The Gumpert Apollo Sport is said to be named after one of the gods in Greek mythology, whose namesake takes the human form of an athletic olympian figure, not unlike this new German supercar. In fact, its deity-like appearance is hard to ignore through its almost alien combination of curves and edges.
The design elements of the Gumpert Apollo Sport are a bi-product of its insane aerodynamic proficiency, most notably represented by its massive rear wing. Its silhouette is an amalgamation of straight edges and exaggerated curves, which gives the car more of a militaristic and perhaps alien profile, than a traditionally exotic one.
The Gumpert Apollo Sport was also available in 2 different engine trims, which were also based on its 4.2L twin-turbocharged Audi V8 engine. The Sport remains the most recognized and documented version of the car, with most publicized benchmarks set by the same.
- Base: 650 PS
- Sport: 700 PS
- Race: 800 PS
The mid-mounted V8 engine has a 90° position and featured a closed-deck light metal crankcase with dry sump lubrication. The power plant is also configured with five valves per cylinder and four overhead camshafts which benefit from Porsche’s (and ultimately, the Volkswagen Group’s) VarioCam variable valve timing technology. Mated to the engine is a 6-speed sequential transmission with sends power to the rear-driven wheels. The Apollo Sport is able to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of 224 mph.
The Apollo Sport was never just going to be judged on sentiment alone, as it looked to set the record straight so to speak, when it came to its capabilities. The German supercar would end up lapping the Top Gear test track in 1:17.1 – which would hold the title of fastest time for 2 years, until the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport would best it.
Before the Nürburgring Nordschleife had become the popular battleground it is today, in 2009 the Gumpert Apollo Sport set a lap time of 7:11:57 with race driver Florian Gruber, which made it the fastest production car at the Green Hell at the time.
Photo Source: Collecting Cars
