We still haven’t seen any photos of the finished product, but preview sketches of the Gumpert Tornante sports car have been released ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Gumpert’s first creation — the Apollo — proved wickedly quick on the track, but quite ungainly to look at. For its latest creation, it’s handed design responsibilities over to Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera. The two firms envision the new car as blending the comfort and conveniences of a luxury grand touring model with the performance of a supercar.
From a quick peek at the spec sheet, the Tornante appears to meet the latter standard. Weight will be kept to a minimum, thanks in part to composite bodywork and a carbon-fiber monocoque, and there will be absolutely no shortage of power on tap. An Audi-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter V-8 is carried over from the Apollo, which is reportedly rated at a healthy 700 horsepower. Gumpert hasn’t released performance figures for the Tornante, but a similar powertrain can rocket the 2645-pound Apollo from 0-62 mph in 3.1 seconds, 0-124 mph in 9.1 seconds, and up to a top speed of 224 mph.
Thankfully, the Tornante does appear slightly more sensual than its predecessor. With broad shoulders and gullwing doors, the new car bears some resemblance to the Apollo, but its curvaceous shape incorporates smoothed surfaces and flowing lines. Gumpert describes the car’s form as “clean, efficient, and well balanced,” and also hints at what may be a shooting brake-esque rear cargo hold.
We’ll know more about the finalized design next month, but we won’t have our first look at the completed vehicle. The Tornante destined for the Geneva stage will merely be a display model, devoid of any powertrain or mechanical equipment. Completed cars are expected to be delivered to customers in 2012, and an “alternative powered” variant — perhaps an EV? — will launch shortly afterward.
Source: Touring Superleggera
