Gumpert Tornante set for Geneva debut

Set to be unveiled on March 1st at the Geneva Motor Show, the Tornante offers a new direction for Gumpert in the form of its second model, a fast touring car. Not that this softer, more comfortable Gumpert is to be taken any more lightly than the firm’s first model – the Apollo – as ‘fast’ really does mean as such. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.2-litre V8 derived from the earlier car, the Tornante will offer a non-too-shabby 690bhp in ‘basic’ spec.

Whilst the car at Geneva will only be a clay styling model, the real thing is promised to comprise of a composite shell over a spaceframe and carbon fibre monocoque as well as harnessing all-round double wishbone suspension from the Apollo, retuned for its new application in the Tornante.

Away from the mechanicals, the car’s styling; thus far only hinted at in an arty teaser photo, has been carried out by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. The Milanese styling firm is famed for cars such as the stunning Maserati A8GCS Berlinetta concept and their work should offer an aesthetic improvement over the functional, quasi-racer look for which the Apollo is famed.

Not that the Tornante is completely different to the Apollo, as the new car will retain the two-seater, mid-engined layout of its hardcore sibling; whilst hoping to retain the ‘sheer performance attitude’ that has always made Gumpert stand out from the crowd. A world beater, then? With German engineering and Italian style, I wouldn’t like to bet against its chances…