2006 Gumpert Apollo

(from Gumpert Press Release) "It has always been a dream of mine to have a car that has so much downforce, such aerodynamic efficiency that you could drive on the roof of a tunnel at high speed – and this car can.” (Roland Gumpert)


Engineers have constantly striven to further develop technology to the boundaries of what is technically feasible. The results are technical masterpieces that bring mankind one step closer to the thrill of speed and the dream of flying and driving.

We strive to satisfy our customers' dreams of a powerful, exclusive and unique sports car - a vehicle that provides a breathtaking driving experience and also has the potential to win on race tracks across the world.

Concept

The Apollo is the perfect synthesis of road vehicle and track car. It evokes passion and driving pleasure beyond all expectations: 650 HP, 360 km/h (224 mph) top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3 seconds, you would have to go a long way to find an alternative to the Apollo. The complete package is available in a cost-benefit ratio that cannot be matched in this exclusive vehicle class. As a pure high-performance sports car with racing qualities which is also approved for use on the road, the Apollo sets new standards.

Design

The challenge was to develop an exceptional design that combined the extreme aerodynamic requirements of a performance-oriented, purist super sports car with the aesthetic shape associated with an exclusive vehicle. We wanted to achieve a perfect synthesis of form and function, with no compromises. We have accomplished this with the Apollo: Its silhouette, which has been optimised upon numerous times after tests in the wind channel, reflects its above-average performance capability. In its profile, the Apollo's dynamic appearance is further enhanced by its dimensions (4.46 m length, almost 2 m width and 1.24 m height) and its streamlined, long and wide shoulder lines. The mid-engine layout is emphasised by the cockpit, which is clearly located toward the front of the vehicle, and the long wheel base; both factors ensuring optimum driving qualities. Massive air inlets and outlets in the front, and on the side in front of and behind the doors, leave no doubt about its potency. They supply the two turbo-chargers and the high-performance braking system with enough fresh air to ensure that the car maintains optimum operation for the duration of a race. The high-set air intake for the engine is reminiscent of Formula 1 vehicles and underscores the Apollo's racing character. Vents in the back and rear of the car body allow curious onlookers a view of the drive aggregate and the chassis. The exciting shape of the rear is clearly divided into sections and expresses dominance. It is seamlessly connected to the diffuser – the visible highlight of the carbon underbody - that in conjunction with the front diffuser and flow channels, achieves an exceptionally high negative lift for a road vehicle. The Apollo is an exciting, striking vision to behold and leaves a lasting impression on anyone who sees it:

It symbolises unusual power, dynamism and sporting capability. It reflects above-average performance capability paired with timeless elegance and, even when it is not moving, its message is clear: form can only follow function, and the objective is driving dynamics

Suspension

The Apollo's suspension was developed to ideally complement the clever aerodynamics of the car body, resulting in unusual driving dynamics. The Apollo is taut but not hard and offers the driver and passenger an extraordinarily high level of comfort despite being purely designed for performance. It demands the complete attention of the pilot but does not overwhelm him thanks to its ultra-precise and predictable driving characteristics even at top speed.

An ideal weight balance of 42 to 58 percent between the front and rear axis rounds it off: During acceleration it provides optimum traction whilst ensuring stable control even when braking in critical situations.

Chassis

The secret of the Apollo is an innovative construction concept that, in contrast to conventional car body constructions, creates a perfect symbiosis of optimum safety and maximum performance with the minimum of weight.

For the first time in a road vehicle, the Apollo's design concept comprises a racing car's construction: The base - and symbolic backbone - of the Apollo consists a round tube frame made of top-quality and highly stable chrome-molybdenum-steel with an integrated monocoque safety cell made of high quality carbon-fibre. The construction is so effective, torsion-resistant and non-elastic, and it has such first class crash properties, that it has already been homologised for use in a variety of racing series by the German Motor Sports Association (DMSB) and the Fйdйration Franзaise du Sport Automobile (FFSA). It satisfies the high requirements for front and side crash situations in motor sports and of course all of the requirements outlined by the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). To further improve the passive safety, a crashbox has been integrated into the front section of the Apollo, just like in Formula 1 vehicles. The Apollo achieves racing safety standards for the road.

Interior

Low weight was the top priority and has been achieved by only using high-tech materials. For instance both the monocoque and the integrated instrument panel are made of carbon-fibre. All fibre compound parts directly reflect the exclusivity of the carbon material and form an elegant unit with the monocoque safety cell. The seats are also integrated into the monocoque – although seats in a conventional sense is perhaps the wrong term for the Apollo. The seat position is individually set for every customer with padding, upholstery, adjustable pedals, and the steering column. The Apollo is a made-to-measure sports car and in line with this principle, customers can design the interior to meet their preferences, be it pure performance or somewhat more luxurious. For those who prefer the performance-oriented version, less is more, as they equate more comfort with more weight resulting in a touch less performance. Those looking for a little more comfort may prefer top quality leather seats and a full leather instrument panel including an eye-catching centrally positioned revcounter. The air conditioning system guarantees the perfect interior temperature when travelling. The high-end navigation system with DVD-Player and sound system helps you get from A to B and delivers in-car entertainment. The backward facing camera integral to the system helps the driver when reversing or simply shows them how quickly the overtaken cars disappear from view.

Engine

The impressive power of the high-performance eight cylinder engine is based on the proven V8-high-performance aggregates from AUDI. This engine in standard configuration is optimised for use in racing and road vehicles and produces 650HP (641BHP) as a Biturbo engine. With a weight of only 195 kg, it plays a major role in ensuring the Apollo has an ideal weight and its fascinating driving dynamics.

An angle of 90° between the two cylinder banks is a sign of a classic 8-cylinder engine. The crankshaft works with a stroke of 93 mm (3.66 in), which, in conjunction with a cylinder bore of 84,5 mm (3.32 in) means the engine capacity is 4,163 cmі (254 inі). The forged crankshaft with its low mass inertia has been designed for maximum torsion resistance. Via two exhaust gas turbochargers, the combustion chambers are force-fed fresh air that has previously been cooled to the ideal temperature in large intercoolers. The path taken by the forged pistons to the crankshaft is monitored by special connecting rods; the high stability of these special connecting rods in conjunction with the low weight at speeds of up to 7.400 revs/min ensure smooth running and that the engine remains stable.

The fully-synchronised, sequential six-speed transmission, that incorporates Formula 1 know-how, guarantees the efficient implementation of the energy generated. The short gear paths allow high speed gear changes. The arrangement of the gears in a longitudinal direction in the path of travel ensures that the centre of gravity is very low and that the weight is optimally distributed. The characteristic sound of the double-flow exhaust system of the Apollo with its 3-way catalytic converters says it best - the Apollo is pure, unbeatable performance as reflected in the data: The maximum performance of 478 kW (641 HP) at 6,000 revs per minute, 360 km/h (224mph) top speed depending on the selected aerodynamic package and the maximum torque of 850 Nm (626.9 lb ft) at 4,500 rev/min are figures that, in combination with the suspension system, ensures a driving experience of the highest order. Like a comet, the Apollo catapults the pilot from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just three seconds and only needs 8.9 seconds from 0 to 200 km/h (0-124 mph). For connoisseurs who do not necessarily connect driving enjoyment with maximum motor performance and ultimate acceleration, the engine is also ideally suited for day-to-day driving at lower speeds.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com