The striking Aspid GT-21 Invictus concept car is a sports coupe designed by Spanish automobile manufacturer Aspid (founded in 2003). The GT-21 is bigger, more powerful and more modernized replacement to Aspid’s Super Sport (Aspid SS) car, a retro-inspired open-wheeled concept unveiled back in 2008. The GT-21 represents the latest attempt in Aspid’s goal to build a super-light car with race-like driving characteristics. It combines BMW power, lightweight components like aerospace-grade aluminum body and unique looks into a driver-oriented platform designed to roll like a real race car.
The Aspid GT-21 semi-open-wheel 2+2 GT is powered by 450-hp 4.4-liter V-8 engine sourced from BMW. Transmission is managed by choice of 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual. The most interesting fact about the concept is that it only weighs 990kg (2183 lbs), which equals out to just 2.2kg (4.85 lbs) per horsepower. This allows the Aspid GT-21 to hit from 0-62mph (100km/h) time of under 3 seconds and reach a top speed of around 189mph (305km/h).
GT-21 Invictus production will be limited at 250 models per year to maintain exclusivity, and each model will be hand-made. Buyers will be able to choose from more than 100 options, ensuring a personalized touch. Aspid plans to get production started on both the GT-21 and the Super Sport in 2015.
Back in the late 1990s, when Lamborghini were starting to realise they needed a replacement for the ageing Diablo, they started reviewing design proposals from various automotive design firms. Zagato’s offering was the Zagato L147 SuperDiablo, or as it was to be later known, the Lamborghini Canto. The Lamborghini Canto first appeared in 1998, it arrived only two years after another Zagato designed Lamborghini concept had been unveiled, the Diablo-based Raptor. The cars shared a number of similar features, including the wraparound windows, triangular lateral air intakes, and trademark double-bubble roof. However of the two, the earlier Raptor was probably the better looking. Clearly Ferdinand Piech – head of the Volkswagen Group – thought so too. After VW bought Lamborghini in 1999, one of his first decisions was to review the Canto’s development and redesign the concept. The car was re-engineered and the rear extensively restyled to include smaller air intakes. The engine was also up