London Show 2008: IFR Aspid

There were quite a few presentations in London, but presentations in which Spanish was spoken were not so common. That of the IFR Aspid was one of them: a new brand and a new model.

The Aspid is born as yet another independent sports car. Experience tells us that many of these projects emerge and are forgotten over time. Whether naive or not, everyone hopes this one will have better luck, and its credentials are said to give it solid support.

The first time you see the Aspid, it is impossible not to see in it the Lotus Seven, Caterham of these times. Small displacement, considerable power, little weight… and a lot of performance! Yes, the Aspid belongs to that category, but it wants to go further.

Its ridiculous 700 kilos of total weight are moved by an engine of 400 horsepower. With that power-to-weight ratio it is capable of doing 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, and the next 60 km/h it achieves in 3.1 seconds more.

Looking at it casually, it is hard to see how it can weigh so little, since an engine that develops that potential must weigh something. The great surprise: it is a 2-litre twin-turbo engine… it is frightening to think of the levels they have managed to squeeze out of it. Of course, based on that, it is friendlier to the environment and emits less CO2.

But up to this point, competitors such as the Ariel Atom do not seem to fear it too much; its key lies within. The Aspid is much more comfortable, and can accommodate two people of large stature without them being penalised by its small design.

Quality, handling and comfort without giving up luxury.

Ignacio Fernández, the founder of the company, made it clear. You won’t travel with the standards of a Aston Martin DB9, but looking at its rivals, this one is the closest thing to first class on a plane.

Its aluminium chassis weighs only 75 kg, and due to the way it has been built it offers good safety levels, while aluminium also makes up its double-wishbone suspension. Weight is also saved on the brakes, up to 70% compared to conventional brakes; it incorporates a double disc system in ultra-light steel which, aided by a turbine, guarantees optimal ventilation and operation.

In the electronics, many components have been eliminated and their complexity reduced by a third compared to conventional models. Nevertheless, they claim that by improving the existing part they ensure the car works well in this respect.

The usual indicators are eliminated and replaced with touchscreens. For example, all data relating to speed, range, revs, and the on-board computer, among others, is concentrated on a screen located on the steering wheel. Above it runs a row of LEDs that light up at the optimal moment to change gear, giving it an impeccable Formula 1 appearance. In addition, it incorporates ABS, stability and traction control, brake balance, and damping adjustment.

The car has been designed to comply with FIA regulations for many competitions, which not only makes it suitable for road use but also for taking to the track and competing directly. With this in mind, a diagnostic system with 24 sensors can be fitted. For the road: GPS, WiFi GPRS/GSM connectivity, an interface for Ethernet connections, etc.

With so much technology on board, it is only natural that it can also store different types of programmes for different drivers, and not only for day-to-day driving but also for track and road.

That is all we can tell you about the Aspid. Setting aside our own view and its perhaps unlovely? design, we admit a certain mistrust. The car is a small stallion, a driving pleasure designed to make its way in today’s landscape of demands, prices and requirements, but… how attractive is it under its name and origin?

I hope I am wrong, but I see the days of Hispano Suiza and company as too far away and buried to try to rescue them with such an undifferentiated bet. I hope I am wrong…

Photos: Highmotor