2009 Gumpert Apollo Speed at Geneva
February 13, 2009 by George Skentzos
Each Apollo in the Gumpert range has been specifically tuned to master a certain task, with optimum racetrack performance, lateral acceleration and grip in all situations being the focus of the standard Apollo, Apollo Sport and Apollo Race.
Now the brand is set to introduce a new variation of its Apollo supercar at the Geneva motor show dubbed the Apollo Speed – no prizes for guessing where its forte lies.
Already the fastest car ever to have lapped the Top Gear test track, the Apollo Speed is aimed at an exclusive high speed clientele.
Now sitting just 1,105mm above the bitumen – compared to 1,114mm in the standard version – Gumpert has tweaked the aerodynamics by softening the down forces to reduce drag as the Apollo Speed approaches its maximum velocity of over 360km/h.
A new low-drag induction system delivers fresh air to the engine with further modifications made to the rear end including redesigned tail lights and a smaller adjustable spoiler.
A fully enclosed under body has been produced using a blend of carbon and aluminium materials while the wheel nuts are fixed at the front and rotate at the back – both technologies borrowed from Formula One.
The powerful bi-turbo V8 engine is available in three levels of performance: an entry level 485kw/850Nm tune, mid-range 522kW/875Nm guide and flagship 597kW/900Nm calibration.
The high-output version can go from a standstill to 100km/h in 3.0 seconds and reach 200km/h in just 8.9 seconds.
Despite its blistering performance and insane styling, the Gumpert Apollo Speed is surprisingly well equipped with a leather or Alcantara interior finish, air-conditioning and DVD playback.
Print it: 
“Now sitting just 1,105mm above the bitumen – compared to 1,114mm in” that is 1.1m? Is this the height?
As in the roofline is 1.105m above the ground – not ground clearance.
Come on Milobob get real.
Nice motor mate. Lets see what TG UK can do round it’s track
Does anyone honestly really care about these?
Slightly more interesting then the KiaAdvice new’s we’ve been getting lately, but isn’t this just like all previous gumperts?
It certainly looks the same.
And on the local scene, having had some interest in this brand and recent discussions with Mr. Andrew Ochudzawa from a private equity firm backing Sydney’s Ramspeed limited as an exclusive importer of Apollo to Australia, it seems the brand may actually see the day of light here if only for a few rich individuals and their race tracks. ;-(
I think you misunderstood what I was trying to imply :) I was mentioning how low it is. I am quite sure that is my limbo height…
To me the Gumpert looks as though it has virtually the same overall dimensions as say a Lamborghini Gay-ardo
[for example] – the same height width etc… Therefore; I don’t think it would be that much harder to live with let alone drive down George Street Sydney than a Lambo or Ferrari etc.
Wheelnut, exceptr for the outragously stiff suspension.
Watch the 5th gear review of this on youtube and you will see how difficult it is to drive. The reviewer looks like he’s hating flogging it around the track!
But isn’t that part of reason you own/drive a perfromance car? because of the excitement and adrenalin rush you get from driving it at 10/10ths always on the edge.. not knowing if or when it will step out of line and then having or developing the skill to regain control and keep it on the black stuff?
The driver on 5th gear may have had a tough time driving it but Richard Hammond looked like he was enjoying himself and was moe than impressed with it
Wheelnut, just because a car is damn quick doesn’t mean it should be driven around all the time. I would imagine it would be incredibly uncomfortable and impractical. From what I’ve seen it looks like it’s intended as the track day car of the sons of oil tycoons. Or trust fund kids.
And besides, while Hammond certainly did seem to enjoy it he still struggled with it quite a lot. Still, I’d love to have the money and the time to master it.