Renault Korea is gearing up for the Super Race one-make race featuring the Alpine A110S on the 13th, which is drawing increasing consumer interest in mid-engine sports cars. A mid-engine sports car features an engine mounted in the center of the chassis, allowing for optimal weight distribution. This design maximizes handling performance, making it a favorite among the world’s top sports car brands. However, due to its uncommon structure, these vehicles are typically handmade with limited production volumes. Here’s an overview of mid-engine sports cars available in Korea.
The A110 is a sports car under the Alpine brand of the Renault Group. First introduced in 1961, the current model is the second generation launched in 2017. Its exterior is a modern reinterpretation of the design from the first generation. Features include round and oval headlamps, a sculpted front, and simplified surface treatment. The interior is designed for focus on driving. The high-performance variant, A110S, is equipped with Sabelt bucket seats and safety belts to reduce weight.
Behind the seats lies a 1.8L gasoline turbo engine, delivering a maximum output of 292 horsepower and a peak torque of 32.6 kg∙m. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The curb weight is just 1,223 kg, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. In Korea, only 100 units will be sold, starting at a price of 130 million won.
The 718 is a lineup that combines Porsche’s lightweight roadster ‘Boxster’ and its coupe counterpart ‘Cayman,’ which was introduced in 2016. The name comes from the race car ‘718’ that participated in the 1950s and 60s. The 718 showcases Porsche’s identity with oval headlamps, a design highlighting curves, and a sleek body built on a mid-engine structure.
The current on-sale model of the 718 packs a high-performance GTS variant with a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder 4.0L engine that produces 407 horsepower and 43.8 kg∙m of torque. The starting price is 130.5 million won. Moreover, the 718 is set to transition to an electric vehicle with a model refresh in 2025.
Unveiled at the 2024 Busan Mobility Show, the Oullim Motors Spira Kreziti 24 is the only domestic car on this list. This new model, introduced after a 12-year hiatus by Oullim Motors, aims to establish itself as a native pure supercar. The body is made entirely of carbon, showcasing craftsmanship with limited production numbers. Thanks to weight reduction, the weight drops to below 1,200 kg, approximately 180 kg lighter than its predecessor, Spira. The powertrain consists of a Hyundai Smartstream 4-cylinder 2.5L gasoline turbo engine paired with an 8-speed DCT, aiming for an output between 300 and 508 horsepower. Pricing starts from 89 million won for the Kreziti 24 S, and 135 million won for the Kreziti 24 EX.
Moving up the class, mid-engine sports cars like the Ferrari 296 GTB/S are also in sight. As the only plug-in hybrid sports car in its class, it is praised for its driving enjoyment, attributed to being the shortest wheelbase among Ferrari models. The ‘29’ in its name represents the engine displacement of 2.9L, while the ‘6’ signifies its 6-cylinder engine. This model equipped with a V6 hybrid turbo engine debuted in tandem with Ferrari’s V6 hybrid turbo era in Formula 1, earning it enthusiastic reviews from fans.
The powertrain combines a 2.9L V6 turbo engine (663 horsepower) and an electric motor (167 horsepower), generating a total system output of 830 horsepower through a rear-wheel-drive hybrid system. Additionally, it features a lightweight aluminum material known as RHT (Retractable Hard Top), developed using Ferrari’s unique technology to enhance its characteristics. Besides, Ferrari has introduced mid-engine sports cars such as the SF90 Stradale/Spider.
Lotus, renowned for lightweight sports cars, is not to be overlooked. The Emira continues the lineage of Lotus’s lightweight mid-engine sports cars, following models like the Elise, Exige, and Evora, and is also the brand’s last internal combustion engine offering.
The powertrain offers two options: a 4-cylinder 2.0L turbocharger with a maximum output of 364 horsepower, and a V6 3.5L supercharger producing 405 horsepower. The V6 model has already sold out for this year’s allocation, while only a very limited number of the 4-cylinder model is remaining. Furthermore, the Emira comes equipped with features such as a 12.3-inch digital cockpit and a 10.25-inch center display, enhancing its appeal under the motto ‘For the drivers.’ Pricing starts at 145 million won.
Written by Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr