Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spanish supercar company working on infinitely adjustable vehicle settings?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spanish-supercar-company-working-on-infinitely-adjustable-vehicl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spanish-supercar-company-working-on-infinitely-adjustable-vehicl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/spanish-supercar-company-working-on-infinitely-adjustable-vehicl/#commentsFiled under: , ,


IFR Automotive Aspid - Click above for high-res gallery

Luddites, time to break out the coffee - this will be keeping you up nights. Now, we just reviewed the 2010 Nissan GT-R, which has lots and lots of driver selectable modes. You can control how quickly the transmission shifts, the smoothness of the ride and the level of computerized interference. That's just from the driver's seat. The car itself is constantly monitoring the wheels' traction and adjusting the suspension thousands of times per second. The torque is actively split by the all-wheel drive system, too.

Well, according to Autocar, there's a Spanish company called IFR Automotive that's claiming it's not good enough! You might remember IFR's featherweight closed-coupe Aspid. Well, imagine this alien-looking Se7en not only being able to hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, but being able to adjust every single one of its performance parameters whenever and whereever. Neat picture, huh? And we're not just talking shocks, but the throttle response, steering heft and even the ECU. How? With a touchscreen that looks works like an iPod.

But that's not all. IFR's system will have memory presets. Meaning that if one track requires more torque and a light steering while another needs instant high peak horsepower and rock hard shocks, you just toggle back and forth. Going home from track day? Just dial up low power and a cushy ride. Feel like polluting? No problem. It keeps getting better, too. Using GPS, the system can reportedly read the curves ahead and work out how to best set up the car for the next maneuver. And as a driver, you can let the car how fast you want to take a particular corner and it will adjust its stuff accordingly. IFR's claiming that a number of OEMs are interested in their upcoming system for high-end performance cars. All this super-duper hi tech stuff will either completely rule, or it'll be time to bust out the tin foil hat. Probably both.


Gallery: IFR Automotive Aspid


[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Spanish supercar company working on infinitely adjustable vehicle settings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspidECUIFRIFR AspidIFR AutomotiveIFR Automotive AspidIfrAspidIfrAutomotiveIfrAutomotiveAspidparametersTrack DayTrack DaysTrackDayTrackDaysTue, 28 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[London 2008: IFR Automotive Aspid hits 62 mph in 2.8 seconds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-ifr-automotive-aspid-hits-62mph-in-2-8-seconds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-ifr-automotive-aspid-hits-62mph-in-2-8-seconds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-ifr-automotive-aspid-hits-62mph-in-2-8-seconds/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the IFR Automotive Aspid

IFR Automotive is a design and technology company based in Spain that we've never heard of, but they're in London right now for the 2008 British Motor Show to debut the Aspid, a new featherweight "luxury" sportscar powered by a 400bhp supercharged 2.0L four-cylinder. Combined with a curb weight of just 1,543 lbs., the Aspid can reportedly reach 62 mph in an astonishing 2.8 seconds. IFR is fervent that the Aspid is not a stripped down track day special, but a full road car, hence the "luxury" modifier. It sure looks like Caterham circa 2055, but IFR claims that it's gone to the ends of the earth to keep the Aspid's weight in check while keeping the car suitable for road use. The Aspid sits on an aluminum extrusion composite paneled chassis weighing just 175 lbs., and all of its suspension components are aluminum as well. IFR also reduced the complexity of the car's electrical system, deleting processors and wires wherever it could. Rather than a bank of gauges staring back at you in the cockpit, drivers will instead find touch screens that relay all essential info and allow extreme customization of the car's mechanicals. You can change the rev limit, valve timing, overall power output, brake balance, ride height and a whole lot more all from the comfort of the driver's seat. Plus there's a nav system, wi-fi and a whole smorgesborg of telecom technologies stuffed inside. And did we mention it can reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds? Damn.

Gallery: IFR Automotive Aspid


[Source: IFR Automotive]

London 2008: IFR Automotive Aspid hits 62 mph in 2.8 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspidBritish Motor ShowBritishMotorShowIFRIFR AutomotiveIFR Automotive AspidIfrAutomotiveIfrAutomotiveAspidlondon motor showLondonMotorShowTue, 22 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[400-hp Aspid roadster coming to London Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/400-hp-aspid-roadster-coming-to-london-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/400-hp-aspid-roadster-coming-to-london-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/400-hp-aspid-roadster-coming-to-london-motor-show/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for high-res gallery of the IFR Aspid

While we can't get enough of the Caterham and all its copycats, the one thing we've never said to ourselves is, "This needs a roof, some luxury amenities and 400 horsepower." But that's exactly what IFR Automotive has done with the Aspid. IFR is an acronym for the engineer that founded the firm, Ignacio Fernandez Rodriquez, whose former employers include Prodrive and the Mitsubishi WRC team. Rodriquez wanted to create a track-day masterpiece that would not only confirm to FIA safety standards and European homologation requirements, but also offer a level of luxury and refinement previous unseen on other track-bound whips.

The result is a lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber structure that tips the scales at around 1,550 pounds. Two engines will be available when the production model hits the streets later this year, including a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter producing 270 hp, or a 400-hp turbocharged version of the same mill. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. With that kind of power to weight ratio (570 hp per ton), IFR is predicting a 0-62 run of 2.8 seconds, a 0-100 sprint of 5.9 seconds and a maximum (restricted) speed of 155 mph. Slowing and turning the Aspid should be equally dramatic, with the lightweight coupe halting from 100 mph in three seconds flat and hitting 1.6 g of lateral acceleration.

All that mind-boggling performance will come at a cost, so when you place your order after the Aspid's debut at the London Motor Show next month, you'll be expected to cough up £75,000 before you can take delivery next summer. Press release below the fold.

Gallery: IFR Aspid Roadster


[Source: Aspid via SCC]

Continue reading 400-hp Aspid roadster coming to London Motor Show

400-hp Aspid roadster coming to London Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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