Marc Philipp Gemballa has revealed the MARSIEN GT, a new grand tourer that takes the distinctive MARSIEN concept in a sharper road-going direction.

The new model made its world premiere during Monterey Car Week in California. It follows the original MARSIEN, which debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2021.

However, the two cars have very different priorities. The original MARSIEN blended supercar performance with serious off-road ability. However, by contrast, the MARSIEN GT focuses firmly on tarmac. As a result, it aims to deliver greater precision, stronger road performance and, ultimately, improved everyday usability. Production will also remain extremely exclusive. Marc Philipp Gemballa plans to build only 30 MARSIEN GT examples. That will, therefore, bring total MARSIEN production to just 70 vehicles worldwide. The figure, in turn, honours the 70th anniversary of Uwe Gemballa, Marc Philipp Gemballa’s father and a major figure in the history of Porsche tuning.

From Dakar inspiration to grand touring

The original MARSIEN drew inspiration from the legendary Paris-Dakar rally era. It combined the shape and performance of a modern supercar with the ability to tackle rough terrain.

The MARSIEN GT takes a different route.

It retains the distinctive design language of its predecessor, but its engineering now serves road driving above all else. The result is a more focused grand tourer with a stronger emphasis on speed, precision and comfort.

According to Marc Philipp Gemballa, the project continues the company’s aim of creating modern collector cars with a timeless character.

In other words, the MARSIEN GT is less about crossing deserts and more about devouring miles on fast roads.

A Porsche 992 Turbo S transformed from the ground up

Each MARSIEN GT starts life as a Porsche 992 Turbo S before undergoing an enormous transformation.

Around 1,500 individually engineered and manufactured components form part of the MARSIEN programme. These include not only the carbon-fibre body and suspension, but also the titanium exhaust, lighting, wiring, aerodynamic systems and interior. Together, these elements contribute to the programme’s highly bespoke character.

Therefore, calling the MARSIEN GT a modified Porsche would seriously undersell the work involved.

The company says the transformation required several thousand hours of engineering and design. The result is intended to function as a new collector automobile rather than a simple tuning exercise.

More than 100 carbon-fibre body components

The MARSIEN GT receives a completely new carbon-fibre exterior made from more than 100 individual components.

These parts include:

Air channels

Wing mirrors

Wheel-arch liners

Side panels

A large rear body section extending from the A-pillar to the rear wing

A full carbon-fibre underbody

Every exterior panel has been redesigned. The aim is to reduce weight while improving cooling and aerodynamic performance.

The changes save 75kg compared with the standard Porsche 992 Turbo S. The car also features a central fuel-filling system to help with weight distribution.

Designer Alan Derosier, who created the original MARSIEN’s design, also led the visual concept for the GT.

His work retains the familiar MARSIEN silhouette while giving it a more purposeful road-going stance.

Active aerodynamics add a new dimension

The MARSIEN GT does not rely on styling alone to create its presence.

Its aerodynamic package includes active front-fender louvres and a raised, angled active rear wing. In addition, larger front intakes, a roof scoop, side-skirt air intakes and the carbon-fibre underbody complete the package.

Meanwhile, the active systems use pneumatic actuation. At the front, the louvres release high-pressure air from the wheel housings, helping to reduce front-end lift and turbulence around the wheels.

Meanwhile, the rear wing increases downforce and stability at higher speeds. It can also work as an air brake when required.

The roof scoop has another important role. It draws clean air above the cabin and directs it towards the intercoolers.

Separate ram-air intakes feed the engine. Side-skirt intakes also send fresh air towards the rear wheel arches to assist brake cooling.

RUF gives the MARSIEN GT serious power

Marc Philipp Gemballa has continued its relationship with RUF Automobile for the MARSIEN GT’s powertrain.

The German manufacturer has extensive experience developing high-performance Porsche-based engines. That relationship also has a family connection, as RUF worked with Uwe Gemballa on powertrains for several projects during the 1980s.

The upgraded twin-turbocharged flat-six produces more than 830 horsepower and 930 Nm of torque.

RUF achieves the increase through enhanced variable turbine geometry turbochargers, revised engine mapping and transmission calibration.

There is more to come, too.

A second-stage engine upgrade is already under development. It will produce more than 900 horsepower for customers who want an even stronger performance focus.

The published figures are impressive:

Power: 830 hp

Torque: 930 Nm

0-60 mph: 2.4 seconds

Top speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)

Optional power upgrade: More than 900 hp

A titanium Akrapovič exhaust completes the package

The powertrain receives a bespoke full-titanium quad exhaust system from Akrapovič.

Besides reducing weight, the system gives the MARSIEN GT a distinctive visual identity at the rear. It also complements the more assertive design and RUF-developed engine.

The four-exit arrangement provides a suitably dramatic finishing touch to an already highly individual car.

Suspension tuned for the road

The MARSIEN GT also receives a completely different suspension philosophy from the original MARSIEN.

Marc Philipp Gemballa worked with KW Automotive to develop a new double-wishbone front suspension and road-focused damping system based on KW’s latest DDC V5 technology.

As a result, the electronically controlled dampers constantly adjust compression and rebound. In addition, two electromagnetic valves in each damper control these forces independently.

The system can react within 20 milliseconds.

That should give the MARSIEN GT the sharper response expected from a high-performance road car without sacrificing long-distance comfort.

A front-axle lift system adds further practicality. It raises the nose by 60mm, helping the car clear ramps, driveways and speed bumps.

The standard ride height remains 100mm.

Drivers can also select different driving modes from the steering wheel. The system adjusts the dampers, transmission settings and engine mapping to suit the chosen mode.

Michelin Cup 2 tyres meet lightweight wheels

The MARSIEN GT rides on specially developed six-spoke forged aluminium wheels with centre-locking hubs.

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres provide the contact with the road.

The specified sizes are substantial:

Front: 275/35 ZR20

Rear: 335/30 ZR21

The combination reflects the car’s shift towards high-performance road driving.

A cabin tailored to each collector

The interior follows the same bespoke approach as the exterior.

A raised centre console houses an aluminium gear lever inspired by the legendary Carrera GT. Buyers can also choose an exposed-carbon or mahogany gear knob instead of leather or Alcantara.

The cabin features hand-finished details throughout. Logo stitching appears across areas including the floor mats, headrests and armrests.

Customers can also specify a carbon-fibre interior package. A club-sport roll bar is available as an option and can receive a choice of paint, leather, Alcantara or exposed carbon fibre.

Each car also carries its individual production number within the centre console.

The launch car uses dark-grey Alcantara, carbon-fibre bucket seats and champagne-coloured details that match its exterior paint.

Anniversary Liquid Champagne Gold marks a special occasion

The launch car wears a unique four-layer metallic finish called Anniversary Liquid Champagne Gold.

The colour was created specifically to celebrate Uwe Gemballa’s 70th anniversary. Its pearlescent metallic flakes also provide a subtle link to the pearl-white launch car of the original MARSIEN.

It gives the GT an elegant appearance while reinforcing the significance of this particular chapter in the MARSIEN story.

MARSIEN GT: key specifications

SpecificationMARSIEN GTBase vehiclePorsche 992 Turbo SEngineRUF-upgraded twin-turbo flat-sixDriveAll-wheel drivePower830 hpOptional power900+ hpTorque930 Nm0-60 mph2.4 secondsTop speed205 mph (330 km/h)SuspensionBespoke double-wishbone front / multi-link rearDampersKW DDC road-focused systemGround clearance100mmFront lift60mmWheels20-inch front / 21-inch rearExhaustAkrapovič titanium quad systemProduction30 examplesPrice€770,000 before tax, duties and shipping, excluding base vehicleProduction start2027

Only 30 MARSIEN GTs will be built

Production will begin in 2027, with only 30 examples planned.

The starting price is €770,000 before taxes, duties and shipping, and that figure excludes the Porsche base vehicle.

First deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2027.

That level of exclusivity places the MARSIEN GT firmly in collector-car territory. Each example can also receive a highly personalised specification, giving owners considerable scope to create something genuinely individual.

The next chapter of the MARSIEN story

The MARSIEN GT takes an unusual path in the world of high-performance cars. Its predecessor made headlines by combining supercar performance with off-road ability.

Now, Marc Philipp Gemballa has moved in the opposite direction.

The GT keeps the MARSIEN’s striking identity but concentrates its talents on the road. With more than 830 hp, 930 Nm, active aerodynamics and a highly developed suspension, it promises serious performance.

At the same time, its bespoke cabin and adjustable ride height give it greater usability than its extreme appearance might suggest.

Only 30 collectors will get the opportunity to own one. That scarcity, combined with its extensive engineering changes and RUF powertrain, should make the MARSIEN GT one of the more unusual collector cars to emerge from 2026.

Would you choose the road-focused MARSIEN GT over the original all-terrain MARSIEN? Does 830 hp make this the right balance between supercar performance and grand touring comfort? And, with a €770,000 price before the base Porsche and taxes, would you consider it worth the investment? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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