.jpg?p=120209_04:29)
.jpg?p=120209_04:31)
.jpg?p=120209_04:54)
.jpg?p=120209_04:35)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)
See more pictures of the Gumpert Apollo Speed
It may have a daft name and look like an enraged, steroidal cyborg, but hell, the Gumpert Apollo Speed is fast.
So fast, in fact, that Gumpert claims to have just set a new Nurburgring production lap record, smashing the existing record by nearly 11 seconds.
In the hands of 26-year-old Florian Gruber, the Apollo Speed lapped the 14-mile Nordschliefe in 7m11.57s, punching a great big hole in the Dodge Viper’s record of 7m22.1s.
Of course, the Radical SR8 set a 6m56s lap back in 2005, but there’s some dispute over whether the British lightweight can be considered an internationally viable production car.
Maybe Gumpert’s astonishing time isn’t surprising – the Apollo Speed is motivated by a twin-turbo version of Audi’s 4.2-litre V8 putting out a giant 700bhp. And don’t forget that the sedate, standard, 650bhp non-Speed Apollo set a Top Gear lap record last year, too.
But jeez, 11 seconds is a lot, even on a circuit as long and complex as the Nurburgring. Don’t forget that all Nurburgring records are unofficial… but thankfully Gumpert has posted a video showing the lap in all its apex-clipping, Green Hell-taming glory. Take a look.
Anyone reckon he could take a few more seconds out of that record?
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
spitfirextbg commented on this article
at 12:33 pm on 20 August 2009
Lol first TG record now Ring record!
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
DJ05 commented on this article
at 12:36 pm on 20 August 2009
I have to concur, that is MEGA fast. Is there any other lap record that it COULDN'T smash?!
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Robertr commented on this article
at 12:38 pm on 20 August 2009
is it surprising that Gumpert Apollo is faster on the track than some american muscle car? don't think so..!!
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Mark94 commented on this article
at 01:25 pm on 20 August 2009
Why couldn't they make it goodlooking and fast?? lol
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
hungimahar commented on this article
at 01:44 pm on 20 August 2009
Why can't good looking girls be smart? That's why.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.