Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Gemballa reveals new Porsche 991-based GT convertible

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 Gemballa went through the ringer last year, but rebounded with products that signal a complete turnaround. The latest is the recently-released Porsche 911 Carrera S with a Gemballa GT aerodynamics and technology package. Aero-wise, it includes carbon fiber additions beginning with a front bumper wearing the classic Gemballa air intake design and a lower, angrier splitter. New side skirts run from wheel to wheel, the final piece being a rear bumper in three sculpted horizontal sections featuring a rear diffuser tucked between six rectangular exhaust tips.

No engine mods have been made, but the technology part of the tune – springs that are 30 millimeters shorter yet still able to work with the PASM system – is claimed to make the car faster. Bringing things to a halt is a new Brembo brake system hiding behind 21-inch GForged wheels that are lighter than Porsche's standard 20-inchers.

The Gemballa GT aero kit runs €19,860 ($26,070 U.S.), which includes paint and installation if you happen to be in Germany, and we're assuming that includes the suspension modification, brakes and sport exhaust. The GForged wheels are another €9,895 ($12,989 U.S.) depending on your choice of tire. Check out the press release below for more info, and the photo gallery above for all the angles.

POLISHED BY THE WIND
The Porsche 991 Carrera S Cabriolet with GEMBALLA GT aerodynamics and technology package


The new 991 Carrera Cabriolet is the latest "air-cooled" 911 to stir the Porsche driver's emotions with its familiar flat-six soundtrack. Now, the new GEMBALLA GT appearance package compliments the al fresco experience by taking the Cabriolet's eye appeal to the next level.

The heart of the visual makeover is the GEMBALLA GT aerodynamic package, which starts with a new, front bumper/spoiler section with three large cooling air intakes, and large lip spoilers to provide more stabilising downforce at speed.

The organic lines of the front spoiler extend into the deep side skirts that visually connect the new front to its rear counterpart. The new rear bumper/valance features a recessed panel whose strong top and bottom horizontal lines visually accentuate the width of the car.

The upright reflector lights at each end of the panel give a functional meaning to its extremities and the new composition gives the car a more three-dimensional appearance when seen from this aspect.

A diffuser sits between the distinctive triple outlet pipes of the GEMBALLA stainless steel exhaust system, which takes its design cue from the exhaust of the legendary GEMBALLA Avalanche of the 1980s. The 21st Century GEMBALLA look however, features squared off rather than rounded tips. The deeper voice of this sports exhaust with its valve-operated sound control feature gives the car the soundtrack to match its looks.

In line with the GEMBALLA philosophy of low weight and optimum quality, all these aerodynamic components are made in Germany from top grade carbon-fibre.

These parts are dimension controlled by state-of-the-art laser measuring equipment to ensure a precision fit with the factory bodywork and the original mounting points. As no bodywork modifications are required, the car can easily be returned to standard when the time comes to sell. The GEMBALLA GT aerodynamic-kit is on sale now starting at 19.860€ incl. VAT (in Germany) incl. paintwork and installation.

Even with the standard motor, the GEMBALLA Cabriolet is faster from point to point thanks to its uprated sports suspension and brakes. The 30mm shorter springs are calibrated to work with the factory PASM (Porsche electronic damping control system), while the brake system, developed for GEMBALLA by Brembo, is highly resistant to fade and allows you to set later braking points.

The new GForged-one alloy wheels with their choice of "diamond cut" or "gunmetal" finishes, come in an eye-catching 21-inch diameter. Thanks to modern forged, lightweight construction, they weigh less than the factory 20-inch wheels, benefiting ride and handling. The cost for a set starts at 9.895€ incl. VAT (in Germany) depending on the type of tyres fitted.

GEMBALLA was one of the pioneers of bespoke interior trim in the German tuning industry. That tradition continues today, offering customers complete freedom of material and colour choice.

The GEMBALLA GT based on the Porsche 991 Carrera S Cabriolet
Displacement: 3,800 cc
Power: 400 hp at 7,400rpm
Maximum torque: 440 Nm at 5600rpm
V Max: 301 km/h (299 km/h with PDK)
0-100 km/h: 4.7 s (4.5 s with PDK)
Elasticity (80-120 km/h): 6.2 s
Car body: GEMBALLA GT aerodynamic package
Exhaust system: GEMBALLA sport exhaust system with valve control (choice between three or two tailpipes)
Brakes: GEMBALLA high performance brake system (by Brembo)
Wheels: 21-inch "GForged-one" -one-piece forged alloy in diamond cut or gunmetal finish.
Tyre size: (f) 245/30ZR21, (r) 305/25ZR21

By Jonathon Ramsey


See also: CEO says Volkswagen's buying spree is over, 2012 TechArt Porsche 911 is visually dazzling, both inside and out, Volkswagen Group previews its wares on eve of Geneva show.