Gemballa, the renowned German Porsche tuning specialist, has turned its attention to the Carrera GT. With all 1500 examples of Porsche’s prestigious supercar now sold to eager buyers, some owners are looking for even more individuality and performance. Hence Gemballa has comprehensively upgraded the high-tech car from Weissach, modifying the engine management system of the 5.7-litre V10 to give 641bhp and an extra 20Nm of torque – and hence slicing 0.1 seconds off the 0-62mph time.

The extra performance has also been helped by a new, fully stainless steel exhaust system. The standard two tail-pipes have been increased to four, with the extra outlets positioned where the reverse and fog warning lamps previously sat. These have been relocated beneath the rear diffuser.

The modified Carrera GT, re-named the Gemballa Mirage GT, has the look of a Le Mans racer. The most conspicuous changes to the front are the additional air intakes on the new front spoiler, plus the addition of a spoiler lip. The bonnet has also been replaced and, in the area between the wheel housing and door, Gemballa has replaced the standard side panels with its own ‘mudguards’. Re-shaped openings blend harmoniously with the original design. Closer to the ground, new side-skirts give the vehicle a muscular appearance and also accommodate a cooling vent for the rear brakes. The racing look is enhanced by a new rear skirt, with an aerodynamically optimised mid-section to increase downforce on the rear axle.



The lion’s share of the extra downforce is due to the mighty Gemballa rear wing. To aid braking, the wing has a central brake-flap, as seen on the Bugatti Veyron, which snaps up when the brakes are applied. The roofline of the Mirage GT also differs from the standard Carrera GT in that the front section of an airbox has been integrated into the new hardtop. This ends in an air duct which runs along the back of the tailgate, installed by Gemballa, supplying the power-enhanced V10 engine with more air to breathe.

With the Gemballa styling modifications, the Mirage GT wouldn’t look out of place on the starting grid of an FIA-GT race. The race-car appearance is enhanced by the materials used by Gemballa: the Mirage GT’s body, for example, is made entirely from carbonfibre. The Gemballa Mirage GT also sports high-tech, three-part forged wheels, 9.5x19 front and 12.5x20 rear. Roadholding is assisted by 265-35 R19 tyres front, and 335-30 R20 tyres rear.



The sporting look is continued through the interior with, again, many carbonfibre components, including a restyled central console and door cladding. Gemballa has also fitted a multimedia touch-screen information system into the central console, as well as adopting the finest leather trim and luxury carpets.

The cost of the comprehensive conversion from Gemballa starts from Eur 229,800.

More information on the extensive Porsche tuning range from Gemballa can be seen at www.GEMBALLA.com.



Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Gemballa