Back in May, German tuner Gemballa shut down suddenly as its owner and founder–Uwe Gemballa–remained missing since February. Mr. Gemballa is still MIA, but the tuning shop that bears his name is now back on the rails. Andreas Schwarz is the new CEO, and he and investor Steffen Korbach purchased the rights and assets of the company, intending to bring it back to tuning. The first model from the restructured company is expected in October.

The reopening of Gemballa, a tuner that’s had it’s share of hits and misses–much like most tuners, is the latest chapter in an odd saga that began this past winter. Uwe Gemballa went missing in February after a scheduled meeting with potential investors in South Africa. The disappearance appeared to be a kidnapping, but happened at a time that Gemballa was going bankrupt, casting question and doubt all over it. Gemballa subsequently shut down three months later. [via MotorAuthority and AutoEvolution]

Gemballa founder and owner Uwe Gemballa went missing in February and has not been heard from since. It’s believed that he may have been kidnapped after a visit to South Africa to meet with potential investors for a new venture. Much mystery and intrigue surround Gemballa’s disappearance, and it’s not clear if or when he will be found. In a case of the ship going down in its captain’s absence, the Gemballa tuning shop has officially closed its doors amidst financial turmoil.

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We were first introduced to the not-so-subtle Gemballa MIG-U1 about a month ago when it missed its debut in Dubai. The tuned Ferrari Enzo is now ready for its full close-up.

The tune gets a variety of aerodynamic-boosting replacements including front spoiler lip and rear wing, while the engine receives a boost to 691 horsepower thanks to a tuned ECU and modified exhaust system. Inside, owners will enjoy redesigned seats, Ultrasuede and leather steering wheel and 950-watt multimedia system with DVD changer and 7-inch touchscreen. Other modifications rounding out the package include new brake and engine cooling ducts and forged alloy wheels.

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Can you say over the top? The Gemballa MIG-U1 was originally supposed to make a debut at Dubai, but wasn’t quite ready for the spotlight. Luckily (unluckily?) that didn’t stop it from making the Internet rounds today.

Word is that the tune from Gemballa is either a one-off for a private client or a limited edition. In creating the Enzo-based car, Gemballa replaced the entire exhaust system and added a new front bumper, rear bumper, rear wing and side sills. Inside, the MIG gets quilted upholstery, video screen and dual-tone floor mats.

Something about the red quilting and jet-like looks just takes the Enzo to a place it shouldn’t have gone. [via WCF]

It seems that the paint has barely dried on the new Porsche Panamera, and we already catch wind of a Gemballa tuning package. The German tuner has taken the toned-down luxury sedan, added a new front bumper with carbon fiber lip, 22-inch alloy wheels, new rear diffuser with quad stainless steel sport exhaust, air intakes in front and air outlets in back. They’ve called it Mistrale after a cold, Northwest wind in the Provence region of France. Little is currently known about performance upgrades, but judging by some of those exterior mods, we expect a healthy boost. We anticipate seeing more of this one in the very near future. For now, enjoy a few renderings in the gallery below. [via World Car Fans]
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