New Wiesmann Project Thunderball is 500kW retro-styled electric roadster

By James Attwood

27 Apr 2022

Luxury sports car firm Wiesmann has revealed the car that will begin its return: a 500kW, fully electric rear-drive convertible roadster known as Project Thunderball.

The stunning machine is the first car from the firm, best known for customised retro-styled sports cars using BMW engines, since was revived after filing for bankruptcy in 2013. Wiesmann boss Roheen Berry claims the new machine marks “where timeless design meets cutting-edge technology”. He added that “I believe we’ve made the world’s most exciting electric sports car”.

Now, we’re not entirely sure if the Project Thunderball codename is inspired by the James Bond film or the National Lottery draw. Either way, the €300,000 (£253,000) machine is the sport of conspicuous car bought by both secret agents and lottery winners.

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Project Thunderball is powered by a pair of rear-mid mounted electric motors that deliver 500kW and 808lb ft to the rear wheels. The machine has a claimed 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds, and weights less than 1700kg.

Wiesmann says the machine has a ‘target range’ of 310 miles, with an advanced 800V architecture allowing the 92kWh (83kWh usable) battery to be charged at up to 300kW on a DC fast charger. Steering wheel-mounted paddles are employed to operate an ‘intelligent’ regenerative braking system that have five settings. Wiesmann claims the system has been engineered to give a braking effect feel into corners in certain modes.

When charging, the machine displays the charging speed per kilometre gained, rather than showing a battery percentage level, which Wiesmann claims makes it easier to plan journeys.

Of course, Project Thunderball isn’t just about the tech underpinning the machine: this is an electric roadster designed to be looked at. It maintains many of the classic Wiesmann design traits, including an elongated front clamshell bonnet, a long rear overhand and a three-part front design with a prominent grille. There are also air outlets at both the front and rear and a moulded rear spoiler to aid with the aerodynamics of the car.

Inside, Project Thunderball features a large carbon fibre centre display, and seven analogue dials. The glovebox features a soft-close leather belt strap, and there is extensive use of leather and carbon fibre in the interior fittings.