Racetech official UK distributor of Gumpert Apollo

Racetech UK has been appointed the exclusive UK distributor for the awesome German supercar, the Gumpert Apollo, which will make its UK debut at Brands Hatch on 29 August (2007).

The amazing Apollo boasts a bi-turbo 4.2-litre V8 engine delivering 650bhp and maximum torque of 627lb ft at 4,500rpm and hits 62mph from rest in a staggering 3.0 seconds. Even more incredibly, it accelerates from standstill to 124mph in 8.9 seconds! A very seriously fast machine, the Apollo has a top speed of 224mph.

But for those who want to travel even faster, 700 and 800bhp outputs are available. The awesome 800bhp version even sports a superior power-to-weight ratio than that of the iconic McLaren F1 supercar. Equally impressive, despite its eagerness to serve up maximum performance and ultimate acceleration, the Apollo’s V8 engine is also perfectly suited to day-to-day driving at lower speeds.

The Gumpert Apollo is a performance-oriented, purist super sports car. A perfect synthesis of form and function, with no compromises, its aesthetic shape symbolises power, dynamism and sporting capability. Its silhouette, which has been honed during numerous tests in the wind channel, reflects its above-average performance capability.

Andrew Ward, Director of Racetech UK comments: “The Apollo is such a phenomenal car and is sure to make a lasting impression. It’s a great opportunity for Racetech UK as the official distributor for the car. And we’re very excited to show everyone the true potential of the Apollo at our track-day launch at Brands Hatch on 29th August 2007.”

The Apollo is an exciting, striking vision. It leaves a lasting impression on anyone who sees it and the ‘entry-level’ road-legal super sports car not only provides amazing performance but does so at great value for money for a car in this exclusive class. The base price for the 650bhp Apollo is £215,000 on-the-road.

For the first time in a road vehicle, the Apollo's design concept comprises a racing car's construction: The base -- and symbolic backbone -- of the Apollo consists a round tube frame made of top-quality and highly-stable chrome-molybdenum-steel with an integrated monocoque safety cell made of high quality carbon-fibre.

The construction is so effective, torsion-resistant and non-elastic, and it has such high grade crash properties, that it has already been homologised for use in a variety of racing series by the German Motor Sports Association (DMSB) and the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA).

It satisfies the high requirements for front and side crash situations in motor sports and, of course, all of the requirements outlined by the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations. To further improve the passive safety, a crashbox has been integrated into the front section of the Apollo -- just like in Formula One racecars. Consequently, the Apollo achieves racing safety standards for the road.

Low weight was a top priority, and has been achieved by only using high-tech materials. For instance, both the monocoque and the integrated instrument panel are made of carbon-fibre. All fibre compound parts directly reflect the exclusivity of the carbon material and form an elegant unit with the monocoque safety cell.

The seats are also integrated into the monocoque. The driver’s seat position is individually set for every customer with padding, upholstery, adjustable pedals and the steering column all optimised. The Apollo is a ‘made-to-measure’ sports car and, in line with this principle, customers can design the interior to meet their preferences -- either pure performance or unashamed luxury.

For those who prefer the performance-oriented version, less is more. Increased comfort means more weight, resulting in a touch less performance. Those looking for a little more comfort may prefer top quality leather seats with a full leather instrument panel that includes an eye-catching centrally-positioned rev-counter.

The air conditioning system guarantees the perfect interior temperature when travelling. The high-end navigation system with DVD player and sound system helps you get from A to B while delivering in-car entertainment. The rearward facing camera integral to the system helps the driver when reversing -- or simply shows you how quickly overtaken cars disappear from view!

The Apollo began development five years ago in Altenburg, Germany, and went into full production at the end of 2005. Roland Gumpert, managing director and the driving force behind Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH, is well known to experts within the motor sport sector. In the mid-1970s, the long-standing Audi Sport Director was the driving force behind the development of the four-wheel drive vehicle ‘Iltis’ -- the original predecessor of today's ‘quattro’. In 1979 he prepared an Iltis for the Paris-Dakar rally and achieved victory. Under his management in the following years Audi Sport won a total of 25 World Rally Championship races and was the 4-times winner of the World Rally Championship.

Roland Gumpert's professional success has been marked not only by his unswerving passion, but also by his ability to effectively and successfully combine innovative ideas and proven technology with a future-oriented attitude -- qualities he has endowed upon the Gumpert Apollo.

Success in motorsport is a defined goal for Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur. In March 2005, the Apollo met homologation for the French GT-Series (FFSA) and finished third place in its race debut at the German Hockenheimring, entering the DIVINOL-Cup and competing against 40 other cars.

Gumpert is also in the final stages of homologating the Apollo as a race car according to FIA GT1 and ACO regulations. A Le Mans success is the ultimate -- and very likely achievable -- goal; and by 2008 the company’s production is planned to rise to 60 cars per year.

Online motoring and lifestyle magazine MotorBar.com, with the co-operation of Gumpert’s official UK distributor Racetech UK, has secured “the drive of your life” for one very lucky winner at the electrifying and exclusive track-day launch event at Kent’s Brands Hatch racing circuit.

Entry into the competition is subject to a minimum £1 online donation to Demelza Hospice Care for Children (demelza.org.uk) which guarantees you an entry into the draw. Everything you donate will be used to help the children who rely on the support and encouragement of Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

Demelza Hospice Care for Children already enjoys the support of a number of celebrities, including double World Champion — on two wheels and four — John Surtees, who is happy to add his support to raising funds for Demelza. The charity relies on public generosity to survive and provides hospice care for over 450 children with life-limiting illnesses. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) says: "Demelza is a fantastic charity. I support it, why don't you?"

The competition closes at midnight on Friday 24th August 2007. Full details and entry information is online at motorbar.com.