade for the Cayenne’s twin-turbocharged V-8 that results in 580 horsepower, Gemballa is taking the Tornado a step further with a “Stage Two” upgrade. Engineers have set a goal of producing 35 to 40 percent horsepower increase and 30 percent torque increase, for an approximate 675-700 horsepower and 737 lb-ft. of torque. The vast power upgrade will also involve drivetrain upgrades for durability.

Gemballa hasn’t released pricing for the new Tornado tuning program. Engineers are currently developing a new interior along with the “Stage Two” engine upgrade. Only 30 models will be produced in 2011 to celebrate the brand’s 30^th anniversary.

2010 may have been the darkest in company history for Gemballa, but it has ended on a promising note with the new Tornado. The new tuning program shows hope for a company that was virtually defunct, and begins the celebration of the brand’s 30^th anniversary for 2011.

Gemballa Tornado:

Engine:
Displacement: 4.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 675 – 700 (est.)
Maximum Torque: 737 lb-ft. (est.)

Transmission:
Type: Upgraded eight-speed Tiptronic
Drive: All-wheel

Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Wheels: Ultra-light monoblock, narrow-spoke design
Front Wheels: 10.0J x 22
Rear Wheels: 12.0J x 22
Front Tires: 295/35 ZR22
Rear Tires: 355/30 ZR22
Front Brakes: Brembo 420-mm ventilated discs with six-piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Brembo 405-mm ventilated discs with four-piston calipers

Exterior:
-Carbon fiber front bumper with enlarged air intakes and LED DRLs
-Carbon fiber hood with air outlets
-Widened front and rear fenders
-Carbon fiber door assemblies
-Carbon fiber rear bumper
-Carbon fiber tailgate
-Stacked rear lighting
-Quad individual exhausts
-Etched Gemballa tailgate badge
-Carbon fiber side sill covers

[Source: Gemballa GmbH]

What do you think of the first Gemballa program since the brand’s revival? Leave a comment and let us know!

Based on the iconic Ferrari Enzo, the MIG-U1 has been re-engineered using high-strength and lightweight materials, and employs active aerodynamics for optimal handling. The new adjustable front spoiler generates up to 77 lbs. of downforce, and draws its design from Formula-1 racecars. The rear spoiler produces up to 187 lbs. of downforce and is adjusts itself automatically, lowering when the car reaches 74.5 mph for ideal handling. Additionally, the MIG-U1 uses a number of air ducts and inlets for maximum cooling and ventilation. Air inlets are situated behind the doors and on top of the cabin, redirecting cool air to the powerful V-12 engine. Air exhaust ducts are integrated into the rear of the car, and allow for the placement of an additional radiator. Located ahead of both the front and rear wheel-houses are air ducts that cool the braking system, while outlets are positioned behind the wheels to ensure air does not accumulate. Broadened by 3.5 and 3.9 inches, the wide front and rear axles contribute to the militant appearance of the MIG-U1.

While a turbofan engine normally powers Russian MiG fighters, the MIG-U1 utilizes the potent V-12 of the Ferrari Enzo. An astonishing amount of thrust is generated with the use of a revised engine management system as 700 horses screams through the four-pipe, pneumatic flap controlled exhaust system.

As an effective countermeasure for enemy speed bumps and obstacles, Gemballa offers an optional electro-hydraulic height-adjustment (HLS) system. The system is activated by pressing a button in the passenger compartment, and lifts the MIG-U1 by 1.7 inches at the front and rear axles and is lowered automatically at a speed of 50 mph or by manually pressing a button. An adjustable sports suspension also improves handling and maneuverability.

Special lightweight Gemballa GTR Racing forged wheels, manufactured by Advanced Structural Alloys, are featured on the MIG-U1. Forged from a massive light alloy block, the process reduces the weight of each wheel by 35.27 lbs. High performance 265/35 tires wrap the 10×19-inch front wheels, while the rear wheels measure a staggering 13×20 inches and are shod in 335/30 tires.

Inside the cockpit of the MIG-U1 is a set of two Gemballa MIG-U1 designed seats that provide ample support for high-g maneuverability, and feature Gemballa and MIG-U1 stitched into the seatbacks. Leather and ultra-suede lines the interior, including the sports steering wheel, custom-made center console, dashboard, and doors. A multimedia system features a seven-inch touch screen, along with a 950-watt amplifier, and a subwoofer positioned between the two seats. Gemballa logos adorn the seatbelts, specially designed floor mats, and steering wheel.

Only 25 examples of the MIG-U1 will be produced and each will be individually designed. The MIG-U1 does not come with an active payload, although laser-guided, air-to-air, and air-to-surface munitions are available by contacting your local military or black market dealer. Pricing has not been released for the exclusive Gemballa supercar.

Engine:
Displacement: 6.0 liters
No. Of Cylinders: 12
Horsepower: 700
- Four pipe exhaust with pneumatic flap
- Sports catalytic converter
- Retuned engine management system

Drivetrain:
Drive: Rear wheel
Transmission: 6-speed semi-automatic (F1 gearbox)

Suspension:
- Electro-hydraulic height-adjustment (HLS).
- Multiple adjustable sports suspension
- Ball bearing bushings

Wheels and Tires:
Wheels: Gemballa GTR Racing Forged
Front Wheels: 10×19 inches
Rear Wheels: 13×20 inches
Front Tires: 265/35/19
Rear Tires: 335/30/20

Exterior:
- All components manufactured in real carbon
- Adjustable front spoiler lip
- Gemballa-Aerodynamics concept adjustable rear spoiler
- Front skirt with spoiler lip
- Door extensions
- Rear diffuser
- Front and rear wheel well air ducts
- Air outlets behind front wheels
- Air inlets behind doors and on roof
- Exhaust ducts in rear skirt
- Rear light air ducts

Interior:
- Specially designed MIG-U1 seats
- Leather ultra-suede trim
- Custom made center console
- Sports steering wheel
- Multimedia system
- Seven inch touch screen with navigation, DVD changer, and iPOD connection
- 950-watt amplifier
- Subwoofer
- Gemballa floor mats