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MTM & GMG Combine Forces to Create the Ultimate Supercar

Three Audi-Derived 4.2-Liter V8s Power the New Upstart Supercar

So far, the 21st century has been an identical copy of the events in the early 1990s, relating to supercars that is. Just over a decade ago, dozens of car manufacturers started a world-wide horsepower war to see who could create the most powerful and therefore fastest car to grace the road. McLaren took the title in its three-seat F1, while Jaguar entered the party a little late with its XJ220. Even Yamaha had an entry, albeit only in concept. Nevertheless the OX-99, a mid-engined formula 1-like tandem seat car did its job stimulating auto show crowds. In all the excitement Bugatti was resurrected and the quad-turbo all-wheel drive EB110 born.

After an economic recession claimed all but a handful of supercars, the mission to create the fastest vehicle in the world is back on. While

GMG, a new car manufacturer, and MTM have produced the 650 horsepower 360 km/h Apollo supercar. (Photo: GMG/MTM)

America is getting into the game, with Ford having recently introduced the GT40 inspired GT and Chrysler seriously considering going ahead with its outrageously quick ME Four Twelve, Europe has the strongest contingent of supercar builders. Cars from main players such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche continue to entice enthusiasts, but now smaller, independent boutique automakers such as Spyker, Koenigsegg, B. Engineering and Pagani are making a dent. GMG, a new car manufacturer, will attempt to beat all with its 650 horsepower 224 mph Apollo supercar.

While most

The mission to create the fastest vehicle in the world is back on, with smaller independent boutique automakers such as Spyker, Koenigsegg, B. Engineering and Pagani making a splash (Pagani Zonta shown). (Photo: Pagani)

initial reports on the internet claim that the Apollo is a full product of MTM, digging under the surface reveals that while MTM supplied funding and the Audi-derived drivetrain for the vehicle, a good fit being that MTM specializes in high-performance Audi products, GMG built the car.

Three versions of Audis 4.2-liter V8 will be available to power the Apollo, starting with a 360 horsepower version with 354 lb-ft of torque, which according to GMG should be good for a 4.1 second run to 60 mph and a top speed of 180 mph. Mid-level cars see a supercharger bumping power up to 460 horsepower and 440 lb-ft

Portions of the cars door skins have been replaced with translucent panels, and aerofoil mirrors make this a truly one of a kind vehicle. (Photo: GMG/MTM)

of torque, which should propel the car to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with a 185+ mph top speed. The real gem of the range, however, uses MTMs highest-tuned engine, as showcased in their tuned Audi RS6 Plus. The top engines two turbochargers help to pump out 650 horsepower and 597 lb-ft of torque, making the Apollo capable of achieving 60 mph from standstill in an incredibly brief 2.9 seconds, and then topping out at an equally astounding 224 mph.

Aside from GMG and MTM there were several other contributors to the Apollo project, namely the University of Munich and the engineering firm Nitec, which helped to create the chassis and bodywork. The chassis is a highly rigid tubular steel frame that has been strengthened with chrome molybdenum. This rare setup is normally limited

With a tubular steel chassis and pushrod suspension, the Apollo is 90 percent race car. (Photo: GMG/MTM)

to race cars, but due to the Apollos penchant for high speeds the added strength derived from this technology is necessary. Overall, the car measures 4.25 meters in length, with a 6.4 foot width and a 3.6 foot height. Its wheelbase is 8.9 feet. A comparison to its competitors shows that the Apollo is smaller, with the closest in size being the new Lamborghini Gallardo. Still, even the Gallardo is longer by a fair bit.

But lack of size isnt the only reason it lacks mass. The Apollo is one of few cars that offer an option of bodyshell material. It can be order in GRP, which is reinforced fiberglass resin, or carbon fiber. Both choices are light in weight and strong, however, the carbon fiber reigns supreme in lightness and strength. GRP, of course, wins when it comes to price. The layout of construction and the materials used is what allows the Apollo to be so quick. With motor and interior appointment included

The blade-like rear spoiler can provide up to 1,300 pounds of downforce to the rear end. (Photo: GMG/MTM)

the car still weighs less than 2,200 pounds.

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