By now, most of us realize that the Korean automotive industry is no longer a laughing stock and have become a real heavyweight contender. In the last 5 years Hyundai/Kia has made huge strides in quality, design, and brand image. Even with that said, when you think of supercars you think Italian, maybe German – the Japanese are getting close to supercar-dom with Nissan GT-R and the upcoming Lexus LF-A. But surely, not Korean!
Well, that’s all about to change with the new Spirra from Oullim Motors.
It wouldn’t be wise to call it Oullim Spirra, just yet. Spirra is the brand name. Roughly 10 years ago Hanchul Kim established Proto Motors with a vision of creating the first Korean supercar. When the company finance was running thin, he sought an investor. The investment came in the form of Oullim Network Group, who established Oullim Motors to absorb Proto Motors.
Since then, Proto Spirra has gone under some name changes. It was mainly dropping ‘Proto’ and Spirra became its brand name with GT being the model name. However, during the last stages of development that idea was scrapped due to the decision of offering the car in 4 trim levels with varying drivetrain. To make the long story short, the brand name is Spirra and so is the model name. We should have a better idea as they get closer to a full marketing campaign.
The news this week is that the company has received all the approval documents from the Korean governing bodies to start production and exportation of the Spirra supercars.
Here’s the quick rundown of the Spirra:
- All Spirras are fully handcrafted, mid-engined, rear wheel drive, carry 2.7 liter V6 engines (from Hyundai), and feature full carbon fiber body shell over tubular spaceframe.
- Spirra N (*naturally aspirated) is the 175HP base model with no turbos, 0-60MPH time of 6.8 seconds, and weighs in at 2910lbs.
- Spirra S (*small turbo) is next step up with 330HP from a small single turbo, 0-60MPH time of 4.8 seconds, and 2910lbs.
- Spirra Turbo (*big turbo) is one up from S with 420HP from a big single turbo, 3.8 second 0-60MPH, and 2910lbs.
- Spirra EX (*extreme) is the top end with 500HP with twin small turbos, 3.5 second 0-60MPH, and weighs in at a scant 2645lbs.
US pricing haven’t been announced yet, but roughly they range from $81,000 – $165,000 when converted from Korean domestic market pricing.
The Oullim guys were testing out the Spirra with the Hyundai V8 in this beast last year, and it still might make it into production in the near future.
* not an official explanation from Oullim, but speculation from the author… but most likely correct!
-KF
Source – Oullim Motors