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.
Of all the Mercedes-Benz models that could be accused of being born with a silver spoon in its mouth, the SL arguably tops the list. Unlike many grand-touring cars, the Mercedes SL has never been forced to compromise its blue-blood personal-luxury/sport ideals with feigned attempts at practicality to please executives or attract buyers. It has, more or less, remained an unapologetic take-it-or-leave-it proposition since it debuted nearly six decades ago, and the 2013 SL550 does nothing to alter its course. Cool, Quiet Confidence Every move the 2013 SL550 makes is steeped in a competent, laid-back confidence; pin the throttle, and the car takes a moment to gather itself, as if saying to the driver, “Okay, dude, you ready? This is gonna be pretty awesome.” And with that, the seven-speed automatic downshifts, the twin turbos gorge themselves on air, and the whole shebang takes off, pulling hard to an observed 159-mph top speed (Mercedes claims an electronically limited 155). Life in th...