SPIRRA THE KOREA'S SUPER CAR!

Starting out as the PS-II prototype in 2001, the Spirra was the brainchild of Kim Han-chul and his wife Choi Ji-sun, “automotive experts” who quit their jobs in Korean car companies to establish Proto Motors. After years of financial turmoil, the company was absorbed by the Qullim group and was renamed Qullim Motors, who now aims to be Korea’s first supercar manufacturer with the Spirra. Production started in March and deliveries will start soon.

The mid engined, rear driven Spirra will be hand made using a full carbon fibre body over a tubular space frame. This keeps weight to a minimum (kerb weight 1,320 kg) while maintaining a strong and stiff body structure. It was originally planned with a V8 but eco concerns changed that to a range of 2.7-litre V6 engines. It’s not mentioned where this unit is from, but the 2,656 cc gives its origins away as a Hyundai motor.

The starter V6 is naturally aspirated with 175 hp and 245 Nm of torque. Next up is the same engine with a “small turbo” with 330 hp and a “big turbo” unit with 400-420 horses. At the top of the range is the twin turbo with 450-500 hp and 539 Nm of twist. Paired to a six-speed manual, the top Spirra does the benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds, while top speed is 310 km/h! Quite phenomenal stats. Brembo is in charge of the stoppers – 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston fists at the back keeps the Korean supercar in control. The top model is also the only one to get an LSD.

The leather trimmed interior gets Recaro bucket seats, OMP 4-point harness and a Momo steering wheel. For the tame looks, this is the explanation. “The Spirra’s design is aggressive in stance and proportion, but less aggressive in the details. This look is intended to inspire excitement, but not completely shout that it is a supercar. An elegant and natural looking supercar design was what we were looking for,” says its maker.