Gumpert Apollo and Apollo IE review! Plus £22k used practical performance cars and the one that got away

In EV context, “range” means how many miles (or kilometers) the car can drive on a full battery charge. It’s strongly affected by driving style, speed, temperature, and route, so the hosts compare optimistic “between charges” figures to a more realistic estimate.

“Motorway miles” refers to driving on high-speed highways (motorways), which usually increases energy consumption for EVs compared with slower city driving. That’s why range estimates can vary a lot depending on whether you’re doing mostly motorway versus stop-and-go driving.

An “eco-focused version” of an EV is tuned to maximize efficiency and reduce energy use. That often means smaller wheels/tires, less aerodynamic drag, and sometimes fewer comfort features to keep the battery from being drained as quickly.

Smaller wheels can improve EV efficiency because they typically reduce rolling resistance and can allow more tire sidewall compliance. In practice, that can help the car travel farther per charge, especially at highway speeds where energy use matters.

Skoda is a car brand known for offering practical, value-oriented models—often with a focus on features per pound rather than luxury or image. In the segment, the host uses “the Skoda approach” as shorthand for buying what gives the most everyday value without overthinking it.

Dacia is a budget-focused car brand associated with low purchase prices and “just get you there” practicality. The host contrasts that mindset with EVs that are expensive, implying the appeal is maximizing value and minimizing fuss.

Charging speed is how fast an EV can add energy to its battery, usually measured in kilowatts (kW). Higher charging speed generally means shorter stops, though the car may slow down as the battery fills.

320 kilowatts is the maximum power level of the charger they’re discussing. In practical terms, it’s what enables fast charging times like going from 10% to 80% relatively quickly.

“10 to 80% in 22 minutes” is a common EV fast-charging benchmark because charging is usually quickest in the lower-to-mid state of charge. The last 20% often takes longer as the battery management system reduces charging power to protect the cells.

This is using EV “range” as a planning tool: if the car’s rated range is around 500 miles, then 80% of that is treated as the usable distance before you need to charge again. It highlights how people estimate real-world trip legs rather than charging to 100%.

EV stands for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered primarily by an electric motor and battery rather than a gasoline engine. In this segment, the hosts are evaluating EV usability and real-world range.

Mercedes is the luxury car brand being discussed here, specifically in relation to how its interiors have been perceived in “recent years.” The hosts are contrasting EV usability/range with brand-specific concerns about cabin build quality and materials.

“Shooting break” is a car body style that blends a coupe’s sloping roofline with the practicality of a wagon. The hosts mention it affects boot space because the rear roofline is more slanted, which is typical of this style.

“Digital displays” refers to dashboard and infotainment screens replacing traditional analog gauges. Here, the hosts say the Apollo IE’s cabin uses configurable screen options, and if you don’t choose a specific optional passenger screen, you may get a blank panel instead.

“Merck” is mentioned in the context of screens, implying the display supplier or screen technology brand. The hosts say the screens are “pretty decent,” but the transcript doesn’t provide enough detail to confirm the exact supplier or model.

Augmented reality (AR) overlays computer-generated graphics—like arrows or labels—on top of the live camera view or map view. In a sat-nav context, it can make turn guidance easier to interpret in complex or confusing road situations.

Sat-nav is short for satellite navigation, using GPS to show your position and provide route guidance. The speaker is specifically talking about how AR-enhanced sat-nav can be more helpful when you’re in a tricky driving situation.

Volkswagen is a major car brand known for mainstream, mass-market interior design choices. Here it’s mentioned as an example of a manufacturer that has moved away from certain window-switch layouts, implying the speaker dislikes the cost-cutting feel.

An infotainment system is the car’s integrated touchscreen/controls for media, phone connectivity, and many vehicle settings. In this segment, the host criticizes using the infotainment screen for climate control instead of having dedicated physical buttons.

Climate control is the system that manages cabin temperature and airflow (often including fan speed and temperature setpoints). The speaker complains that, unlike older cars, this car doesn’t use physical buttons for it, forcing you to tap through the infotainment screen.

Physical buttons are dedicated, tactile controls you can operate without looking. The host’s point is that removing them for climate functions and relying on screen taps can feel cheaper and less intuitive, especially while driving or when kids are using the car.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a four-door “coupe-style” sedan that blends a sporty look with real everyday usability. It’s discussed in this episode because the speaker references finding a CLS with a large V8 for a lower price than expected. That makes it relevant to buyers comparing value and performance within the CLS lineup.

The “financial crash” here refers to the post-2008 global financial crisis era. The hosts use it to explain the timeline of Gumpert’s Apollo program and how the brand/company persisted for a few years after the crash. That context matters because it helps explain why these cars are tied to a specific mid-to-late-2000s period.

This segment sets up the review logistics: editor Nick sent the host to drive both the Gumpert Apollo and the Apollo IE. It’s a structural setup for the episode’s comparison and impressions. Listeners can expect the next part to focus on how each car drives.

“Mr. Hammond” refers to Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond, who is mentioned as having driven the original Gumpert Apollo on a famous TV segment. That kind of mainstream exposure is part of why the Apollo became widely known among enthusiasts.

Downforce is the downward aerodynamic force that pushes a car toward the road at speed. More downforce improves grip for cornering, which is why the host calls the Gumpert Apollo a “pure downforce monster” and describes it as track-leaning.

A twin-turbo V8 uses two turbochargers to force more air into a V8 engine, allowing it to make more power than a naturally aspirated version. Here, the host ties the “twin-turbo V8” directly to the Gumpert Apollo’s character as a very track-leaning, high-output machine.

The Audi V8 referenced in the episode is a 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 setup, described as being modified with twin turbos. It’s brought up in the context of how it sounds and performs, including a comparison to other engines discussed on the show. The key point is that it’s an Audi V8 configuration with forced induction.

The Noble M400 is a British track-oriented sports car, and the host uses it as a visual/character comparison point. By saying it would be the “most extreme M400 ever” if Noble made one, they’re emphasizing how aggressive and aero-focused the Gumpert Apollo looks compared with typical supercars.

“Aero” is short for aerodynamics: how air flows around a car. When a car is “tuned for aero,” it usually means the body shape and wings are designed to create downforce and stability at speed, often at the expense of road comfort.

GT1 refers to a top-level grand touring race class that existed in the 1990s, where manufacturers built very fast, aero-heavy cars for endurance racing. Mentioning “inspired by GT1 of the 90s” signals that the design philosophy borrows from that era’s track-focused, downforce-driven approach.

The Apollo Intenza Immozione is a track-focused supercar from Apollo, built around extreme styling and aero-inspired design cues. In this segment, the hosts contrast it with earlier Apollo models and emphasize how visually aggressive it is, even before discussing its legality.

The Ferrari LaFerrari is a limited-production, high-performance hybrid supercar built for extreme performance and advanced technology. It’s often discussed because it represents Ferrari’s top-tier engineering and is rare enough to be a major talking point when it appears. In the episode, it’s compared to another striking supercar and described as something the speaker hasn’t seen before.

“Not road legal” means the car isn’t approved for public-road driving under the relevant regulations. Track-only cars often lack required equipment for road use (like certain lighting, emissions compliance, and safety features), which is why the hosts frame it as a track car rather than a street car.

Side air intakes are openings in the bodywork that pull air in for cooling (commonly for radiators, brakes, or other heat exchangers). The mention of a “layer separating the shroud of the intake with the actual bodywork” points to how the Apollo’s intake design is integrated into its aero package, not just functional vents.

Canards are small aerodynamic fins mounted on the body (often near the front) to help manage airflow. On a track-focused car like the Gumpert Apollo, they’re used to generate downforce and improve stability by shaping how air flows around the front end.

A barge board is an aerodynamic panel (often seen along the sides near the front wheels) designed to guide airflow and reduce turbulence. The hosts’ “barge board in front of the… in a barge board” comment highlights how the Apollo’s bodywork uses multiple layers of aero surfaces to control airflow.

Goodwood is a well-known British motorsport and car event venue where manufacturers and owners often display cars. In this segment, the hosts use a Goodwood car they saw as a reference point for how different Apollo examples can look.

Pneumatics are systems that use compressed air to move mechanisms. The hosts hear “click bang” sounds from the Apollo IE’s aero actuation hardware, suggesting the wing and related components are driven by pneumatic/hydraulic-style actuators rather than purely electric motors.

A Ferrari-derived V12 means the Apollo IE’s 12-cylinder engine is based on Ferrari’s V12 architecture, but adapted and modified for the Apollo by Gumpert. In this segment, they also tie it to the Ferrari F12’s 6.3-liter displacement, emphasizing how the engine’s character and packaging carry over.

“Horsepower” is an engineering measure of how much power an engine can produce. The hosts use 780 horsepower to compare the Apollo IE’s output to the Gumpert Apollo’s twin-turbo power, even though they argue the driving experience differs more than the raw number.

Twin turbos means the engine uses two turbochargers to force more air into the cylinders, which boosts power. The hosts mention the Gumpert Apollo’s twin-turbo setup to explain why it sounds loud and “thunderous,” and why it feels different from the Apollo IE’s naturally aspirated-style V12 character.

“Revs” (RPM) is how fast the engine spins, and higher redline-style numbers usually correlate with a more aggressive, high-strung character. The hosts compare the Apollo IE’s startup sound vibe to old Formula One, but note it revs to about 9000 RPM instead of the much higher RPM typical of classic F1 engines.

The “lizard skin texture” is a visual cue that the exhaust’s surface is shaped by 3D printing. Additive manufacturing often leaves a distinctive, patterned surface that looks like scales.

Silencers (mufflers) are components inside an exhaust system that reduce noise. If there are no silencers, exhaust gases exit more directly, which typically makes the car much louder and changes the sound character.

The Lamborghini Aventador is a flagship, high-revving supercar known for its aggressive styling and dramatic performance. It’s mentioned because the speaker is comparing its shape and presence to another car they’ve seen. That kind of comparison usually comes up when discussing what makes certain supercars stand out visually and audibly.

The Ferrari FXX K is a track-focused, limited-run supercar derived from Ferrari’s performance technology, built to deliver extreme speed and sound on the circuit. In the episode, it’s highlighted for how different and intense its engine note is compared with other cars mentioned. The speaker compares it to an FXX-K EVO track car experience.

A digital screen setup refers to a modern, electronic instrument cluster and display system instead of traditional analog gauges. In this Apollo IE description, the host also mentions additional digital displays for mirrors, emphasizing a cockpit designed around screens and driver sightlines.

Carbon fibre is a lightweight, high-strength composite material commonly used in performance cars to reduce weight and improve stiffness. The host notes the mirrors are held on by carbon fibre, which fits the Apollo IE’s track-focused, lightweight construction theme.

In this context, “wobble” describes mirror movement at speed while cornering, which can happen when components flex or mounts aren’t perfectly rigid. The host frames it as “proper track, race car stuff,” implying the car prioritizes lightweight construction and dynamic behavior over perfect stability of every visible element.

Shift paddles are steering-wheel-mounted controls that let you change gears without using a traditional gear lever. They’re common on performance cars because they keep your hands on the wheel and can make gear changes feel quicker and more precise.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track-focused version of the 911, known for its lightweight construction and high-performance setup. Here it’s used as a benchmark for weight and overall “balance” because the Gumpert cars are also mid-engine layouts.

A mid-engine layout places the engine near the center of the car, typically behind the driver and ahead of the rear axle. That helps with weight distribution and steering balance, which is why the host says both cars are “optimised in a balance sense.”

Torque is the engine’s twisting force that accelerates the car, especially noticeable at low-to-mid engine speeds. When the host says “thump of torque,” they’re describing how the twin-turbo setup delivers strong shove rather than just high peak power.

Turbochargers are forced-induction devices that use exhaust gas to spin a turbine, compressing more air into the engine for more power. “Two turbochargers” implies a twin-turbo arrangement, which can help deliver stronger, quicker torque response compared with a single turbo.

A sequential gearbox lets you shift in order (up or down one gear at a time) rather than using an H-pattern. It’s often paired with paddle shifters or a shift mechanism and is used to make fast, repeatable gear changes.

“Vaporware” means something that’s heavily marketed but not actually available or proven in real life yet. Here, the host uses it to describe supercars that are announced with wild specs, but only become believable once real customer cars show up.

Horsepower is a measure of engine power, and “1000 horsepower” is an attention-grabbing target often used in supercar marketing. The host is contrasting these headline numbers with whether the car is real and actually delivered to customers.

“Cylinders” are the individual combustion chambers in an engine; more cylinders can mean smoother operation and the ability to make very high power. In this context, the host is mocking exaggerated spec claims that sound unrealistic.

The host compares the car’s interior styling to a “Vision Gran Turismo” concept, which are futuristic design studies created for the Gran Turismo video game. It’s a reference point for how radical and future-looking the cabin appears.

In driving terms, “rotation” describes how readily a car pivots around its center when you turn in—how quickly the nose and body angle change relative to your steering input. It’s a key part of perceived handling balance because it affects how the car transitions into a corner.

Boost is the extra air pressure a turbocharger (or supercharger) forces into the engine. When boost “comes on,” the engine suddenly gets more air (and fuel), so torque rises quickly and acceleration feels like a sharp surge. That’s why the hosts describe it as “bang” when the boost arrives.

The Bugatti EB110 SS is a legendary 1990s supercar, and the “prototype” wording here suggests a special, rare example. The hosts mention it as being out of their budget range, which highlights how scarce and expensive certain collector-grade hypercars can be. The EB110 SS is often remembered for its high-performance, turbocharged-era engineering.

The Bugatti Veyron Supersport is a high-output variant of the Veyron, known for pushing the limits of performance during the Veyron era. In this segment, it’s mentioned as also being out of the budget, alongside other million-pound hypercars. That positions the Veyron Supersport as a benchmark for extreme, collector-level supercar pricing.

The Ferrari Enzo is Ferrari’s famous halo supercar from the early 2000s, and it’s referenced here as the base for the “track only” concept. The hosts specifically describe the FXX EVO as the Enzo’s track-only evolution, which helps listeners understand the lineage. It’s a key name in Ferrari’s modern supercar history.

The Koenigsegg CCX is a Swedish hypercar famous for its extreme performance and advanced engineering for its era. Here, it’s mentioned as a budget reference point (“just about a Koenigsegg CCX”), implying how expensive these supercars are compared with more practical performance cars. It’s also part of the segment’s lineup of rare, high-end cars.

The Nissan GT-R is a performance sports car known for strong acceleration and a reputation for being a “serious” track-capable machine. In this episode, it’s referenced alongside other very high-end cars, suggesting the speaker is grouping it with top-tier performance icons. The mention is likely about how it stacks up in terms of excitement and capability.

The Koenigsegg Regera is a high-performance hypercar known for its advanced powertrain approach and very high output. In the episode, it’s mentioned in the same breath as other extreme cars, indicating the discussion is about top-level performance and wow-factor. The key takeaway is that it’s treated as one of the standout “super/hypercar” machines.

The Lamborghini Centenario is a limited-edition supercar created to celebrate Lamborghini’s 100th anniversary. It’s discussed here as a standout car the speaker saw in Hong Kong, emphasizing its rarity and presence. That kind of mention usually highlights how special and memorable the car is when it appears in real life.

Importing means bringing a car into a country from elsewhere, which can add cost and complexity beyond the purchase price. It often involves shipping, taxes/duties, and making sure the car meets local regulations. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a practical hurdle for a Centenario located in Hong Kong.

A manual gearbox is a transmission controlled by a driver using a clutch pedal and gear lever, rather than automatic shifting. Enthusiasts often prefer it because it gives more direct control over engine speed and shift timing. In this segment, it’s used as a deciding factor when comparing the Aston Martin Valor against the Apollo IE.

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a performance-focused version of the Vantage line, powered by a V12 engine for a distinctive character and strong power. In the episode, it’s brought up in the context of trying a manual car and comparing it to another high-performance option. The mention suggests the speaker is talking about driving feel and how the car behaves.

The “used market” refers to buying cars that are already owned, typically through dealers or private sales rather than directly from the manufacturer. Here, the host says Apollo-related cars trade for about double on the used market, highlighting how rarity and demand can inflate prices.

A “track car” is a vehicle set up primarily for circuit driving rather than everyday road use. The speaker connects this to “no road issues,” implying it’s not constrained by normal road-legal requirements and can be more focused on performance and noise.

GPF stands for Gasoline Particulate Filter, a device added to many modern petrol cars to trap soot particles. The speaker specifically wants a car “pre-GPF,” meaning they’re trying to buy before this emissions hardware became common, because they expect it to age and potentially become more expensive to maintain.

A particulate filter is an emissions-control component that captures fine soot particles from the exhaust. In this context, the host is talking about the particulate filter used on petrol cars (GPF), and why they prefer a car before that system becomes widespread and potentially troublesome with age.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG is a performance-focused version of the CLS “four-door coupe” concept, built around a big V8. In this case, the speaker specifies the CLS 63, which is known for its 6.2-liter V8 engine and strong performance character.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a performance-oriented Mercedes sports car known for its AMG branding and V8 power in many versions. In the episode, it’s mentioned in the context of a car the speaker owns and compares to a CLS AMG, specifically referencing a 6.2-liter V8 in the CLS 63. That ties the SLS AMG into a broader conversation about AMG V8 models and ownership experience.

A 6.2-liter V8 describes an engine with eight cylinders and a “V” layout, displacing 6.2 liters total. Larger displacement V8s typically produce strong low- to mid-range power and a distinctive sound, which is a big part of why cars like the CLS 63 feel special.

A “four-door coupe” is a styling and packaging idea where a car has the long-hood, sloping-roof look of a coupe, but with four doors for easier access. The Mercedes-Benz CLS popularized this shape, and it’s part of why people describe it as a coupe-like sedan.

Carbon-ceramic brakes use a composite ceramic material (often carbon-fiber reinforced) for the brake rotors. They can resist heat fade better than traditional iron rotors, but replacement pads/rotors are typically very expensive.

In car talk, “thirsty” means the engine consumes a lot of fuel, especially when driven hard. It’s a practical way enthusiasts describe real-world fuel economy without quoting exact figures.

“500 horsepower” is an engine output figure (power) used to describe how much work the engine can do. In performance-car discussions, it’s a quick shorthand for how fast and forceful the car feels, especially when paired with lightweight bodywork and aggressive gearing.

“Low mileage” generally means the car has been driven fewer miles than average, which can reduce wear on consumables and reduce the chance of hidden abuse. Enthusiasts often treat mileage as a proxy for how much life is left in the car’s mechanicals.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 is a performance version of the Mercedes C-Class, famous for its aggressive sound and strong V8-era reputation. Here it’s used as an example of the “AMG at the end of the name” naming style the host prefers.

The FK8 Civic Type R is a hot hatch from Honda built around a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, tuned for strong acceleration and sharp handling. In this segment, the hosts focus on how it feels “fast and capable” despite the smaller engine size, and how the car’s practical four-door layout still works for families.

“Turbocharged heavily” refers to using a turbocharger to force more air into the engine, allowing it to make much more power than a naturally aspirated engine of the same size. On a performance four-cylinder like the Civic Type R, that boost is what gives it the “punch” the host mentions.

The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its long-running design and performance-focused engineering. In the episode, it’s referenced in a discussion about drivetrain layout and how certain “GT” versions are described, connecting to the idea of front-wheel-drive labeling in the conversation. It’s mentioned as a benchmark name that people use when talking about Porsche performance cars.

“Four pot” is enthusiast slang for a four-cylinder engine. The hosts are contrasting the character of a punchy four-cylinder with the more dramatic sound and feel of a big V8, which affects how “evocative” the car feels to listeners.

“Four seater” is a practical packaging note: it means the car has seating for four people, which affects everyday usability. The hosts mention it to reassure that the car isn’t a strict two-seat-only toy.

A sound generator is an artificial engine-sound system used to create more “engine-like” noise inside or outside the car. The hosts say it “sounds nothing like an engine,” which is a common complaint on modern performance cars that use electronics to replace or supplement real exhaust/engine sound.