Oullim Spirra: First
Look
Jay Williams - 15/June/2010
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Oullim Spirra
Strap in and get ready for lift off
The V6 twin turbo packs a punch with 331kW to 368kW of power
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Korea - Spirra dates back to the
beginning of the 1990s when husband and wife duo Han-chul Kim and
Ji-sun Choi, both automotive experts, quit their jobs at leading Korean
car companies to establish 'Proto Motors'.
Over several years, what began as
an enthusiastic set of ideas developed into a full blown development
project. In 2001, the ‘PS-II’ prototype was presented to the press with
full commitment to bring it into production.
In July, 2006, Dong-hyuk Park, CEO
of Oullim Group established Oullim Motors, absorbed Proto Motors and
reshuffled the project to keep it on course for launch. In the end, it
took a decade, four generations of complete re-engineering, certification
and rewriting of legislature to bring the couples dream the road.
The Spirra is constructed using
the lightest of materials. A full carbon fibre body over a tubular
spaceframe is used and because of this method of construction mass
manufacturing is not an option, so instead the entire process is done
by hand using a team of professional craftsmen and mechanics.
The result is a very light and
stiff construction which is useful for responsive high performance
capabilities as well as providing superior impact protection to match
the performance the Spirra is capable of. This type of technology is
adapted from racing for the road and is a completely unique approach to
vehicle development compared to the existing Korean auto industry.
During development, the engine was
changed from a naturally aspirated V8 for a turbocharged V6. This
helped keep weight down to a minimum, yet still provided V8 levels of
power as well as being more fuel efficient.
The Spirra features a
Hyundai-developed V6 which comes in four variants, the entry model
comes with a naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 129kW and
245Nm of torque at 6000rpm.
The second model has has a small
turbo strapped on to its V6 boosting power to 243kW and raising torque
to 471Nm.
The third option has an even
bigger turbo which raises power to between 294kW and 309kW, while peak
torque 490Nm.
Sitting at the top of the engine
list and the most powerful of them all is the V6 twin turbo which
produces 331kW to 368kW of power, while maximum torque is 539Nm.
All variants are rear wheel drive
and feature a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The interior is designed to retain
that balance between luxury and function, boasting full leather
throughout, maintaining a high quality feel. However, the driving feel
is a higher priority for the company rather than speed or luxury.
Proto Motors (now Oullim Motors)
is confident that the Spirra will go on sale in Korea in the next few
months.
Related Links:
- Hyundai
Equus
(2010)
- Hyundai
Genesis Coupe (2010)
- Hyundai
Concept Genesis Coupe (2009)
- Hyundai
Genesis (2008)
- Hyundai
Veracruz (2007)
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