Wiesmann MF5 Tributo Makes a Surprise Gas-Powered Return at Monterey
The German sports car maker is bringing its resurrected MF5 to Pebble Beach with a likely BMW V8 – here's what that means for enthusiasts.
What is the Wiesmann MF5 Tributo?
The MF5 Tributo is a new hand-built sports car from Wiesmann Sports Cars, reviving the MF5 nameplate that ended when the company went bankrupt in 2013. The Tributo runs on gasoline, a deliberate shift from Wiesmann's recent electric push with Project Thunderball. Wiesmann has not released official specifications, but it says the car 'comes alive on the roads that lead there,' implying a focus on driving dynamics over static display. The Tributo will appear at Monterey Car Week, though it's not on any official event schedule. The company has confirmed it's based on the existing MF5, meaning enthusiasts can expect a lightweight, driver-focused package. With its hand-built construction and combustion engine, the Tributo reads as a nostalgic counter to the EV era. It's a direct descendant of a car praised for its balance and engagement, and Wiesmann is betting that heritage matters. The name Tributo suggests an homage, and the lack of technical details heightens the intrigue.
What engine will the MF5 Tributo use?
Wiesmann hasn't confirmed the engine, but the clues point to BMW's S68 V8. The original MF5 used BMW M's 5.0-liter V10 rated at 500 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic. That V10, called the S85, was BMW's first and only production 10-cylinder, and it hasn't been built since 2010. Wiesmann later offered the MF5 GT with the S63 V8, which produced 547 horsepower. BMW's current S68, a close relative of the S63, makes up to 626 horsepower in the Land Rover Defender Octa – an engine that would fit perfectly in the Tributo's lightweight chassis. Given that the S85 is long out of production, a modern BMW V8 is the most logical replacement. The Tributo could also use the older S63, but the S68's higher output and current availability make it the likely choice.
How fast will the MF5 Tributo be?
No official performance figures have been released, but the original MF5 gives a baseline: it sprinted from 0 to 62 mph in under four seconds and reached a top speed above 190 mph. That was with 500 horsepower in a car weighing about 3,000 pounds. The Tributo, if it uses the S68 V8 with 626 horsepower, would be significantly quicker. Wiesmann also says it wants the car to corner 'with more grip than a gecko,' pointing to serious handling capabilities. The original's light weight suggests the new hand-built car will stay near 3,000 pounds, so the added power will translate directly to performance. Until Wiesmann releases official numbers, the original's metrics and the expected engine output are the best benchmarks.
Why is Wiesmann bringing the MF5 Tributo to Monterey Car Week?
Monterey Car Week is a magnet for wealthy car enthusiasts, and Wiesmann wants that audience. The MF5 Tributo isn't on any official schedule – the company says 'no stage needed' – meaning it will simply be driven on the roads around Pebble Beach and The Quail. That approach lets the car speak for itself in its natural environment, rather than sitting on a lawn. The week culminates with The Quail and the Concours d'Elegance, attracting the exact buyers Wiesmann needs. By showing up unannounced, the company generates buzz and aligns itself with the analog, driver-focused machines that dominate the event. It's a low-cost, high-impact marketing move, and a clear sign that Wiesmann is ready to sell again. The surprise appearance after years of silence underscores the shift in the luxury car market, where small makers race to court the ultra-rich.
How rare is the original MF5?
The original MF5 is genuinely scarce: Wiesmann built fewer than 200 examples between 2008 and 2013, when the company ceased operations. That low production number makes the car a collector's item and explains why the Tributo carries such nostalgic weight. The MF5 was available as both a coupe and a roadster, and it used BMW's 5.0-liter V10 – a powertrain that is itself rare, as BMW never made another production V10 after the S85. The combination of a tiny production run and a stand-out engine has kept the MF5 in the conversation long after Wiesmann disappeared. Now, the Tributo aims to capitalize on that legacy, offering a modern take with a similar formula. For anyone who missed the original, this is a second chance.
What happened to Wiesmann's electric Thunderball?
Project Thunderball, Wiesmann's first electric car, was revealed in early 2022, and the company quickly sold out the first year of planned production. But the project has been repeatedly delayed, and as of four years after the reveal, there is no confirmation that any customer cars have been delivered. That uncertainty likely pushed Wiesmann to develop the gasoline-powered MF5 Tributo as a more reliable path to production. An old-school combustion car avoids the battery supply and software issues that have plagued the Thunderball. It also taps into a proven market – enthusiasts who want a lightweight, loud, engaging sports car. The Tributo's appearance at Monterey Car Week suggests Wiesmann is prioritizing the combustion car over its electric ambitions, at least for now. The company hasn't said whether the Thunderball is still on track, but the Tributo's rapid development – from silent tease to car week debut – indicates where its energy lies.