| All-new supercar | 2008 British International Motor Show | IFR Aspid |
A Spanish firm has come up with a new supercar in a similar vein to the
Caterham Seven. The IFR Automotive Aspid has a similar style to the British roadster, but Spain's latest supercar has proper doors and will have a price tag starting at £75,000 when it goes on sale in the summer of 2009.
Aimed at drivers who want to take to the road and track, the Aspid will be offered with a 2.0-litre engine with 270bhp as standard. There will also be the option of a supercharged version with 400bhp, which IFR says gives the lightweight Aspid a power-to-weight ratio of 570bhp-per-tonne. Predicted performance figures include 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds and top speed limited to 155mph.
With input from automotive engineers with a background in motorsport, the Aspid has been designed to meet FIA safety standards. The body is made from aluminium and carbon fibre, while the windscreen surround acts as a roll bar and there's no need for a separate roll cage to qualify for the FIA's safety requirements.
IFR has also taken inspiration for its electronics from the racing world. The driver can re-programme the engine to suit the road or track at the touch of a button, and IFR says the car is more than up to being pushed hard on tracks days and then driven home on public roads.
A long list of options will be offered to customers and IFR says every Aspid will be tailored to its owner. Buyers will be able to choose between a list of luxury items for road use or keep the Aspid pared to the essentials and increase power.
The IFR Automotive Aspid will make its world debut at the
British International Motor Show and is set to go on sale in the summer of 2009.
Alisdair Suttie - 27 Jun 2008