Germany's Wiesmann sells out of first run of Thunderball electric sportster

BERLIN: German boutique sports car manufacturer Wiesmann reports that the first run of its ground-breaking Thunderball electric sports car has sold out.

Prices start from €300,000 (RM1.4mil), with the first customer deliveries due in 2024. The exact number of the retro-styled cars being made has not been disclosed and the figure is likely to be in double rather than treble figures.

The news marks another milestone in the remarkable comeback of Wiesmann, which was was closed in 2014 after running out of money to pay its debts. The company was later bought out by current CEO Roheen Berry.

Featuring a classic two-seat, rear-wheel drive layout and lightweight carbon fibre construction, the Thunderball has twin electric motors. They provide 500kW (680hp) and 1,100 Nm of torque to deliver mid-bending 0-100kph acceleration of just 2.9 seconds.

"We are all extremely proud that Project Thunderball – the car which heralds the return of the storied Wiesmann brand – should resonate so strongly with driving enthusiasts from around the world", said Berry in a statement.

The Thunderball shares its name with one of the most successful James Bond films ever made, although it is worth pointing out that fictional agent 007 never drove a Wiesmann. His regular "company" car is still an Aston Martin.