From Generators to Supercars: Robert Spiess' Foray into High-Speed Innovation
Rare ONES - In the thrilling world of supercars, innovation knows no bounds. Beyond the giants of the automotive industry, even individuals can etch their legacy in this exclusive realm. Meet Robert Spiess, a German entrepreneur, and former managing director until 2008 of Metallwarenfabrik Gemmingen GmbH—a company specializing in manufacturing components for electrical mechanical engineering, generators, and power generation systems. In 1992, Spiess made a bold foray into the supercar arena with the introduction of the Spiess TC522.
The Spiess TC522's design, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Corvette C5, and the later Porsche Carrera GT, featured large side inlets and air dams, hinting at the innovative engineering beneath its carbon fiber rear bonnet. (Picture from: Spiess on Facebook)
As documented by Cartefacts, Spiess embarked on this supercar venture around 1991. Collaborating with former Mercedes-AMG engineer Karl-Heinz Knapp, the duo aimed to create a pioneering all-carbon composite sports GT car. The TC522's design, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Corvette C5, and the laterPorsche Carrera GT, showcased sleek and slung bodywork with prominent side inlets and air dams, providing a glimpse of the innovative engineering concealed beneath its carbon fiber rear bonnet.
The Spiess TC522 built by Robert Spiess in collaboration with a former Mercedes-AMG engineer Karl-Heinz Knapp, and first unveiled in the IAA 1992. (Picture from: FotoCommunity.de)
Shifting focus to the supercar's powertrain, Spiess collaborated with Callaway, drawing from their experience in the twin-turbo Corvette program for GM. The specifications were ambitious, with full compliance with EC regulations, 600 bhp of power / 600 lb-ft of torque, bespoke configuration, and stringent production quality control. The result was a sleek package featuring a unique intake manifold, twin AiResearch turbochargers, and specially cast exhaust manifolds.
The Spiess TC522 showcased a self-supporting monocoque made of CFRP, on a carbon fiber chassis. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on Twitter)
Despite reports of a failed contract agreement with Callaway, the car achieved all its technical objectives with a ferocious twin-turbo 5,670cc V8. With an engine of such caliber, the Spiess TC522 is anticipated to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under 4 seconds, reaching an impressive top speed of 190 mph.
The Spiess TC522 is planned to be powered by a ferocious twin-turbo 5,670cc V8 drivetrain. (Picture from: Spiess on Facebook)
Debuting at the IAA 1992, the TC522 showcased a self-supporting monocoque made of CFRP, on a carbon fiber chassis, including innovative features such an innovative safety steering of 6+1 steering wheel inching gear, ABS+ASR, coupled with a rear camera.
The Spiess TC522 also has innovative features such an innovative safety steering of 6+1 steering wheel inching gear, ABS+ASR, coupled with a rear camera. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Initially, plans were ambitious, aiming to manufacture 100 units with a starting price of ℳ500,000 (around €255,000), later revised to ℳ870,000 (around €445,000). However, due to lackluster demand and soaring costs, the project met an untimely demise, leaving behind only one fully assembled car and a dummy body.
Unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, the Spiess C522, now featuring a fresh blue paint job, shared the spotlight with the silver-painted Spiess TC522. (Picture from: CarPassion)
Fast forward to the 1997 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, where the Spiess TC522, adorned in silver paint, took center stage once again. Joining it was the Spiess C522, sporting a new blue paint job, and slated for production by Spiess Fahrzeugbau in Wolfratshausen near Munich.
The Spiess C522, while less powerful, boasts a formidable naturally aspirated DOHC 5,670cc V8 from the Corvette C5 and comes with a more budget-friendly price compared to the TC522. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
The C522, though less powerful with a formidable natural aspirated DOHC 5,670cc V8 of Corvette C5, and priced lower than the TC522, faced a similar fate. Despite plans for 20 units, including a kit car model S522, production dreams were dashed, leaving the C522 as another prototype meeting its end like its predecessor.😔
The current whereabouts of both the TC522 and C522 remain elusive, with scant information, pictures, and a brochure as remnants of their existence. We invite anyone with information related to these supercars to share it through the comments section below, contributing to the unraveling of these automotive mysterious legacy. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 1992 SPIESS TC522 PROTOTYPE | CALLAWAYCARS | CALLAWAYOWNERGROUP | CARTEFACTS | AUTOPIONEER.DE | TOPCARRATING | OBSCURESUPERCAR | ALLCARINDEX | AUTA5P.EU | FOTOCOMMUNITY.DE | SUPERCARS.NET | CARPASSION ]
