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Gemballa GmbH is an automobile manufacturing and tuning company based in Leonberg, Germany, specializing in customization and aftermarket parts mainly for Porsche cars. Gemballa was founded by and named after Uwe Gemballa in 1981.

Key Information

In May 2010, the Gemballa factory was seized by German authorities and shut down following the disappearance of Uwe Gemballa who was later found dead in South Africa. CEO Andreas Schwarz and investor Steffen Korbach were able to buy the brand rights and name rights from Gemballa in August 2010 and refounded the company as Gemballa GmbH.[1] In 2016, Steffen Korbach became the sole CEO of the company and Alexander Schwarz stepped down.[2] Korbach reportedly also took over the shares in the company from his former partner Schwarz.[3]

A Gemballa GTR 600 producing 600 hp (450 kW), based on a Porsche 911 (996), held the lap record for street legal vehicles at the Nürburgring in 2001 when Wolfgang Kaufmann lowered it to 7:32:52 min, taking the record from Porsche tuner TechArt. It was later beaten by a Porsche Carrera GT, by less than a second.

Gemballa Mistrale (based on the Porsche Panamera)
Gemballa GT Cabrio (based on the Porsche 911)
Gemballa GT (based on the McLaren 12C)
Gemballa Aero 2 (based on the Porsche Cayenne)
Gemballa Tornado (based on the Porsche Cayenne)

Notable cars

[edit]
Gemballa Biturbo Speedster (based on the Porsche 911)
Gemballa GTR 650 Evo (based on the Porsche 911)
Gemballa-tuned Porsche 911

Avalanche, Cyrrus, and Mirage

[edit]

In the 1980s, Gemballa introduced the Avalanche, based on the Porsche 911 (930) (Turbo 911 slant nose), and the Cyrrus (convertible), as well as the Mirage, which was similar to the Avalanche. The cars featured large wide body kits with side strakes (similar to the Ferrari Testarossa), upgraded wheels, interiors, gauges, paint, Hi-Fi audio systems, and more. Some vehicles even used cameras instead of mirrors, a new technology at the time. Audio company Pioneer used Gemballa vehicles in their advertisements and brochures for several years. The prices for these vehicles were often mentioned as being incredibly high for the time period - at US $250K-$375K+. Robert Van Winkle, also known as Vanilla Ice, was a notable owner of Gemballa Porsches.

In the 1990s, Gemballa's body kits were more subtle compared to the 80s. They continued to perform engine modifications and opened up a US facility in California.

911 RS America

[edit]

In 2005 a white Gemballa 911 RS America led a parade of approximately 30 other RS Americas at the Porsche Parade in Hershey, PA, US.[4] It was the largest gathering ever of Porsche RS Americas.

Mirage GT

[edit]

Introduced in 2007, the Mirage GT is a modified version of the Porsche Carrera GT produced by Gemballa. Rumors originally suggested that when the car was produced it would have upwards of 800 horsepower (600 kW); however, the Mirage GT's only performance modification is a quad pipe stainless steel exhaust system which boosts power to 645 hp (481 kW), 40 hp more than the stock Carrera GT. The stock Carrera GT only had two exhaust pipes, so the additional two pipes in the Mirage GT are where the reverse and fog warning lamps used to be (they relocated the two lamps to beneath the rear diffuser).[5] Other modifications include a roof mounted air-intake that goes into the engine bay, a Gemballa Sport Clutch, a rear wing with an electronic center section, a carbon fiber hardtop, carbon fiber body panels, Gemballa wheels and a redesigned front fascia, rear fascia and side skirts.[6] At the time, company owner Uwe Gemballa said that a twin-turbo version was in the works. Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine described the car as "one of the finest automobiles we've ever featured."[7] 25 Mirage GTs were produced in total.[8]

Avalanche GTR 800 Evo-R

[edit]

The Gemballa Avalanche GTR800 EVO-R is a car based on the 911 (997) GT2. Like the name suggests, it produces about 800 bhp (600 kW) thanks to two turbochargers and highly modified engine components.

Mistrale

[edit]

The Gemballa Mistrale is a modified version of the Porsche Panamera Turbo developed by Gemballa. Introduced in 2009, the Mistrale features a full carbon fibre body kit, 22-inch forged wheels, and upgraded brakes and suspension. Engine tuning options boost power output up to 750 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, enabling 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in around 3.2 seconds and a top speed of over 338 km/h (210 mph). Only 30 units were planned, each offering a fully customized interior and exterior design. [9]

GT 750 Aero 3

[edit]

Gemballa also offered a modification package for the first generation Porsche Cayenne Turbo. This package features a number of engine modifications, including revised turbochargers, coolers (oil and pressurized air IC) and a large collection of engine components including pistons and seals. These allow the Cayenne to produce around 750 brake horsepower. The kit also features a number of exterior modifications.

MIG-U1

[edit]

The Gemballa MIG‑U1 is an ultra‑limited bespoke supercar built by German tuning firm Gemballa, based on the Ferrari Enzo. Commissioned by Dubai collectors Mustafa and Ilyas Galadari—whose initials inspired the name "MIG"—the project was originally intended for 25 examples, but only a single prototype was completed.

Gemballa enhanced the Enzo’s normally aspirated 6.0 L V12 engine from approximately 660 hp to around 700 hp, with torque raised to roughly 720 Nm. Performance includes a 0–100 km/h sprint in about 3.1 seconds and a top speed exceeding 360 km/h.

The bodywork is entirely reimagined in carbon fibre with an aerodynamic design inspired by fighter aircraft—its front is widened by ~80 mm and the rear by ~100 mm. An adjustable rear wing and front splitter produce substantial downforce gains (up to ~35 kg front, ~85 kg rear). The car features active hydraulics that raise the ride height by approximately 45 mm at the touch of a button or automatically above 80 km/h for better ground clearance.

Additional mechanical upgrades include forged lightweight wheels that reduce unsprung mass by ~16 kg. The interior is fully customized, featuring high‑grade leather and suede trim, a bespoke center console, sports seats, a seven‑inch touchscreen multimedia unit with navigation and iPod integration, and a 950‑watt audio system with subwoofer.[10]

GT

[edit]

In 2011, Gemballa Racing was started and participated in the 2012 ADAC GT Masters series and in the 2012 24h Nürburgring where ex-F1 driver Nick Heidfeld drove for Gemballa Racing.

Current Gemballa cars

[edit]

The actual Gemballa cars are predominantly based on Porsche and McLaren cars:

Death of Uwe Gemballa

[edit]

On February 17, 2010, it was reported that Uwe Gemballa had gone missing in Johannesburg, South Africa while on a business trip. In October 2010, Gemballa was found dead west of Pretoria, having been suffocated and wrapped in plastic.[17] It is suspected that his murder was a result of a money laundering operation which turned against him.[18] Others maintain that Gemballa was murdered because he had refused to participate in a criminal activity.[19] On October 29, 2010, Thabiso Mpshe, 28, from Pretoria, pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in the murder of Uwe Gemballa in Johannesburg. Under the terms of the plea agreement, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. [20] In 2015, three additional men, Thabo Mogapi, Kagiso Ledwaba and Garlond Holworthy, were also convicted of charges relating to the kidnap and murder of Gemballa. Their sentencing hearing began on 30 November 2015,[21][22] and the mastermind is suspected to be Czech criminal fugitive Radovan Krejčíř.[23]

Gemballa Racing (2011–present)

[edit]

Gemballa established its racing division called Gemballa Racing in 2011, using McLaren MP4-12C GT3 vehicles instead of Porsches. They are scheduled to race in FIA GT3 European Championship in 2012.[24]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gemballa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is a German automobile manufacturer and tuning specialist based in , near , renowned for its refinements, aerodynamic enhancements, and performance upgrades on high-end sports cars, primarily and models. Founded in 1981 by Uwe Gemballa, the company rapidly gained international acclaim in the 1980s for pioneering extravagant conversions, including the iconic Slantnose V3 Targa introduced that same year, which featured a custom flat-nose design inspired by Ferrari aesthetics. Throughout the and , Gemballa established itself as a leader in the tuning industry with limited-edition models such as the (1986), based on the Turbo with aggressive widebody styling and boosted engine output exceeding 400 horsepower; the Cyrrus (1990s), known for its flared fenders and over 500 hp; and the , emphasizing lightweight construction and track-focused modifications. The company expanded its portfolio in the 2000s to include conversions of other luxury vehicles like the (Tornado) and (Mistrale), while registering as an official car manufacturer with Germany's Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) in 1985, allowing it to produce fully homologated vehicles. In February 2010, founder Uwe Gemballa disappeared during a business trip to and was later found murdered in an execution-style killing, with investigations linking the incident to alleged and ties to organized crime figures like Radovan Krejcir. Following the and a brief shutdown of operations, Gemballa was acquired in 2010 by automotive entrepreneurs Andreas Schwarz and Steffen Korbach, who revitalized the brand under its original name, focusing on owner-operated production of refined sports cars while distancing it from a separate entity, Marc Philipp Gemballa , founded by Uwe's son in 2019. Under current leadership, Gemballa has continued to innovate with models like the GT Coupé and Evoluzione, emphasizing excellence and customization, and announced plans in 2023 for an in-house developed prototype , with limited-series production planned to begin in 2025.

Company history

Founding and early years (1981–1989)

Gemballa was founded in 1981 by Uwe Gemballa in , , near , initially operating as a specialist in interior modifications for and models. The company equipped vehicles with state-of-the-art audio and video systems, catering to clients seeking luxurious, customized cabins that integrated advanced entertainment technology of the era. This focus on high-end personalization laid the groundwork for Gemballa's reputation in vehicle refinement, drawing from Uwe Gemballa's entrepreneurial vision to elevate standard luxury cars through tailored enhancements. By the mid-1980s, Gemballa transitioned toward performance-oriented tuning, specializing in 911 (930 Turbo) models to address growing demand for enhanced and power. Early modifications included wide-body kits that dramatically altered the 930 Turbo's silhouette for improved stability and visual impact, alongside engine upgrades that boosted output while maintaining the 's core engineering. These developments marked Gemballa's shift from interior-focused work to comprehensive performance packages, positioning the company as an innovator in aftermarket enhancements during the decade. A pivotal moment came in 1985 with the debut of the Gemballa Avalanche, a highly customized version of the Porsche 930 Turbo that exemplified the firm's extravagant approach. Priced at 390,000 Deutsche Marks—equivalent to approximately $133,000 in 1985 USD—the Avalanche featured radical bodywork, including a signature slant-nose front end and flared fenders, targeted at affluent buyers desiring one-of-a-kind supercars. Only a limited number were produced, underscoring Gemballa's emphasis on exclusivity over mass production in its formative projects. Throughout the , Gemballa gained international recognition as a premier tuning specialist, with its bold conversions appearing at major European auto shows and attracting a global clientele interested in bespoke high-performance vehicles. The company's early successes, such as the , established it as a go-to modifier for those seeking to push the boundaries of Porsche's iconic designs, fostering a legacy of innovation in the tuning industry.

Expansion under Uwe Gemballa (1990–2009)

Under Uwe Gemballa's leadership, the company underwent significant expansion in the 1990s, including a key relocation to larger facilities in , , on August 1, 1998, at Mollenbach Strasse 17, which enhanced production capacity for custom tunings. This move supported the scaling of operations from initial interior modifications to full vehicle conversions, allowing Gemballa to handle increased demand for bespoke projects while maintaining its focus on models. The upgraded factory enabled more efficient workflows for aerodynamic body kits and performance upgrades, solidifying the company's position in the high-end tuning market. During the 1990s, Gemballa introduced pioneering technological advancements in variants, such as the GTR 600 based on the 993 Turbo, which featured charged engines delivering over 600 horsepower—far exceeding the stock 408 hp—along with custom aerodynamic enhancements like wide-body , GT2-style splitters, and rear wings for improved . Suspension upgrades, including firmer shocks and adjustable setups, were integrated to complement these power boosts, enhancing handling and stability at high speeds. These innovations, often exceeding 500 hp thresholds, positioned Gemballa as a leader in , with models like the 1996 Extremo achieving 600 hp through in-house 3.8-liter modifications. By the 2000s, Gemballa had established itself as a premier international tuner, with annual revenues reaching €16.2 million in 2007, supporting limited-series productions and exports to markets including the United States and the Middle East. The company expanded its portfolio to include high-performance conversions like the 2003 GTR 750 EVO and the 2006 Mirage GT, both boasting power outputs over 650 hp, while emphasizing global distribution of aftermarket parts and complete vehicles. Key business practices revolved around premium pricing, with custom Porsches typically costing between $250,000 and $375,000, tailored for elite clients seeking extravagant transformations such as carbon-fiber aerodynamics, bespoke leather interiors, and personalized performance calibrations. This approach, including one-off gold-plated accents and luxury features for high-profile buyers, reinforced Gemballa's reputation for opulent, exclusive modifications.

Death of Uwe Gemballa and 2010 crisis

Uwe Gemballa, the founder and CEO of Gemballa , disappeared on February 8, 2010, shortly after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in , , for what was described as a business meeting with potential clients. He was abducted by individuals who had lured him to the country under related to vehicle sales. Following his disappearance, German authorities launched an investigation into Gemballa's finances, uncovering suspicions of and that had strained the company's operations amid a prior period of expansion. On September 27, 2010, , guided by a cooperating suspect, located Gemballa's body buried in , a west of . The revealed he had been suffocated to death using duct tape over his mouth and nose, with his hands and feet bound, in an execution-style killing that occurred at a house in Edenvale shortly after his arrival. The murder was connected to an international and cash operation, in which Gemballa allegedly participated by concealing funds within shipments, involving networks linked to Eastern European figures, including Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir based in . In the wake of Gemballa's disappearance, the company filed for in February 2010, leading to the seizure of its factory by German authorities in May 2010 on charges of financial misconduct, which completely halted operations. This crisis exacerbated existing business declines, with the illegal activities serving as the final catalyst for the shutdown. The investigation resulted in initial arrests in , including Thabiso Mpye, who pleaded guilty in October 2010 to and in exchange for a reduced sentence of 12 years. Further trials culminated in November 2015, when three additional accomplices—Vusi Maseko, Tebogo Mahlakoane, and Lekgoledi Montsho—were convicted of , , and related to the crime, receiving life sentences for the murder and additional terms for the other charges. These convictions highlighted the depth of the criminal syndicate's involvement but did not lead to charges against higher-profile figures like Krejcir in this case.

Relaunch and modern operations (2011–present)

Following the 2010 crisis, Gemballa was refounded in August of that year as in , , by investor Steffen Korbach and automotive expert Schwarz, who acquired the brand and name rights from the insolvent predecessor company. Schwarz initially served as CEO, with Korbach providing financial backing and strategic input to revive the iconic tuner. By 2016, Korbach had assumed the role of sole CEO, consolidating ownership and steering the company toward long-term stability and innovation. Under Korbach's leadership, Gemballa shifted its to emphasize limited-series supercars, involving the complete and customization of production vehicles into exclusive models bearing Gemballa names. The focus remains on high-end tunings of vehicles, supplemented by select modifications to and other premium marques, with an emphasis on services that allow clients to personalize , , and interiors through modular carbon-fiber components and expert craftsmanship. This approach prioritizes exclusivity and enhancement while maintaining the brand's heritage in aftermarket . In recent years, the company has continued to produce models such as the GT Coupé and Evoluzione, focusing on excellence and customization. In the early 2020s, Gemballa announced plans to expand beyond tuning by developing its own proprietary , aiming to reveal a fully in-house by 2023 and initiate limited production in 2025. As of 2025, no public updates on the project's progress have been disclosed. This initiative, if realized, would represent a strategic toward original and , supported by investments exceeding €15 million to uphold quality and innovation. Gemballa GmbH operates independently from Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH, the separate venture established in 2019 by Uwe Gemballa's son, Marc Philipp Gemballa, which specializes in RUF-tuned off-road supercars like the Marsien and has no affiliation with the original company.

Vehicle modifications

Iconic 1980s and 1990s Porsche tunings

Gemballa's early tunings in the and 1990s established the company as a pioneer in extravagant, high-performance modifications, transforming standard 911 models into expressions of luxury and speed tailored for affluent . These creations emphasized wide-body designs, enhanced , and substantial power increases, often in collaboration with RUF for mechanical upgrades, setting them apart from factory offerings through their bold aesthetics and customization options. The Avalanche, introduced in 1985, was based on the Porsche 930 Turbo Slantnose variant and featured a dramatic wide-body kit with flared fenders, a prominent rear wing, and functional side strakes inspired by contemporary supercars like the Ferrari Testarossa. Powered by a RUF-modified twin-turbo 3.3-liter flat-six engine producing 375 horsepower, it offered superior acceleration and handling compared to the stock 300-horsepower 930, while extravagant interior options included bespoke leather and advanced audio systems for elite buyers. Priced at 390,000 Deutsche Marks—equivalent to approximately $700,000 at the time—only about 15 units were produced over eight years, making it a rare symbol of 1980s excess. Similarly, the Cyrrus from 1986 took the Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet as its foundation, applying a flat-nose conversion with flared fenders, aerodynamic side strakes, and a large rear wing to enhance stability at high speeds. RUF's upgrades to the naturally aspirated 3.2-liter boosted output to 228 horsepower from the stock 207, paired with BBS wheels and button-activated door handles for a futuristic touch. Limited to around 10 examples, each customized to owner specifications, the Cyrrus commanded prices exceeding $235,000 in the early 1990s, appealing to celebrities like who sought luxury with subtle performance gains. The Mirage, debuting in 1986 on the Porsche 930 Turbo platform, pushed boundaries with its aggressively widened bodywork, including hand-crafted metal arches, a lowered roofline by 10 centimeters, and a massive steel rear wing for downforce. Equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo RUF engine delivering 500 horsepower, it achieved 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h, complemented by innovative features like camera-based side mirrors with zoom functionality and a 300-watt Pioneer sound system. Targeted at high-end markets, the Mirage's 570,000 Deutsche Mark price tag reflected its unique production as a one-off, embodying Gemballa's fusion of aggression and refinement. In the , Gemballa's tuning of the RS America (964) focused on track-oriented enhancements, converting a single 1993 example into a unique Slantnose RSR variant with a 3.8-liter upgrade from the original 3.6-liter, yielding 375 horsepower for improved power delivery. Modifications included a full RSR with wide fenders and aerodynamic spoilers, upgraded suspension for sharper handling, and weight-reduction techniques such as lightweight panels and seats, reducing overall mass while adding carbon-fiber accents and air conditioning for usability. This bespoke project highlighted Gemballa's shift toward performance-driven lightening and chassis refinements, distinguishing it from earlier styling-heavy efforts.

2000s high-performance models

In the , under Uwe Gemballa's , the company escalated its tuning programs to deliver unprecedented power outputs and began diversifying beyond traditional 911-based models, incorporating exotic supercars, luxury sedans, and SUVs while maintaining a focus on platforms. These late-era projects emphasized advanced , carbon fiber construction, and engine enhancements that pushed boundaries in performance, often targeting track-oriented capabilities alongside road usability. This period marked Gemballa's shift toward higher-volume limited productions, with outputs frequently exceeding 600 horsepower, reflecting the tuner’s ambition to rival factory exotics. The Mirage GT, introduced in 2007, was a radical conversion of the supercar, featuring extensive carbon fiber bodywork for weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. Its 5.7-liter was upgraded to produce 670 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque through ECU remapping and exhaust modifications, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed over 208 mph. Limited to 25 units worldwide, each conversion retailed for over $1 million including the donor vehicle, positioning it as an ultra-exclusive offering that blended the Carrera GT's raw mid-engine dynamics with Gemballa's bespoke styling. Building on this exotic focus, the 2009 Mistrale transformed the newly launched Turbo into a high-performance luxury sedan, with twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 enhancements delivering up to 750 horsepower and 980 Nm of via turbo upgrades and refinements. The package included a comprehensive carbon fiber aerodynamic kit, 22-inch forged wheels, and upgraded Alcantara-leather interiors for refined comfort, achieving 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed exceeding 211 mph. Planned for 30 customized units to commemorate Gemballa's anniversary, the Mistrale exemplified the firm's entry into sedan tuning, merging grand touring poise with acceleration. For track enthusiasts, the Avalanche GTR 800 Evo-R, based on the Porsche 911 (997) GT2 from the mid-2000s, featured an extreme wide-body kit with carbon fiber aero elements designed for high-downforce stability at speeds over 220 mph. Its 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six was boosted to 850 horsepower and 935 Nm through larger Garrett turbos and reinforced internals, prioritizing circuit performance with a sequential gearbox and adjustable coil-over suspension. This model evolved earlier Avalanche tunings by amplifying power and aggression for professional racing applications while retaining road legality. Gemballa's diversification extended to SUVs with the GT 750 Aero 3, a 2000s tuning of the Turbo (957), elevating its 4.5-liter V8 to 750 horsepower and 1,050 Nm via bi-turbo enhancements and exhaust revisions for superior on-road velocity and off-road traction. The Aero 3 package incorporated a sporty carbon fiber , high-performance , and 22-inch wheels, reducing the 0-62 mph time to 4.4 seconds and enabling top speeds beyond 186 mph, thus redefining the luxury SUV's capabilities for dynamic driving.

Current and limited-series productions

Following the relaunch under new management, GmbH has focused on limited-series productions and bespoke tuning kits, primarily centered on models while expanding to select high-end vehicles from other manufacturers. These offerings emphasize enhanced performance through engine upgrades, aerodynamic enhancements, and luxury interior customizations, often produced in small batches to maintain exclusivity. All models undergo rigorous certification in to ensure road legality and safety. The Gemballa Avalanche, a modern iteration based on the Porsche 911 (997) platform, revives the iconic 1980s design aesthetic with contemporary engineering updates. It features a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six engine tuned to over 600 horsepower and 820 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.2 seconds and a top speed exceeding 340 km/h. The exterior incorporates extensive carbon-fiber aerodynamic components, including wide-body fenders and a prominent rear wing, paired with 22-inch forged alloy wheels. Priced starting at around €300,000 (excluding the base vehicle), production remains limited, with each unit hand-built at the Leonberg facility. Building on the lineup, the Gemballa Tornado represents a high-performance modification limited to 50 units worldwide. Derived from the Turbo, it delivers up to 700 horsepower from its 4.8-liter V8, achieving 0-100 km/h in under 4 seconds and a top speed over 300 km/h. Key enhancements include a carbon-fiber for improved and handling, upgraded suspension for better off-road capability, and bespoke leather interiors. This model underscores Gemballa's blend of luxury and power for the segment, with pricing exceeding €250,000. The Gemballa GT Aero series (encompassing variants 1, 2, and 3) targets the current generation, offering aero-focused upgrades that boost to as much as 750 horsepower while prioritizing speed and track handling. These limited-run packages feature modular carbon-fiber , such as extended wheel arches, front splitters, and rear diffusers, which enhance and stability at high velocities. includes ECU remapping and exhaust modifications for the Turbo S base, resulting in torque figures over 900 Nm and sub-3.5-second 0-100 km/h times. Available for markets emphasizing SUVs, the series starts at approximately €150,000 for the full kit, excluding the donor vehicle. Since 2016, Gemballa has ventured into McLaren tunings, producing limited-edition kits for models like the 650S to differentiate from its Porsche core while maintaining a focus on bespoke engineering. These packages elevate output to over 800 horsepower via turbo enhancements and lightweight components, with aerodynamic refinements improving track performance and top speeds beyond 350 km/h. Interior options include custom Alcantara and carbon accents, with production capped at low volumes for exclusivity; pricing for a complete 650S conversion approaches €200,000. In addition, Gemballa announced in 2023 plans for an in-house developed supercar, with limited-series production scheduled to begin in 2025.

Motorsport involvement

Establishment of Gemballa Racing

Following the relaunch of Gemballa in 2011 under new leadership including investor Steffen Korbach, the company established its dedicated division, Gemballa Racing SE, marking a strategic expansion beyond traditional vehicle tuning into competitive . This shift allowed the refounded entity to leverage its engineering expertise in high-performance modifications while entering official racing series. The new racing team initially concentrated on the GT3 class, selecting the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 as its platform through a collaboration with . Gemballa planned to field two such vehicles for the season, each equipped with a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged and bespoke racing adaptations tailored for endurance and sprint events. This partnership represented a departure from Gemballa's historical focus, introducing chassis that the team would optimize using its tuning heritage. To build operational credibility, Gemballa Racing recruited experienced personnel, including Sascha Bert—a former karting champion, Formula 3 competitor, and FIA GT driver—as team manager. The lineup was further strengthened by enlisting professional drivers such as former pilot , alongside engineers and mechanics with proven track records in GT racing. These hires ensured a solid foundation for the team's debut campaigns. The division was fully integrated into Gemballa's core operations, with activities designed to promote the brand's road-legal tuning packages and validate enhancements through real-world testing. This allowed innovations from the track, such as aerodynamic refinements and optimizations on the MP4-12C GT3, to inform customer vehicle customizations, reinforcing Gemballa's reputation in the modification sector.

Key racing participations and outcomes

Gemballa Racing made its primary foray into competitive GT racing during the 2012 season with an entry in the series, fielding the MP4-12C GT3 (car number 37) driven by a rotating lineup including Sascha Bert, Luca Ludwig, and Christopher Brück. The team competed across seven rounds, securing competitive finishes such as an 11th place overall in the opening race at Oschersleben and a best result of fifth place at the , though it encountered challenges including several DNFs due to mechanical issues and accidents. That same year, Gemballa Racing participated in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race with the MP4-12C GT3 (car number 30), driven by , , Sascha Bert, and Hendrik Vieth. Despite high expectations for the former Formula 1 driver's debut at the Nordschleife, the car retired early after completing only 24 laps, classified as a DNF in the SP9 GT3 class due to mechanical challenges that halted progress midway through the event. Following the 2012 campaign, Gemballa Racing's involvement in professional diminished significantly, with no full-season commitments in major GT series thereafter and a strategic pivot toward road car modifications and bespoke tuning projects. While the team did not secure any major GT victories, its racing efforts contributed valuable insights into , suspension tuning, and high-performance that informed subsequent road-legal vehicle developments. As of 2025, Gemballa Racing maintains a low-profile presence, engaging sporadically in promotional events or one-off demonstrations rather than sustained racing campaigns, reflecting the company's emphasis on exclusive supercar production over competitive track activities.

References

  1. https://www.gemballa.com/en/
  2. https://www.gemballa.com/en/company/about-us
  3. https://www.gemballa.com/en/company/history
  4. https://carslesstraveled.com/2021/08/22/gemballa-a-brief-history/
  5. https://www.supercars.net/blog/all-brands/gemballa/
  6. https://www.gemballa.com/en/products/production-cars
  7. https://www.gemballa.com/en/company/the-gemballa-brand
  8. https://www.motortrend.com/news/missing-porsche-tuner-uwe-gemballa-found-dead-in-south-africa-9101
  9. https://www.autoblog.com/features/followup-did-uwe-gemballa-die-because-of-a-money-laundering-sch
  10. https://www.motorious.com/articles/features-3/the-mystery-of-the-famous-porsche-tuner-murdered-in-south-africa/
  11. https://marcphilippgemballa.com/the-story/
  12. https://www.gemballa.com/en/company/our-vision
  13. https://www.stuttcars.com/a-look-back-at-the-gemballa-avalanche/
  14. https://carbuzz.com/news/super-rare-gemballa-avalanche-porsche-930-turbo-is-still-expensive/
  15. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/EXGEUS
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  17. https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-of-the-day-1996-porsche-911-993-turbo-gemballa-gtr-600/
  18. https://carbuzz.com/features/gemballa-has-created-insane-cars-over-the-years/
  19. https://911uk.com/porsche/gemballa-files-for-insolvency-questions-mount-over-owner.29824/
  20. https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-150---2004-porsche--cayenne-gemballa-gt750-aero-3/?lot=7290&sd=1
  21. https://www.stuttcars.com/2002-gemballa-gtr-750-evo/
  22. https://mg.co.za/article/2010-11-12-anatomy-of-a-murder/
  23. https://amabhungane.org/anatomy-of-a-murder/
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  25. https://www.carsuk.net/gemballa-closed-by-german-authorities/
  26. https://www.autoweek.com/news/a1996686/gemballas-body-found-south-africa/
  27. https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/2015-11-12-trio-guilty-of-murdering-gemballa/
  28. https://www.news24.com/southafrica/news/gemballa-murder-accused-guilty-report-20151112
  29. https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/08/gemballa-officially-resumes-operations-under-new-ownership.html
  30. https://www.autobahnbound.com/2010/08/23/gemballa-brand-coming-back-to-life/
  31. https://www.gemballa.com/en/company/the-management
  32. https://www.theceomagazine.com/executive-interviews/automotive-aviation/steffen-korbach/
  33. https://www.gemballa.com/en/products/individualization-packages
  34. https://marcphilippgemballa.com/
  35. https://www.autoblog.com/features/marc-philipp-gemballa-offroad-sports-car-teaser-photo-geneva
  36. https://silodrome.com/gemballa-avalanche-porsche/
  37. https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-of-the-day-1986-gemballa-cyrrus/
  38. https://silodrome.com/gemballa-cyrrus/
  39. https://www.1000sel.com/index.php/gemballa/vanilla-ice-s-gemballa
  40. https://www.1000sel.com/index.php/gemballa/porsche-911-930-mirage
  41. https://www.stuttcars.com/1990-gemballa-911-mirage/
  42. https://exclusivecarregistry.com/details/porsche/911/76334
  43. https://www.elferspot.com/en/car/gemballa-rsr-1993-4231336/
  44. https://bringatrailer.com/2017/10/03/__trashed-8/
  45. https://www.carscoops.com/2015/12/wicked-red-gemballa-mirage-gt-hits/
  46. https://luxurypulse.com/sales/show/6095-gemballa-mirage-gt-for-sale
  47. https://www.motortrend.com/features/epcp-1302-gemballa-mistrale-gemballa-rising
  48. https://gtspirit.com/2008/01/24/porsche-by-gemballa-avalanche-gtr800-evo-r/
  49. https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1025437_gemballa-avalanche-gtr-800-evo-r
  50. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/gemballa-gt-750-aero-3-kit-cayenne-s-red-entrails-11952.html
  51. https://gtspirit.com/2009/09/18/gemballa-gt-750-aero-3-sport-design/
  52. https://www.automobilesreview.com/auto-news/gemballa-gt-750-aero-3-sport-exclusive/18799/
  53. https://www.motortrend.com/news/gemballa-avalanche-gtr-650-evor-206-mph-62-mph-in-32-sec-5079/
  54. https://www.motortrend.com/news/gemballa-reveals-new-700hp-porsche-cayenne-tornado-10046/
  55. https://www.gemballa.com/en/products/individualization-packages/gemballa-aero-ii
  56. https://gtspirit.com/2012/06/25/official-gemballa-porsche-cayenne-gt-aero-2/
  57. https://www.gemballa.com/en/products/individualization-packages/gemballa-gt-coupe
  58. https://gtspirit.com/2016/04/25/official-gemballa-gt-mclaren-650s/
  59. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/gemballa-to-field-two-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-cars-in-2012-38151.html
  60. https://www.highmotor.com/en/gemballa-interesa-competicion-mclaren-mp4-12c.html
  61. https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/grand-touring/24-hours-nuerburgring-nordschleife/2012/nuerburgring-nordschleife-_interim-result12_results.html
  62. https://www.adac-motorsport.de/en/adac-gt-masters/news/2025/paddock-radar-from-the-salzburgring/
  63. https://www.racingsportscars.com/suffix/archive/McLaren/MP4-12C/GT3.html
  64. https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/grand-touring/german-gt3/2012-results.html
  65. https://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Nurburgring-2012-05-20.html
  66. https://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/results/Nick-Heidfeld-D.html
  67. https://www.nuerburgring-langstrecken-serie.de/en/2012/04/25/nick-heidfeld-to-contest-his-first-race-at-the-nordschleife/
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