The Wiesmann GT Is A Hybrid Sports Car To Envy

There have been many different car brands from many different countries, and only a handful have managed to survive into the 21st century. But these days wealthy investor types are bringing old brands back to life, the latest being the Belgium company Imperia. Some new investors have helped bring a hybrid sports car concept to life, and we love it.

Called the Wiesmann GT, this gorgeous coupe draws inspiration from previous Imperia models, while adopting modern technology for propulsion. The plug-in hybrid setup features a 1.6 liter BMW/PSA turbocharged engine coupled to an electric motor. The gas engine produces 200 horsepower and the electric motor another 150 horsepower, for a combined output of 350 horsepower and 450 ft-lbs of torque.

In the 2,645 pound Wiesmann GT, that kind of power will allow for some very spirited, yet frugal driving. Imperia estimates that the Wiesmann GT will be able to go about 37 miles on electricity only, and fuel consumption with a fully charged battery will be over 123 mpg. Sounds incredible, and as such it is prohibitively expensive, costing more than $160,000. A more “basic” version costing just $124,000 will be made available later.

We dig it, but for that kind of money, we’ll have to pass. Maybe in another life.

Source: CarScoops

Introducing Yet Another Plug-In Hybrid - This Time From Imperia, Dubbed the GP

Belgian automaker Imperia presented its Imperia GP plug-in hybrid roadster at the Brussels Motor Show in January. Following European regulation R101 for plug-in hybrids, the mixed consumption—gasoline and electricity—of the Imperia GP barely reaches 1.9 L/100km (124 mpg US) plus 11.5 kWh/100km and the CO₂ emissions are below 50 g/km.

The Imperia plug-in roadster. Click to enlarge.

The Imperia GP features a 156 kW, 260 N·m (209 hp, 192 lb-ft), 1.6L turbocharged, gasoline direct injection engine; a 100kW, 300 N·m induction motor; and about an 11 kWh 355V lithium polymer battery pack (1P96S layout). All electric range is estimated to be 50-80 km (31-50 miles). The Imperia GP accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds in purely electric mode, and in 4.0 seconds in hybrid mode

Imperia’ PowerHybrid system allows the driver to decide at any time, via a selector, the type of propulsion required: electric or hybrid. Using another control, the driver decides whether he/she intends to run the batteries down completely (in order to recharge them on the mains, having reached the destination), or wants to keep a reserve to be used when entering urban traffic.

The car features a 3 kW on-board charger. With a 200V 16 A plug, 85% charge is achieved in 4h, 100% in 5h.

Pricing is €103,223 (US$141,000) excl. VAT.

The new Imperia Automobiles is reviving the name of a company both famous and Liege-based, which was at the height of its success in the 1^st half of the 20^th century.

Source: Green Car Congress