Proto Motors Develops Korea's First Supercar

When designing the Spirra, Proto Motors chose to model it around the typical supercar layout, a midship-mounted engine for

When designing the Spirra, Proto Motors chose to model it around the typical supercar layout, a midship-mounted engine for ideal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. (Photo: Proto Motors)

ideal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. The tried-and-tested method of a tubular steel space frame with aluminum subplates was incorporated, providing the structural rigidity needed for a high-performance street machine without the exorbitant cost of a tub-chassis or monocoque design. It's also ideal for low-volume production runs like this will be. To the frame, a combination of carbon fibre and pressed steel panels is attached, making it very lightweight.

The body of the Spirra is lean and low, but it's also smaller than most supercars at a rather compact 169.9 inches long, 75.9 inches wide, and 45.2 inches

The body of the Spirra is lean and low, but it's also smaller than most supercars. (Photo: Proto Motors)

high, riding on a wheelbase that's 104.7 inches long. The majority of the changes made to the exterior are to the car's nose and tail.

The prototype models featured covered projector beam lenses which swept back, far into the front fenders. With the production model, clusters of uncovered lamps have been placed towards the nose of the car, with cornering and fog lamps located in the revised air dam. Around back, the Spirra has an odd resemblance to modern mid-engined Ferraris such as the Enzo and the F430. Round, uncovered brake lamps protrude outward, while the tail does not feature a spoiler. Instead, a venturi tunnel is used to keep the car stuck to the ground.