Wiesmann
German manufacturer of hand-built, BMW-powered sports cars and luxury roadsters.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Wiesmann is a German sports-car manufacturer associated with low-volume, hand-built convertibles and coupes that combine retro-inspired bodywork with contemporary BMW drivetrains. Brothers Martin Wiesmann and Friedhelm Wiesmann founded the company in 1988. The business developed its identity around highly individualized construction, lightweight sports-car proportions, and a distinctive gecko emblem, which expressed the founders’ claim that the cars held the road like a gecko adheres to a wall. The company’s first roadster entered production in 1993. During its original operating period, Wiesmann relied extensively on BMW engines, transmissions, and related mechanical components. Its early roadsters included the MF30 and MF3, while the GT MF4 introduced a more powerful grand-touring direction. By the middle of the 2000s, the range consisted of several low-volume models, including the MF3, MF30, and GT MF4. Production was intentionally limited and labor-intensive; the company was reported to build approximately 180 vehicles per year rather than pursue mass-market scale. Wiesmann progressively moved upmarket through the MF4 and MF5 families. The GT MF4, introduced in 2003, used a BMW 4.8-litre V8 and offered a closed two-seat format intended for faster long-distance travel. Later MF4 variants added updated styling, revised engines, roadster bodywork, and more performance-focused specifications. The MF5 range went further toward supercar performance, using BMW M-derived powertrains. Its roadster was strictly limited, and fewer than 200 MF5 cars were produced in total according to the referenced material. The business encountered commercial and financial difficulties during the early 2010s. A proposed expansion into the United States was hindered by unfavorable exchange rates and the expense of adapting and testing the vehicles for American regulatory requirements. Wiesmann filed for insolvency at a Münster court in August 2013. Although management later sought to end the insolvency proceedings and a United Kingdom-based consortium reportedly considered a takeover, the company closed in 2014. London-based investor Roheen Berry subsequently acquired the business and became its chief executive. The relaunch strategy preserved Wiesmann’s emphasis on exclusivity while broadening the planned product portfolio. Project Gecko was announced as a new combustion-powered sports car using a BMW TwinPower turbocharged V8 and an eight-speed transmission, but its development was delayed while the company prioritized its electric program. In 2022, Wiesmann presented Project Thunderball, a fully electric two-door luxury roadster. The model uses a powertrain and battery system supplied by Roding and was announced with 671 horsepower, 1,100 Nm of torque, a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds, and a vehicle weight of approximately 1,775 kg. Wiesmann stated that production was planned for the 2024 model year and that the first production-year allocation had already been sold out. The electric program represents a significant technical shift for a marque historically identified with BMW petrol engines, while retaining its low-volume, bespoke positioning.
History
Wiesmann was established in Germany in 1988 by brothers Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann. The company initially built its reputation through highly individualized sports cars assembled in small numbers rather than through industrial-scale production. Its design language drew on classic roadster and coupe themes, while its mechanical package generally came from BMW. This combination allowed Wiesmann to offer distinctive coachbuilt-style presentation with modern engines, transmissions, and running gear. The first Wiesmann roadster left the company’s workshop in 1993. The early MF30 used a BMW six-cylinder engine and established the basic formula of a light, two-seat sports car with compact dimensions and hand-finished bodywork. The later MF3 replaced the MF30 with a BMW S54 engine derived from the E46 M3. The MF3 offered a stronger performance profile while retaining the marque’s open-top character. Other variants, including the MF25-4, MF28, and MF35, broadened the original roadster family. Wiesmann expanded into closed grand tourers with the GT MF4, first produced from 2003. This model used a BMW 4.8-litre V8 rather than the six-cylinder engines associated with earlier MF cars. It was intended to deliver greater performance and improved suitability for longer journeys. At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Wiesmann presented updated MF4 roadster derivatives, including the Roadster MF4 and Roadster MF4-S. A revised GT MF4-S followed in 2010 with refreshed exterior details, updated lighting, and an automatically retracting rear spoiler. The company continued to develop limited and specialized variants. The GT MF4-CS, shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, was planned as a track-oriented, lightweight edition limited to 25 examples. Its specification included a lower-weight construction, a simplified interior, more aggressive aerodynamic treatment, and the MF4-S drivetrain. The MF5 family represented a higher-performance step. The GT MF5 debuted at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, followed by the Roadster MF5 at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. The MF5 models used BMW M-related high-performance engines, including the M5’s 5.0-litre V10 in the earlier program. Total production remained very limited; the roadster was capped at 55 units and 43 were reportedly built before production ended. At its peak, Wiesmann produced roughly 180 hand-built cars annually. The company’s small scale, customization, and reliance on premium components gave it a strong niche identity but also limited its ability to absorb development, compliance, and distribution costs. Plans to export to the United States around 2010 were impeded by currency conditions and the cost of modifying and testing the cars to satisfy American regulations. Wiesmann filed for insolvency in August 2013. Management subsequently sought to have the insolvency proceedings dismissed after arguing that the grounds for insolvency had been removed, while creditor proceedings were postponed. A United Kingdom-based consortium expressed interest in restarting production, but the original business closed in 2014. London-based investor Roheen Berry later bought the company and assumed the chief executive role. The post-acquisition business pursued a relaunch. Project Gecko was conceived as a new petrol-powered model with a BMW TwinPower turbocharged V8, an eight-speed gearbox, a proposed top speed above 320 km/h, and a target 0–100 km/h acceleration time below 3.5 seconds. In December 2021, Wiesmann delayed the project to prioritize its electric vehicle program. Project Thunderball was revealed in April 2022 as a fully electric two-door luxury roadster. The vehicle uses a Roding-supplied electric powertrain and battery system and was announced with 671 horsepower, 1,100 Nm of torque, a claimed 2.9-second 0–100 km/h time, and a weight of approximately 1,775 kg. Wiesmann planned first deliveries for the 2024 model year and stated that the initial year’s production run had sold out. Thunderball marks the brand’s transition from an exclusively BMW-powered petrol sports-car maker to a low-volume luxury performance brand exploring electrification.
- 2022
Project Thunderball is revealed
[1]Wiesmann presents a fully electric luxury roadster and announces its move into electric sports cars.
- 2014
Original production operation closes
[1]The company closes after insolvency-related difficulties; the business is subsequently acquired by Roheen Berry.
- 2013
Insolvency filing
[1]Wiesmann files for insolvency at the Münster local court.
- 2009
Roadster MF5 is presented
[1]Wiesmann shows the Roadster MF5 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
- 2008
GT MF5 debuts
[1]The high-performance GT MF5 is presented at the Geneva Motor Show.
- 2003
GT MF4 is introduced
[1]Wiesmann introduces the GT MF4, its larger closed grand-tourer using a BMW 4.8-litre V8.
- 1993
First Wiesmann roadster enters production
[1]The company’s first roadster leaves its workshop, beginning the production-car era of the Wiesmann marque.
- 1988
Wiesmann is founded
[1]Brothers Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann establish the German sports-car manufacturer.
Products and positioning
Low-volume German luxury and performance-car manufacturer positioned around hand-built construction, bespoke specification, distinctive retro-modern styling, BMW-derived powertrains, and exclusivity.
Sports roadster · 1993
MF30
The MF30 was the first Wiesmann model to enter production and was built from 1993. It used a BMW M54B30 six-cylinder engine with a lightweight construction and compact two-seat roadster layout. The model represented the original Wiesmann formula of hand-built bodywork combined with BMW mechanical components. It was later discontinued and replaced by the closely related MF3.
Sports roadster
MF3
The MF3 evolved from the MF30 and replaced its engine with BMW’s S54 six-cylinder unit from the E46 M3. It retained the lightweight, hand-built roadster concept while offering substantially higher performance. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with a six-speed sequential gearbox available as an option. The model became one of the best-known expressions of Wiesmann’s compact BMW-powered roadster formula.
Grand-touring coupe · 2003
GT MF4
The GT MF4 was Wiesmann’s closed two-seat grand tourer and entered production in 2003. It moved the brand beyond its smaller six-cylinder roadsters by using a BMW 4.8-litre V8. The car was designed to combine bespoke construction and distinctive retro-influenced styling with greater cruising performance and long-distance usability. Later MF4 derivatives received updated bodywork and powertrain options.
Luxury sports roadster · 2009
Roadster MF4 and Roadster MF4-S
Presented in 2009, the Roadster MF4 and MF4-S applied the more powerful MF4 architecture to an open-top body style. The cars received updated exterior design and revised engine choices compared with earlier Wiesmann roadsters. They occupied a higher performance and touring position than the MF3 while retaining the company’s two-seat, hand-built character.
Limited-edition track-focused coupe · 2013
GT MF4-CS
The GT MF4-CS was presented in 2013 as a lightweight, track-oriented limited edition. Planned production was restricted to 25 cars. Compared with the regular models, it used a reduced-weight specification, a pared-back interior, more aggressive aerodynamic bodywork, and the MF4-S drivetrain. It was intended to provide a sharper circuit-focused interpretation of the Wiesmann grand tourer.
High-performance coupe · 2008
GT MF5
The GT MF5 was introduced in 2008 as a more powerful two-seat Wiesmann model. It used a BMW M-derived high-performance drivetrain and was positioned above the MF4 in acceleration and top-speed capability. The coupe retained the marque’s handmade construction and highly exclusive production approach, with total output kept below the level of conventional sports-car manufacturers.
Limited-edition performance roadster · 2009
Roadster MF5
The Roadster MF5 was shown in 2009 and brought the MF5’s high-performance powertrain into an open-top format. Production was limited to 55 units, of which 43 were reportedly completed before the company ceased production. Its combination of BMW M-derived performance, hand-built construction, and very small production volume made it one of the rarest models in Wiesmann’s original range.
Planned combustion sports car
Project Gecko
Project Gecko was the first major vehicle program announced after Wiesmann’s acquisition by Roheen Berry. The proposed car was to use a BMW TwinPower turbocharged V8 and an eight-speed gearbox, with projected performance above 320 km/h and a sub-3.5-second 0–100 km/h time. Development was delayed in 2021 while the company concentrated on Project Thunderball. Its production status is not established in the supplied material.
Electric luxury sports roadster · 2022
Project Thunderball
Project Thunderball is a fully electric two-door luxury roadster revealed in 2022. It uses a Roding-supplied electric powertrain and battery system and was announced with 671 horsepower, 1,100 Nm of torque, a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds, and a weight of approximately 1,775 kg. Wiesmann planned first production deliveries for the 2024 model year and said the first annual allocation had sold out.
Brand decisions
2022
Project Thunderball electric roadster revealedProduct launchBackground
Wiesmann sought to re-enter the sports-car market while responding to the industry’s shift toward zero-emission propulsion.
Action taken
The company unveiled Project Thunderball, a fully electric two-door luxury roadster using a Roding-supplied powertrain and battery system.
Aftermath
Wiesmann announced planned 2024 model-year production and stated that the first year’s production run had sold out.
2021
Priority shifts from Project Gecko to Project ThunderballStrategyBackground
Wiesmann had been developing Project Gecko as a BMW V8-powered sports car while also preparing an electric vehicle program.
Action taken
The company delayed Project Gecko to concentrate development resources on Project Thunderball.
Aftermath
The electric roadster became the central product of the brand’s relaunch strategy and was revealed in 2022.
2014
Post-insolvency acquisition and relaunchM&ABackground
Following the closure of the original operation, the Wiesmann brand and business were acquired by London-based investor Roheen Berry.
Action taken
Berry took ownership and assumed the role of chief executive, with plans to restart the marque and develop new models.
Aftermath
The relaunch program included the combustion-powered Project Gecko and later the electric Project Thunderball.
2013
Insolvency filingOtherBackground
The hand-built manufacturer faced financial and operational difficulties after years of low-volume production and unsuccessful expansion efforts.
Action taken
Wiesmann filed for insolvency at the local court in Münster.
Aftermath
Management later sought dismissal of the proceedings, but the original company closed in 2014. The business was subsequently acquired by Roheen Berry.
2010
United States export expansion consideredStrategyBackground
Wiesmann considered exporting its low-volume sports cars to the United States, but the plan faced unfavorable exchange rates and substantial costs for regulatory modification and testing.
Action taken
The company did not proceed with the planned United States expansion described in the reference material.
Aftermath
Wiesmann remained primarily associated with its European and international niche markets, while the compliance and distribution costs contributed to the difficulty of scaling the business.
Recent events
- 2022
Wiesmann announces an electric sports-car program[1]
Product launch
Wiesmann announced its entry into the electric sports-car market with Project Thunderball, a fully electric luxury roadster.
- 2022
Project Thunderball planned for 2024 production[1]
Product launch · Product generation
The company said production of the electric Thunderball was planned for the 2024 model year and that the first year’s production allocation had sold out.
- 2022
Wiesmann announces entry into electric sports cars[1]
Product launch
The relaunched brand announced Project Thunderball, a fully electric luxury roadster intended to extend Wiesmann into zero-emission performance vehicles.
- 2021
Project Gecko development delayed[1]
Product generation
Wiesmann delayed Project Gecko so that development resources could be concentrated on the Project Thunderball electric roadster.
- 2014
Wiesmann production closes after takeover interest[1]
Bankruptcy · M&A · Leadership change
After attempts to address the insolvency situation and reported interest from a United Kingdom-based consortium, the company closed. Roheen Berry later acquired the business and became its chief executive.
- 2014
Wiesmann business is temporarily closed[1]
Bankruptcy
The company was temporarily closed after takeover discussions and insolvency-related proceedings.
- 2014
Roheen Berry takes over Wiesmann and becomes CEO[1]
M&A · Leadership change
London-based investor Roheen Berry acquired the company and assumed the chief executive role, supporting plans to revive the marque.
- 2013
Wiesmann files for insolvency[1]
Bankruptcy
Wiesmann filed for insolvency at the local court in Münster amid financial and operational difficulties.
Sources2 sources
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