2008 Gumpert Apollo

A legend in automotive folklore, Roland Gumpert was the engineer in charge of Audi Motorsport in the Quattro’s glory years of the 1980s, winning 25 World Rally Championship events and four World Rally Championship titles.

In 2004, with Audi’s approval, Gumpert founded Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH in Altenburg, Germany to produce a street-legal supercar that would also be ideal for use on the track with Roland Meyer, the founder of Audi tuning legends MTM (Motoren Technik Meyer).

The new car’s design was by Marco Vanetta and, being an ex-Audi man, Gumpert specified the twin-turbocharged, intercooled, 4.2-liter V8 unit from Audi. What would become the Apollo was also developed in partnership with The Technical University of Munich and the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences, who provided help with computer simulations, construction techniques, and a wind tunnel.

The engine benefited from other high tech developments such as hydraulic valve clearance compensation with VarioCam Direct variable valve timing. Three engine types were available: ‘Base’ (641 hp), ‘Sport’ (690 hp), and ‘Race’ (789 hp). The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) dash was completed in 3.0 seconds, 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) in 8.9 seconds, and a maximum speed of 224 mph (360 km/h).

The Apollo’s double-flow exhaust system had four oxygen sensors monitoring the mixture, and a three-way catalytic converter. The modern specification included a diagnostics system, eight-coil electronic ignition, sequential multipoint fuel injection, and a drive-by-wire throttle.

With a weight as low as 2,425 pounds (1,100 kg), depending on which options were specified, the Gumpert Apollo was a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat supercar constructed on a tubular chromium-molybdenum frame with carbon fiber safety cell and fiberglass or carbon fiber (Apollo Sport and Apollo Race) body panels, depending on customer preference. Its design helped to generate so much downforce, Gumpert claimed the car could drive upside down in a tunnel at a speed of over 186 mph (300 km/h). 

Suspension was by double transverse control arm/pushrod with bespoke remote reservoir adjustable dampers by KW. Transmission is via a bespoke fully-syncronized sequential six-speed gearbox from CIMA, with self-locking differential by Torsen, and a twin-plate clutch from Sachs. Braking is provided by an AP Racing 6-pot front and rear ventilated system with ABS.

This Gumpert Apollo Sport, chassis W09GUA2157AG6402, was delivered to its original owner in 2008, having been ordered in the ultimate ‘Sport’ specification, which includes a full carbon-fiber bodyshell, carbon-fiber front wheel well louvers and vortex generators, and a motosport carbon fiber rear spoiler. Cosmetically, the car was finished in black over a black Alcantara interior, with exposed carbon fiber and yellow stitching. It sits on a set of 19-inch ATS center-lock alloy wheels shod with little-used Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 tires.

The car, which comes complete with owner’s manual, service book, and certificate of conformity, presents a unique opportunity to acquire a monstrously capable slice of motoring history.

This is a 2008 Gumpert Apollo Sport. One of just 150 units produced, the race-inspired but street-legal supercar is finished in black over black. The Apollo features a 4.2-liter twin-turbocharged, intercooled version of Audi’s V8 engine, with five valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, and four overhead cams. Being the ‘Sport’ model, the engine - mated to a bespoke six-speed sequential transmission - produces 690 bhp, completing the 0-62 mph dash (0-100 km/h) in 3.0 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 224 mph (360 km/h).

The Gumpert Apollo is a remarkably rare German supercar, this particular example the 21st Apollo to be built. Having covered 13,049 miles (21,000 km) from new, this Apollo has been used for its intended purpose, with the bodywork showing some minor blemishes, however, these could easily be rectified. 

Other notable features include:

• Full carbon fiber bodyshell
• Carbon fiber front wheel well louvers
• Carbon fiber vortex generators
• Airjacks
• Motorsport carbon fiber rear spoiler
• ATS 19-inch center-lock alloy wheels
• AP Racing brakes
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires

Interior features include:

• Black Alcantara-trimmed seats
• Exposed carbon fiber
• Yellow stitching
• Pioneer radio

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