Dealers wanted for IFR Aspid

IFR Automotive is looking to create an international network of dealerships for its lightweight sports car, the Aspid.

The compact two-seater made its international debut at this year’s British International Motor Show, and following a positive reception the Spanish car maker is now aiming to make the Aspid available internationally.

“The UK is an extremely important market for the Aspid,” said UK spokesperson Robert Palmer. “What people really want is a locally based dealership that they know can reliably service and maintain their car.” That’s the next step for IFR Automotive, which hopes to have its dealership network in place within 12 months.

Two engines will be available in the Aspid, a 270bhp naturally aspirated 2.0-litre motor and a 400bhp supercharged version of the same unit.

IFR claims a kerb weight of just 700kg, so the range-topping supercharged Aspid returns 570bhp per tonne. That makes the claimed figures of 0-62mph in 3.8sec and 100mph in 5.9sec entirely believable.

However, this performance doesn’t come cheap; the 270bhp Aspid will cost £75,000 and the 400bhp model will start at a cool £107,000.

IFR already has 100 people taking part in a two-day test drive event being held in Spain, and if that is any indication of how many initial orders will be placed for the Aspid, the company could well end up with a two-year waiting list. The firm plans to make just one car per week, and believes it can be profitable even if it were to make less than 100 cars in two years.

First deliveries are expected to take place in summer next year.