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Oullim Spirra: Recession-friendly South Korean supercar

South Korea isn't a nation we traditionally associate with sports cars, but no longer -- Oullim Motors is set to release the Spirra, a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive track monster

Rory Reid

South Korea isn't a nation we traditionally associate with sports cars, but no longer, oh no. Oullim Motors is set to release the Spirra -- a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive track monster designed to compete with Ferraris and Porsches, and not a resurrection of the deliciously whirly mid-90s chocolate bar.

On the surface, the Spirra looks like the illegitimate offspring of a Lotus Elise and a Honda NSX, though its gullwing doors give it a slight whiff of Lamborghini. We'd argue it's not as pretty as its rivals, but it makes up for this with truly sensational performance.

Four versions of the Spirra will be made, all of which will use a 2.6-litre V6 engine supplied by Hyundai. The most impressive model, the Spirra ex, promises a whopping 500 horsepower, a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed in the region of 194mph. If that's too terrifying, Oullim will also make a standard Spirra N, which packs 175bhp and will do 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds.

The most impressive specification by far is the price. The entry-level model is set to cost a measly £68,000, while the top spec will retail for just £98,000 -- hugely impressive considering cars with equivalent performance usually cost in the region of £200,000.

The Spirra will go on sale later this summer. Head over to spirra.co.kr for a closer look.