V8 power for Wiesmann

Niche German sports car manufacturer Wiesmann has switched to V8 power for its MF4 and MF5 models. The move has come about because the BMW V10 engines which it previously used are no longer being built.

But Wiesmann is sticking with BMW as supplier for the replacements, a pair of 4.4 litre V8s that both feature twin turbochargers and direct injection.

The Roadster MF4 and GT MF4 get the engine currently seen in the BMW 550i. That means 401 bhp (300 kW / 407 PS) and peak torque of 600 Nm, which is enough to propel the Wiesmann from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is just over 180 mph (290 km/h).

For the MF5, Wiesmann has gone for the M Power version employed in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Boasting a very healthy 547 bhp (408 kW / 555 PS) and 680 Nm maximum torque, performance is correspondingly impressive: 0 to 60 mph takes 3.9 seconds, while the top speed is 193 mph (310 km/h). Like the MF4, the MF5 is available in Roadster and GT guises.

The Roadster MF3 meanwhile continues with six-cylinder power, although updates have now made it Euro 5 compliant.