HISTORY

Since 1981, the name GEMBALLA has been synonymous with bespoke tuned cars based on Porsche vehicles. Prior to that, the firm worked on a small handful of other premium brands by special request.

In the ensuing years, innovative milestones were laid down by GEMBALLA, whose visionary ideas set the tone for the burgeoning luxury car personalisation industry. No other name is so strongly linked to the early days of aftermarket tuning, particularly working on Porsche vehicles.

During the 40-year history of GEMBALLA, the standard for an entire industry was in many ways set by this company, particularly in the areas of design, aerodynamics and performance. 

Latterly, new model designations like MISTRALE, TORNADO, AERO, and GT have joined the legendary AVALANCHE and MIRAGE, and are also instantly recognised by car enthusiasts all over the world. Their common bond is GEMBALLA, and their birthplace is the town of Leonberg, near Stuttgart.

The original company was founded to carry out bespoke interior modifications for BMW and Porsche models, using state-of-the-art audio and video equipment, electronic instruments. Craftsmen undertook complete leather interior re-trims and special one-off tailored solutions. 

As work began to flood in, the GEMBALLA name was officially registered and promoted. This year also marked the debut of complete aerodynamic programmes for the Porsche 911, 924, 928 models. Other significant ground was broken with the first complete GEMBALLA vehicles, development of a flat-nose design for the 911, and the first interior trim project on a Mercedes-Benz, carried out for AMG in Affalterbach. 

First application of LED instruments. 

In-house development and first use of a remote control for the main functions of the audio system are integrated into the steering wheel. 

Debut of the iconic GEMBALLA AVALANCHE and CYRRUS (Convertible). These complete cars based on the Porsche 911/930 propelled GEMBALLA to world fame. Exclusive interior conversions for Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari models found many enthusiastic customers, mainly in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. 

First use of rearward facing cameras linked to a TV screen. Replacing the door mirrors, this system was regarded as highly innovative in its time.

Requests for development work from the automotive industry; especially for interior upgrades and special equipment installations. Companies such as BMW Individual and AMG beat a path to GEMBALLA’s door. 

Development and production of the first 964 ‘Turbo-look’ cars, leading to the complete GEMBALLA aerodynamic and technology programmes for the 964 and 965 models. Special requests from specific countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, resulted in GEMBALLA carrying out development work on uprated air conditioning systems, and the bespoke installation of multi-media systems, fax machines and other specialist equipment.

Production of aerodynamic aids for the Porsche 964 range.

Debut of aerodynamic and technology packages for the Porsche 993. Development of the first twin-turbo engine conversion.

Development of the GEMBALLA Extremo, promotional vehicle for tyre manufacturer Fulda. The retail price of this vehicle was one million DM.

Debut of aerodynamic and technology packages for the Porsche 996. Move to the current business premises at Mollenbach Strasse 17, Leonberg on 1st August 1998. 

Interior and technology packages for the Porsche Boxster.

Presentation of the Porsche 996-based GEMBALLA GTR.

Twin-turbo engines for the Porsche Boxster S and GT3. Lightweight programme for the Porsche 996. 

Debut of the GEMBALLA GTR 600 convertible based on the Porsche 996 Turbo. The innovative butterfly hinged doors created huge interest.

The 600hp GEMBALLA GTR 600-R, based on the Porsche 996 GT3, snatches several important accolades. The most prominent are the GT Class trophy in the Sport Auto Tuner Grand Prix at Hockenheim, and the Nürburgring Nordschleife record for street-legal vehicles, with an officially timed 7 min 32.5 sec lap.

Following the launch of Porsche’s first SUV, the Cayenne 955, GEMBALLA develops the AERO III, which quickly becomes a bestseller. Tuning of the twin-turbo motor eventually reaches an amazing 750hp. Inside, GEMBALLA fits TV and video systems with an integrated multimedia media head unit as well as individual leather trimmed sports seats in the rear. 

GEMBALLA turbocharges the Porsche 997 Carrera S to create the GTR 650 AVALANCHE. With 650hp and 820Nm of torque, this car reaches 200km/h in just 11.2 seconds, and tops out at 335 km/h, making it one of the fastest GEMBALLA cars ever. 

The first MIRAGE GT is presented to the international press. This strictly limited edition GEMBALLA interpretation of the Porsche Carrera GT becomes an instant legend. Boosted to 670hp with 630 Nm of torque, its spine-tingling V10 motor catapults the MIRAGE GT to a top speed of over 335 km/h. 

The first TORNADO, based on the Porsche 957 Cayenne Turbo, arrives. The full carbon-fibre wide-body design with its distinctive front creates a stir. Significant modifications to the Cayenne’s twin-turbo motor deliver enormous performance gains. With 750 hp at 6,400 rpm and 1,050 Nm of torque at 3200 RPM, the big, heavy TORNADO rockets to 100 km/h in a supercar baiting 4.3 seconds, and on to 300 km/h. 

The AVALANCHE GTR 670 EVO-R based on the Porsche 997 Turbo boasts 670hp and 930Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time. Capable of reaching 100 km/h in 3.0 sec, it is also one of the fastest. The aerodynamic package features large air intakes in the new front bumper and rear wheel arches, and outlets on the leading edge of the bonnet and aft of the wheel arches. With its deep front spoiler and two-stage adjustable carbon-fibre rear wing, the Carrera GT-inspired AVALANCHE looks perfectly at home on the starting grid of a racetrack. 

On behalf of Middle Eastern clients, GEMBALLA builds the ultra exclusive MIG-U1, based on the legendary Ferrari Enzo. Underpinning its tuned 700hp V12 engine, the MIG-U1 benefits from a 35kg weight saving attained through the extensive use of carbon-fibre components. Enhanced aerodynamics creates more downforce for improved stability at speeds of up to 355 km/h. The GEMBALLA MIG-U1 quickly became a legend, and car spotters track this very unique supercar whenever it shows itself in Europe and the UAE. Total production is limited to just five vehicles.

Announcement of the carbon-fibre bodied TORNADO, based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (958). 

Debut of the TORNADO "30th Anniversary" based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and the MISTRALE "30th Anniversary" based on the Porsche Panamera. These two all-new models wowed the press and clients alike at Top Marques Monaco and the Dubai Motor Show. The idea of using carbon-fibre replacement body panels to significantly reduce the weight of large vehicles that start at over two tons is a real novelty. The depth and breadth of modifications, and the resulting performance of these cars still unmatched today. 

GEMBALLA presents the GEMBALLA GT based the Porsche 991 Carrera, and the AERO 1 based on the Porsche Cayenne (958). Celebrating their premiere at the Geneva Motor Show these cars are hailed by the press and clients alike as representing the new ‘elegant’ GEMBALLA identity. GEMBALLA announced the expansion of its portfolio to include the McLaren MP4-12C supercar, since renamed McLaren 12C. The GEMBALLA GT aerodynamic package includes front and rear bumpers and side skirts made from carbon-fibre, and ultra light forged alloy wheels that support the lightweight philosophy embraced by both manufacturers. 

The AERO II, based on the Porsche Cayenne (958) is GEMBALLA’s latest version of the AERO family. At the Geneva Motor Show, GEMBALLA presented the GT Spider, their interpretation of the McLaren 12C Spider. The company is now focused on the successor to the legendary AVALANCHE, based on the Porsche 991 Turbo. A third generation MIRAGE, based on the Porsche 918 Spyder, is also in the offing. Whether it wears the GT, TORNADO, MISTRALE or any of our other famous labels, a GEMBALLA car is part of an established marque whose cars are internationally admired and even held in awe. And thanks to the same level of commitment to precision in every detail, the same applies to individual components from this world famous brand. Every member of the GEMBALLA team holds the twin torches of fascination and passion for their work. Each and every one of these highly motivated individuals is a car enthusiast at heart, who passionately believes in what he or she is doing. Thus, while GEMBALLA is still a small to medium-sized company, it is able to punch well beyond its weight. Within the framework of the company‘s growth strategy across national and international markets, GEMBALLA is actively looking for team players who share the vision and passion, and with whom the company can also share its future success. 

Development of 750 HP (552 kW) and 1,055 Nm performance upgrade kits for Porsche 958 Cayenne and Porsche 970 Panamera model lines. Top Speed record on Nardo Racetrack with 338,8 km/h performed by the GEMBALLA GTP 700 based on Porsche 970 Panamera.

Development of performance upgrade kits for the McLaren 12C and 650S model lines with a power gain of 125 HP (92 kW) and 140 Nm

Development of performance upgrade kits for the Porsche 991 Turbo / Turbo S model lines with a power gain of 180 HP (132 kW) and 270 Nm.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the AVALANCHE, GEMBALLA presents the highly acclaimed GEMBALLA AVALANCHE in its 3rd generation based on Porsche 991 Turbo / Turbo S as a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2017. 

Introduction of the new aerodynamic package for the Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S model lines. GEMBALLA’s debut with the GEMBALLA GT Concept on the Sema Motor Show 2017 attracted attention well across and beyond the USA.

Introduction of the new aerodynamic package for the Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S model lines and the accompanying engine performance upgrade GTR 8XX.

Introduction of the new aerodynamic package for the Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S model lines and the accompanying performance upgrade GTR 8XX. Exclusive USA launch on 20th of March, 2019.