The first words that come to mind when I read about the Gemballa rendition of the McLaren MP4-12C are "All show, no go." And there's a good reason for that.
Gemballa, previously known to me for tricking out Porsches, seems to have moved onto bigger fish. Now showing off its Gemballa GT, I find myself questioning if it ruined a great automobile when it stock form.
Essentially you can snatch up Gemballa's aerodynamics kit, which gets you a new front and rear valence, side skirts and ultra lightweight wheels. In addition, you can option the leather and alcantara interior and instrument dials in an individual color of your choice.
This all just seems fruitless in my eyes. That's because I find it hard to believe that Gemballa did nearly as much testing as McLaren did on the factory product and the OEM aerodynamics.
Gemballa's press release follows:
Pure performance
The GEMBALLA GT Spider based on the McLaren 12C Spider
With its roof open to the heavens, the McLaren 12C Spider promises an even more visceral driving experience than its Coupé sister. Sharing the same ultra stiff carbon-fibre tub means the Spider has the same incredible handling with only a minimal weight increase.
Now, owners of this 625hp British supercar looking for an even more individual twist, can order the attractive GEMBALLA GT package for the 12C Spider, which made its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Highlights of the GEMBALLA GT Spider are its carbon-fibre Aero-Kit, interior re-trim in the finest leathers, and the brand new GForged-one lightweight alloy wheels.
A pioneer of personalisation for Porsche cars, GEMBALLA now offers a comprehensive programme for the McLaren family, too. The symbiosis that brings these three great marques together is elegant design, high-performance and the use of lightweight material technologies.
Thus, GEMBALLA's German designed and manufactured aerodynamic components eschew even the industry-standard use of PU RIM or GRP, making the leap to carbon-fibre for the ultimate in strength and lightness. GEMBALLA's aerodynamic package consists of a new front bumper/spoiler, side skirts and rear valence, which perfectly line up with the OE bodywork using the factory mounting points. The aero package is easy to install and can be shipped worldwide.
Another highlight for the GEMBALLA GT Spider are the new GForged-one ultra-light, forged alloy wheels, in 20 and 21-inch diameters for the front and rear axles respectively. Although these sophisticated looking wheels are an inch larger in diameter than their factory counterparts, their low weight ensures that the unsprung weight of the vehicle remains unchanged. The GForged-one wheels come in "Black Magic" or "Gunmetal", with the option of a gloss turned "diamond cut" finish for their spokes.
GEMBALLA is world renowned for the design and quality of its bespoke interior trim. This work is carried out by master upholsterers to the client's wishes, using only the finest materials. GT Spider customers can choose among the finest leathers and materials to build their individual interior.
The GEMBALLA GT Spider is a true supercar with great performance and aesthetics.
The GEMBALLA GT Spider based on the McLaren 12C Spider
Power: 625 PS / kW 460, 600 NM
Vmax: 333 km/h
Aerodynamic package GT made from carbon fibre "Made in Germany:" Front- and rearskirt, sideskirts, tailpipes and logo-kit
Starting at: 19.980€ excl. VAT, incl. painting and installation
Interior: Leather / Alcantara – Individual colour, Instrument dials in colour of choice.
Wheels: GEMBALLA GForged-one available in "Black Magic" (optional diamond cut), "Gunmetal" (optional diamond cut) or in an individual colour.
Starting at: 7.980€ excl. VAT
Tyre size: Michelin Pilot Super Sport, (f) 245/30ZR20, (r) 305/25ZR21
(GEMBALLA recommends Michelin tyres)
Special Painting of brake calipers in colour of choice