The Japanese brand's prototype surpassed the previous record set by the Croatian hypercar by almost 25 km/h. Breathtaking performance that pushes the limits of speed for electric vehicles.
A new reign for electric hypercars
Last Saturday, June 8, on the Papenburg Automotive Testing track in Germany, the Aspark SP600 set a new speed record for electric vehicles. Driven by Marc Bessing, the Japanese hypercar reached the incredible speed of 438.7 km/h, thus dethroning the Rimac Nevera which until then held the title with 415 km/h.
During its first run, the SP600 had already surpassed the Nevera by successively reaching 420.6 km/h and 430 km/h. But it was finally during its second pass that the prototype shattered the record, with a speed difference of 23.7 km/h compared to the former title holder.
The SP600, worthy heir to the Owl
If the Aspark SP600 looks like the Aspark Owl, the brand's first electric model, it is in reality a new vehicle. This “production-oriented” prototype is the result of a collaboration between Aspark and Manifattura Automobile Torino (MAT), the Italian manufacturer which also assembles the Owl.
Although Aspark has not revealed all the technical details of the SP600, we know that the car, lacking side mirrors, has undergone numerous virtual and physical tests, notably in the wind tunnel, in order to optimize its aerodynamic performance. Bridgestone also designed a set of Potenza Race tires specifically for the SP600's record attempt.
A powerful engine
If the exact characteristics of the Aspark SP600 powertrain have not been revealed, we can expect a real racing beast. As a reminder, the Aspark Owl, sold at a price of 3.5 million euros (making it one of the five most expensive cars in the world), has four electric motors developing a combined power of 1,985 hp and a torque of 2,000 Nm. Impressive figures which allow it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.72 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 413 km/h (although these performances have not been not been confirmed by independent tests).
The Rimac Nevera remains the benchmark… for the moment
Despite the feat achieved by the Aspark SP600, the Rimac Nevera for the moment retains its title as the fastest production electric vehicle in the world. This is even though Aspark intends to produce and market the SP600.
Indeed, development of the Aspark Owl began in 2018, but the first deliveries only began last year. We will therefore probably have to wait a few more years before seeing the Aspark SP600 on the roads.
One thing is certain, the race for speed between electric hypercars is only just beginning, and there is no doubt that new records will be set in the near future, pushing the limits of automotive performance ever further.
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