Back again like we never left and this time a real blast from the past on this edition of The Auto Styling Series! With so many new modifications and releases from the likes of Novitec and Mansory we thought we'd throwback to a tuning house with the bravery to touch the cream of the crop when it comes to supercars.
There are those who believe that supercars and hypercars should not be touched from an aesthetic or power perspective. Others are of the belief that if you can add a personal touch then why not? But in the hypercar or top of the supercar market, few have the cojones to redesign cars that exceed £300k and even more in the used car market.
Gemballa, a German and Leonberg based tuner have the Bälle and the Gemballa Mirage GT was the result back in 2007!
The Porsche Carrera GT was the pinnacle of Porsche design and engineering in 2003, boasting 603hp and 590Nm of torque from a 5.7l V10 engine. Gemballa's redesign adds 67hp and 40Nm of torque taking this monster to 670hp and 630Nm. Let's not forget back in 2007, 13 years ago, there were few production cars, including supercars that were pushing this kind of power.
The idea behind the Mirage GT was to build on the engineering excellence provided by Porsche. Aerodynamics, stability at speed and reduced weight were all focus points for Gemballa.
Extensive carbon fibre is used around the body and the front bumper is redesigned from the original Carrera GT to make room for three large air intakes to aid cooling and downforce. The aesthetic changes to the face of the Mirage GT are minimal but the rear is where the magic really happens.
The gloss like cobalt blue paintwork really brings out the lines and the shape of the Mirage GT combined with lovely yellow brake callipers. The roof scoop is a real favourite for many, not something that I particularly like but on the Mirage GT it really suits and matches the lines of the roof.
The roof on the Mirage GT looks much more rounded when compared with the flat design on the Carrera GT and the scoop, not just there to look good, sucks in and feeds huge amounts of air into the roaring and often screaming V10 engine.
There is a lovely contrast with the yellow painted engine bay and the surrounding cobalt blue paintwork whilst the carbon fibre rear wing in gloss carbon really sets off the rear. The Carrera GT is typically suited to neutral or quiet colours but Gemballa have shown that a different direction brings very well received results.
A new stainless steel exhaust system is also fitted to enhance the scream of the V10 at the top end of the rev range with 2 additional exhaust tips giving a real supercar look.
The Mirage GT forged wheel set is a simple but classy design showing off the enormous brake discs and providing a great view of the bright yellow brake calipers. The interior is flush with carbon fibre and alcantara, even down to the steering wheel, making this, no doubt a very special place to be in.
The Gemballa Mirage GT is a great modified version of the Carrera GT. For such a rare and iconic car, taking on the challenge of trying to improve what Porsche originated is risking your head on the chopping block. But Gemballa have in their own way, made an iconic, rare and special tune, very much fitting of the original and with the kind of aura in the aftermarket world that the Carrera GT holds in the regular.
What are your thoughts on the Mirage GT?
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