03 March 2009 - 14:00
Geneva show: Gumpert Apollo Speed
Remember the humble Gumpert Apollo, the sensible Teutonic family runabout that accidentally smashed the Top Gear lap record last year?
Well, the German hobbyists behind the Apollo have decided that 650bhp and a 200mph top speed are a bit modest, so have gone in search of even more fastness with this: the Apollo Speed. Wasn't he one of the baddies in Rocky?
Anyhow. It's all about minimising drag, this slicker, sleeker Apollo. The rear wing has gone, and instead you get fixed wheel covers - like on them F1 cars - a fully enclosed underbody, a smaller roof-mounted air intake, and a revised tail. That means a bit less downforce (and likely a slightly slower TG lap) but an improved top speed: Gumpert won't give exact numbers, but reckon it'll be in excess of 224mph. Yowch.
Not that the Apollo Speed will be slow off the line, exactly. 62mph appears in less than three seconds, while 124mph is cracked in nine seconds flat. And, impressively, it's still road legal.
"Yes, you can drive it on the road," a Gumpert spokesman on the Geneva stand told us. "But we'd prefer it if you had a race licence. Just to be safe."
He then followed it up by describing the Apollo Speed as ‘a proper horse', so take from that what you will. But one thing's for sure, this is a monster of a car. Bring on the Murcielago SV twin-test.
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less than 3 sec to 62mph!!!!!!
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Looks better! But those aren't F1 wheels, they're bicycle wheels.
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Amazing car, I'm a huge fan of the apollo - everything's made to function, not show. Brilliant car.
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So it's a Koenigsegg CCX in reverse? More speed, less grip, more danger? Cooler, then.
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I'm sorry do you guys need glasses or something ( Go to Specsavers 2 pairs of glasses for £75 ) It looks like something that you see down the toilet. So Ben_M what does it look better than?? a Pontiac Aztek, Perhaps ! This car may be fast, but would you want one? Obviously if you are a human being you would say NO but if you are Stupid then this is the ideal car for you.
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The performance is brilliant but the looks are rubbish. It looks like a jokecar that someone has done on Need for Speed or something! I think that they could spend their money on improving the old Apollo (if that is possible?) Anyway, I wouldnt buy one.
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this car is really looking good
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It looks like a Maserati MC12!!
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Looks a lot better than the previous version, though I can't help but thinking this one reminds me vaguely of an Opel Speedster on steroids...
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It's to slick looking for a Gumpert. I have to disagree I miss the curves and sharp corners from the previous one.
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It's so shiny. It looks like it's been shrink-wrapped in cling film!
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@ Mercedes7 , just shut up. This car is great , like Quasimodo it's ugly , but it has character. This car is made for pure driving satisfaction and that alone makes it beautiful in every real driver's eyes.
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Plain and simple:not a show car.Guess this will infuriate Murcielago Fans,but face it,even a Gallardo is even better-at least,round the Top Gear Track.Not everyone is concerned in how their door opens,but how much the car actually does in terms of DRIVING.
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Hmm, slightly confused by this car. I just don't see why they should give it less downforce? I mean fact of the matter is, it will be slower. And why bother getting it up to 220 Mph something? What are they trying to achive? No one will ever reach those speeds anyway. Personal opinion by the way! don't freak out. Oh and, i think it does look allright though, a lot better than the regular one.
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Hmm, slightly confused by this car. I just don't see why they should give it less downforce? I mean fact of the matter is, it will be slower. And why bother getting it up to 220 Mph something? What are they trying to achive? No one will ever reach those speeds anyway. Personal opinion by the way! don't freak out. Oh and, i think it does look allright though, a lot better than the regular one.
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Would you rather buy this for lets say 200k or would you rather pay the same amount of money but for a better car like a Lamborghini Murcielago. The Lambo wins looks ( BY A COUNTRY MILE ) Practicallity : Lambo ( AGAIN!!! ) For a track day , Yes the Gumpert wins it but for everyday life then the sensible choice would OBVIOUSLY be the Lambo. IT LOOKS HORRID, THAT WOULD MAKE A CHILD CRY!!!!!!!!!!
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So the Gumpert Applo... well they have made it even more UGLY and fitted bicycle wheels? and more powwwwerrrrr. Thats the only good point.
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UGLY COLOURS, THINKS ITS A BUGATTI
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Yeah but it kills bugattis round the bends so, suck that. This thing is so awesome but i hate the big air-scoop thingy.Its so obvious you couldnt sneek up on a deaf person with that thing
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not a very beutiful car, but extremely maneuveruble...buil to the track´s and for racing , it´s a fast and tricky car to drive, but im sure it provides a lot of fun.....sory my english
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Niusiic[latvia] commented on this article
03 March 2009
Actually, It's good looking car. And power is grate!
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