Tags: #electric-vehicles
In development since 2019 alongside an internal combustion-powered version, which came under the banner of ‘Project Gecko’, Project Thunderball uses the same styling, monocoque architecture and composite panels, but replaces the BMW-sourced motor with an electric powertrain.
Unlike the petrol model Weismann sources its electronics from German specialist, Roding Automobile. It is a twin motor, rear-drive set-up with both motors sited on the rear axle and delivering a total of 680hp (671bhp) and 811lb-ft to the rear wheels. Weismann quotes 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds which is up there among the quickest EVs currently on sale and is aided no-end by the fact Project Thunderball weighs 1700kg split 50:50 front/rear – not light but not overly heavy, either. Top speed hasn’t been released yet, but let’s be honest, that’s a fairly pointless figure for most people.
Weismann has opted to run the Project Thunderball at 800V which is good news for charging speeds. Its generous 83kWh net (92kWh gross) battery can be juiced at up to 300kW DC. An on-board 22kW AC charger deals with domestic and lower speed charging. This large battery accounts for a good chunk of the car’s weight, but it also enables it to travel an estimated 300-plus miles to a charge.
Like the original Weismann cars, the Project Thunderball plays on retro styling to create a unique shape in the roadster world. Up front is an outrageously long bonnet which makes sense for a large petrol motor. On the Thunderball, it’s simply aesthetics – and we’re glad they kept it!
A rounded three-sided grille is flanked by triangular light clusters housing circular LED headlamps. Front wings are very pronounced with the bonnet diving down between them towards the front. A heavily raked windscreen frames the passenger compartment which has roll hoops behind the seats and a tonneau cover for the soft top.
The rear end is equally, if not more dramatic than the front. The car’s tight waistline exacerbates the size of the rear arches which swoop down to the car’s low rear end which is – happily – devoid of stick-on wings and simply has a subtle duck tail moulded into the boot lid. Round rear lamps are positioned on the rear of the car’s arches with a high-level brake light subtly incorporated into the boot.
Weismann will offer a significant degree of customisation when it comes to the interior of the Project Thunderball with leather, wood, aluminium and carbon finishes all available On the pre-production models, however, leather is used heavily in the car’s open-top cabin, covering the dashboard behind the steering wheel and in front of the passenger, as well as on the centre console and door cards. Sports seats for both driver and passenger are also clad in patterned leather.
Analogue dials in the centre console are augmented with a digital readout behind the steering wheel and infotainment in landscape orientation. Regenerative braking is controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel.
Weismann has opened up reservations for the Project Thunderball through a 3000 euro, refundable reservation fee. The final cost is set to be somewhere in the region of 300,000 euros with deliveries estimated to begin in early 2024.
We sincerely hope this comes to fruition, and the company’s British CEO is confident it will. Roheen Berry, CEO of Wiesmann, said: “Project Thunderball is the car that will bring Wiesmann into the new electrified era. Since revealing the car in April we have seen an overwhelming response from potential customers. The car is driving beautifully and our investment in the technology such as the regenerative breaking and latest battery technology has paid off. The Wiesmann brand not only has such a storied and wonderful past and legacy, but a bright and exciting future ahead of it.”
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