Wiesmann MF5 Tributo Reemerges, Potential BMW V10 Engine Unknown







Wiesmann, the German boutique automaker, has made a surprising re-entry into the high-performance car arena with the debut of its MF5 Tributo at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week. This unexpected launch signals a notable deviation from the company's previously announced electric vehicle strategy, as it embraces its heritage of powerful combustion engines. The MF5 Tributo, a nod to its acclaimed predecessor, raises intriguing questions about its powertrain, particularly whether it will feature a potent BMW V10 engine.
The original Wiesmann MF5, produced in limited quantities from 2008 until the company's temporary cessation of operations in 2013, was celebrated for its bespoke design and robust BMW M-sourced V10 engine. This new iteration, the MF5 Tributo, aims to recapture that spirit, emerging at a time when Wiesmann's electric initiative, Project Thunderball, faces delays. The car's design maintains Wiesmann's distinctive aesthetic, characterized by its compact, mid-front engine layout, an elongated hood, and a low-slung cabin reminiscent of classic 1960s roadsters, diverging sharply from contemporary supercar trends.
The allure of the MF5 Tributo largely stems from the original model's engine—a 5.0-liter S85 V10 from BMW M, delivering 500 horsepower, capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in under four seconds and reaching speeds exceeding 190 mph. However, since BMW discontinued the S85 V10 in 2010, the new Tributo will require a different powerplant. While Wiesmann has yet to disclose the specific engine, previous models like the MF5 GT utilized BMW's S63 twin-turbo V8, producing 547 horsepower, and the newer S68 V8 boasts up to 626 horsepower in other applications. The choice of engine, transmission, and pricing details are eagerly anticipated.
Wiesmann's decision to pivot back to internal combustion after encountering setbacks with its Project Thunderball electric roadster and facing a softening demand for EVs is a strategic move. By tapping into the nostalgia associated with its high-performance gasoline models, the company aims to re-engage automotive enthusiasts and maintain visibility at prestigious events like Monterey Car Week. Reservations for the MF5 Tributo are currently open in the US, requiring a deposit of $3,500. This return to its roots highlights the enduring appeal of visceral, analog driving experiences in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.
Wiesmann's unveiling of the MF5 Tributo at Pebble Beach represents a significant moment for the brand, emphasizing a renewed focus on its heritage of internal combustion power. With a limited production run of five units and an unconfirmed but highly anticipated engine, the MF5 Tributo is poised to evoke strong interest from collectors and enthusiasts, marking a compelling chapter in Wiesmann's journey.