For as long as anyone can remember, the race for the title of the world’s fastest hypercar-electric-dream">electric vehicle has been as thrilling as it is unpredictable. Recently, the Rimac Nevera was the uncontested champion of this high-speed contest. But a new beast has emerged on the scene.
A New Contender - The Aspark SP600
Little-known automaker Aspark has blitzed its way into the annals of automotive history with the SP600 prototype. This all-electric marvel sliced through the old speed records, setting a blistering 272.59 mph (438.7 km/h) at the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany. It leaves behind the who’s who of electric hypercars: the Rimac Nevera (258 mph), the Pininfarina Battista (222 mph), and many more.
Breaking New Ground
Breaking a speed record isn't just about raw horsepower; it's about finesse, perfection, and purpose-built craftsmanship. Piloted by renowned racing driver Marc Basseng, the SP600 achieved its record-breaking feat on June 8. The SP600 hit its apex velocity of 272.59 mph on the second run, certifying its credentials with the precision of a Racelogic V-Box. Even in its trial runs, the SP600 flaunted its potential, clocking 261 mph and 267.19 mph respectively.
Engineering Excellence and Collaborative Brilliance
In a bid to create a record-shattering vehicle, Aspark enlisted the expertise of Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT). A comprehensive suite of evaluations, ranging from virtual simulations to old-school wind tunnel testing, were conducted. MAT oversaw the blueprinting and construction of the SP600's chassis, suspension, powertrain, software, and even the battery.
The Tire Factor
A critical component of any high-speed run is the tire. Bridgestone stepped in to develop bespoke Potenza Race tires, engineered specifically to handle the high-stress dynamics of 270+ mph speeds. This collaboration was pivotal in realizing Aspark's ambitious goals.
Aspark CEO Masanori Yoshida reflected, “Ten years of pushing boundaries with the Owl Hypercar culminated in this moment. This record isn’t just a win for Aspark but a statement of our engineering prowess and relentless ambition.”
A Legacy of Record-breaking
Aspark is accustomed to shattering records. The Owl secured two speed records last year, clocking average speeds of 198.12 mph over a quarter-mile and 192.02 mph over an eighth of a mile. The Owl is reputed to be the world's fastest-accelerating electric vehicle, boasting a stunning 0-60 mph time of 1.72 seconds. This edges out the Rimac Nevera's 1.74 second mark, although it's worth noting the Rimac's time is independently verified. However, the Nevera still holds significant records for acceleration, making this rivalry all the more compelling.
Related: The 1,985-HP Aspark Owl Is Coming To America
Not Just About Speed
Electric hypercars have proven their mettle not just on straight tracks but in dynamic racing scenarios as well. For instance, the Lotus Evija X recently set an impressive Nürburgring lap time of 6:24.047, making it the third-fastest lap ever on the 12.9-mile course. But will these numbers continue to dominate the hypercar discourse? Rimac's CEO, Mate Rimac, suggests otherwise. Highlighting a shift towards emotional, engaging driving experiences, he hints at exploring alternatives to traditional battery-electric drivetrains.
Nevertheless, Aspark’s latest achievement places it on a pedestal for performance enthusiasts and collectors who crave those record-breaking bragging rights. The SP600 isn’t just a car; it's a testament to what's possible when ingenious engineering meets sheer determination.