Developed as a technology showcase for the company's design and engineering capabilities, the rear drive Aspid features a 700kg aluminum and carbon structure and is powered by a 2-litre engine delivering 270bhp when naturally aspirated or 400bhp in supercharged form. Its lightweight design enables the car to achieve claimed acceleration times of 2.8 seconds to 62mph and equally impressive braking capability, stopping from 100mph in 3 seconds flat.

"We've broken with the tradition that says a long wheelbase, wide track and low ride height is best for performance," said company founder Ignacio Fernández Rodriquez, whose initials give IFR Automotive its name. Formerly with Prodrive, Rodriquez joined the Mitsubishi World Rally Championship team before starting IFR Automotive in 2003.

The Aspid is anticipated to start at a base price of £75,000 (€95,000) when it becomes available in limited numbers in 2009.

Source : cardesignnews