Beschreibung
A legend in automotive folklore; Roland Gumpert was the engineer in charge of Audi Motorsport in the quattro’s glory years of the 1980s, winning twenty-five World Rally Championship events and four World Rally Championship titles.
In 2004, with Audi’s approval, Gumpert founded Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH in Altenburg to produce a new race-inspired but street-legal, no-frills supercar with Roland Meyer (the founder of Audi Tuning legends MTM – Motoren Technik Meyer).
The new car’s design was by Marco Vanetta and being an ex-Audi man, Gumpert specified a twin-turbo, intercooled, 4. 2-litre V8 unit from Audi. What would become the Apollo was also developed in partnership with The Technical University of Munich and the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences who provided help with computer simulations, construction techniques and wind tunnel.
The Apollo used a 4, 163 cc, bi-turbo , intercooled version of Audi’s 90° V8 engine with five valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication and four overhead cams. In addition, the unit benefitted from other hi-tech developments such as hydraulic valve clearance compensation and VarioCam Direct variable valve timing. Three engine types were available: Basic 650 bhp, Sport 700 bhp and Race 800 bhp. The 0-100 km/ h (62 mph) dash was completed in 3. 0 seconds, 0-200 km/ h (124 mph) in 8. 9 seconds and a maximum speed of 224 mph.
The double-flow exhaust system had four oxygen sensors monitoring the mixture, and a three-way catalytic converter. The modern specification included a diagnostics system, eight-coil electronic ignition, sequential multipoint fuel injection, and a drive-by-wire throttle.
With a weight as low as 1, 100 kg, depending on which options were specified, the Apollo was a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, two-seat supercar constructed on a tubular chromium-molybdenum frame with carbon fibre safety cell and fibreglass or carbon fibre (Apollo Sport and Apollo Race) body panels depending on customer preference. Suspension was by double transverse control arm/ pushrod with bespoke remote reservoir adjustable dampers by KW. Transmission is via a bespoke six-speed sequential fully synchronized sequential six-speed gearbox from CIMA (with self-locking differential by Torsen) and a twin plate clutch from Sachs. Braking is provided by an AP Racing 6 pot front and rear ventilated system with ABS.
The Apollo made its racing debut in the Divinol Cup in April 2005 driven by Ruben Maes, finishing an impressive third. Production proper started in October 2005.
Gumpert infamously claimed that the Apollo could drive upside-down in a tunnel if driven at a high-enough speed but we wouldn’t recommend validating that claim!
Our Apollo Sport, chassis W09GUA2157A964014, was delivered new on the 17th August 2007 as the promotional demonstrator for the UK Gumpert distributor and therefore was ordered in the ultimate Apollo “Sport” specification (a €77, 910 + tax upgrade) of 700 bhp engine, full carbon fibre bodyshell, metallic paint, carbon front wheel well louvers and vortex generators, carbon trim, airjacks, fully adjustable traction control system by RaceLogic and motorsport carbon rear spoiler. Cosmetically the car was finished in Aero Blue metallic with Nero and Cristalgrey leather trim with silver and black thread.
The car went on to feature in many magazine articles at the time but is perhaps the best known example extant as it was famously driven by Richard Hammond and the Stig for Top Gear in July 2008 where, with a lap time of 1. 17. 1 on its first warm up lap, it became the new leader on their Power Lap Board, faster than Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Zonda around the Top Gear track. In 2008 the car was upgraded by the factory to 2008 specification which raised power to 710 bhp through the latest engine software combined with the Carbon Apollo Race GT1 air box. Other updates included revised gearbox control software, revised fuel tank with updated fuel pumps, revised oil breather system and the upgrading of the front vortex generators to the latest design.
The car sits on latest spec centre lock ATS light alloy wheels (10j x 20 inch and 13j x 21 inch) wrapped in brand new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres in 255/ 35/ ZR20 and 345/ 35/ ZR21 sizes.
Originally the car wore an earlier spec of centre lock ATS light alloy wheels (10j x 19inch and 13j x 19 inch) shod with little used Pirelli P Zero Corsas in 255/ 35/ ZR19 and 345/ 35/ ZR19 sizes. This spare set of original wheels and tyres are also included in the sale.
Recently recommissioned by a combination of specialists after a period of long-term storage following an ‘off’ at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2012, this Gumpert Apollo Sport is beautifully sorted and is offered with UK registration.
Refinished in metallic blue complimented by a black roof with a subtle metallic blue fleck, the car is in pristine condition and comes complete with owner’s manual, service book, spare key and pouch, Pioneer radio facia pouch and handbook, sales brochure and period magazine article.
We believe this to be the only road-registered Gumpert Apollo in the UK and is therefore a unique opportunity to acquire a monstrously capable slice of motoring history!
