[Auto-Moto] This 740-HP Porsche 911 Turbo–Based Marsien Is a Supercar for Beyond the Pavement

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https://www.motortrend.com/news/marc-phillip-gembala-marsien-porsche-911-turbo-project

 

 

Designed for the desert, only 40 of these are being made by Marc Philipp Gemballa.

 

 

Marc Philipp Gemballa, the son of late Uwe Gemballa, has founded a new Porsche tuning company and is launching his first creation, a modified off-road supercar. Inspired by the Porsche 959 from the 1980s Paris-Dakar rallies and based on the 992-generation 911 Turbo S, it's called the "Marsien" and it will be limited to 40 units. Described as a hybrid combining modern sports car performance with everyday utility and off-road capabilities, the Marsien has a futuristic design and features cutting-edge tech. The 27-year-old Gemballa spent two years developing the car, which he first named Project Sandbox, aiming for a vehicle capable of hitting dirt roads and devouring epic dunes.

 

The young entrepreneur enlisted designer and Porsche hobbyist Alan Derosier to carry out the design. The muscular-looking body is made entirely from carbon fiber. Notable components include the massive integrated rear wing, large vents, and bespoke titanium exhaust system. German enterprise RUF tuned the twin-turbo flat-six, which generates 740 hp and 685 lb-ft of torque. For those who find that a 740-horsepower desert runner needs more power, a second stage upgrade by RUF increases output to 818 ponies. In terms of performance, the company says the 911 Turbo-based Marsien can make a run from 0 to 62 mph in as little as 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph when equipped with road tires.

 

The lightweight and well-engineered desert supercar has an updated suspension by KW automotive, including a newly developed double-wishbone front suspension, an active damper control, and a hydraulic lift system. With the press of a button, drivers can adjust the ride height from the standard 4.7 inches to 9.8 inches for handling more challenging terrain. Each model will come with two sets of forged aluminum wheels sporting Michelin tires, a high-performance set for road use, and another with all-terrain rubber for off-roading mayhem.

 

And for those daredevils seeking the ultimate off-road experience at the sacrifice of road usability, there is an optional rally-spec package. This option enhances suspension travel and increases ground clearance to a fixed ride height. The standard exterior paint for the launch edition model is pearl white with metallic flakes and an additional protection layer via ceramic coating. On request, buyers can specify the paint color or go for a fully exposed carbon fiber body. Take a peek inside, and you won't be disappointed. The Carrera GT-inspired interior features a custom lifted center console and specially designed bucket seats with carbon fiber trim. Customers get to choose between full leather or Alcantara upholstery and can also opt for full customization. Other interior details that stick out are the carbon fiber door sills with bright yellow entry guards and GT-style door lashes.

 

The company will only produce 40 examples of the Marsien, including 10 exclusive launch edition models. Marc Philipp Gemballa claims that more than half of the small series production has already sold out. When converted to USD, each build starts at approximately $ 583,000, excluding the (not cheap) 911 Turbo S donor car. At this price range, you better be driving something special, and by the looks of it, the Marsien promises just that.