Wiesmann at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Tom Sharpe

First Official Pictures

18 September 2009 14:25

German sports car manufacturer Wiesmann chose the 2009 Frankfurt motor show to unveil its BMW M5-engined Roadster MF5.

Yes - there's been no special tuning or trickery here. With the same 500bhp 5.0-litre V10 as an M5 Wiesmann likens the Roadster MF5 to a wild animal. And while it weighs little more than a well-fed heffer (at 1395kg) it certainly has the potential to display a predatory instinct out on the road - the 0-62mph sprint is completed in 3.9 seconds, before it roars on to a 193mph top speed.

It is, and a glimpse into the interior of the Wiesmann Roadster MF5 is enough to convince you of the bespoke quailty. With the exception of the paddle-shifters from the BMW-sourced seven-speed SMG sequential gearbox (which nestle neatly behind the steering wheel) the appearance is every bit the low-volume, hand-crafted sports car, even if you might baulk at the red leather, red suede and £168,790 asking price.

Determined to maintain its reputation for exclusivity and individuality, Wiesmann will only be producing 55 examples, so unless you get your order in quickly, this Frankfurt show car might be the only MF5 you'll ever see.

By Tom Sharpe