The Supercar that eats 911s and Ferraris for Breakfast: Meet the Spirra EX #blogpost

The first things to cross your mind when someone says Korea, probably is Hyundai or Kia and yet none of these are know for making fast cars. But what if I told you that Korea also makes supercars….

First some history, Proto Motors was an automotive R&D firm specializing in developing advanced automotive concepts, they started with the ideas for a domestic developed supercar. The first Spirra prototype debuted at the 2004 Beijing Motor Show. Sadly initial production attempts failed due to insufficient funds and the project was delayed indefinitely.
The production of the Spirra became possible when in 2007, Proto Motors was acquired by Oullim Motors with Han-chul Kim as chief of development, and under new management the Spirra project was rejuvenated after five years of stagnation.

Basically this car was born at the race track, and in order to verify the effectiveness of the car’s design Oullim Motors decided to take part on the Korea GT Masters tour; competent race cars such as the BMW M3 GTR, Porsche GT3 RSR and Nismo 350Z were participants in the KGTM. The SPIRRA simply dominated the 2008 season and was retired to focus developing the production version with the experience gained from racing.

It took over nine years to complete, but the Spirra - South Korea’s very first supercar - was unveiled in 2010

The Spirra is powered by a 2.7-liter V6 from Hyundai that’s sourced with four different outputs to choose from different trims under the names: Spirra N, Spirra S, Spirra Turbo and Spirra EX. The highest end and most powerful version EX comes with twin-turbos that produces 500HP, this top-of-the-line version also comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-pot Brembo monoblock calipers at the front and 4-pots at the rear .

Spirra EX
-0–100 km/h(62 mph) – 3.5s
-Top speed – 315 km/h (193 mph)
-Curb weight(dry) – 1320 kg (2904 lbs)
-Max. power (SAE net) – 500 hp
-Max. torque – 55 kg/m (395 lb-ft)

The Spirra ticks all the right boxes when it comes to satisfying basic traits most people desire in cars like this. The body is made out of carbon fiber and is fitted onto the tubular spaceframe chassis that helps keep weight low. The Spirra hits the scales at an impressive 1320 kg (2904 lbs) giving it power to weight figures that rank up with world’s best sports cars.
There is also an electric version but is under development by the moment.

Also it certainly has presence out on the street…

The interior offers leather covering most surfaces and looks pretty hot too!

Finally some videos: