We have read about ‘them’ in articles, seen their advertisements in performance magazines and awed at their performance figures. Could it then be true that they have landed?. Enter; Gemballa. One of very few tuners capable of exploiting Porsche sports cars to the very edge.

On the 23rd of March 2006, a discreet launch was held at Hilton Sentral to celebrate Gemballa’s official arrival in Malaysia. Together with local partner Exquisite Marques Sdn Bhd, a serving of just 10 tables saw an attendance of Kuala Lumpur’s finest from the automobile and motorsports arena.

Aside the fine foods and wine, the crowd was in for a treat as Gemballa’s newest rocket was to be unveiled; the “Gemballa Avalanche 650”. And, yes, 650 is break horse power. Moments before the car is unveiled, you’d get a sense to brace for a culture shock to follow suit. Why,?; Imagine Monster looking bumpers, Over elaborated Air ducts, Scifi Backyard Geometry and Hieroglyphic decals your parents would dis-own. Yes; That's what a 650bhp-Aftermarket-tuned-sports-car should look like.

Well No… As they began to uncover the car from the center of the dining hall, you would have exhaled a sigh of relief once the car was revealed. Soon you tell yourself: “That’s not so bad”, Then you justify to yourself “The other half would enjoy it”, Then you reassure yourself “The neighbors wouldn’t mind”, “It looks pretty good actually”.

For a tuner marque the latest “Gemballa Avalanche 650” sets the standard for many others to follow. Aesthetically it’s a hallmark of adolescence and refinement fused with proper doses of ‘protein supplement’. Its finishing is as close to OEM as you can get from a non manufacturer.

The morning after, the guests were invited to experience the Avalanche 650 around the Sepang F1 Circuit. The crowd was eager as most everyone was punctual. There were 3 Gemballas for the tasting. The 650bhp Avalanche, a 600bhp 996 Turbo Tiptronic, and a 550Bhp Cayenne Turbo. Driven by proper race drivers, you soon realize that the ride quality is per factory Porsches but has more potential. Power wise; very few have experience the rush. The acceleration and braking qualities of the car hints of its reliability as the Avalanche 650 ran trips the whole session without hiccups.

As the day ends, you are bestowed with 3 choices of Gemballas, an ultimate 650bhp no frills 911, a 600bhp automatic 996 and a 550bhp 4 wheel SUV. Life’s choices can be harder.

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