The Aspark Owl electric hypercar will be built by MAT

Ahh, the Aspark Owl. A Japanese EV hypercar that looks like a 1990s Le Mans prototype, costs a reputed $3.6m (£2.8m) and does 0-62mph in a verified 1.9 seconds. Not often, thanks to a 93-mile range, but once is probably enough to make Elon Musk’s humanoid suit twitch.

It’ll never be built, right? Vapourware. Ain't gonna happen. Well, you might think that, but Aspark has other ideas. Today, it’s been announced that the car is indeed being finalised – with a name you may recognise.

Aspark has signed a contract with Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) “for the final development and build of the Owl”, and “is sure to have found the right place and the right partner to develop the fastest accelerating EV.”

Why so confident? Well, MAT has become the go-to place for blank cheque clients with a hypercar itch to scratch. Currently on the books is the reborn New Stratos and the ‘5,000bhp’ Devel Sixteen. MAT was also the outfit bringing the Apollo Intensa Emozione to life, before development was curiously handed over to German racing team HWA AG.

With the first of the 50 Owls set to be delivered in 2020, the clock is ticking for Aspark.

The company says: “M.A.T. will support Aspark in the vehicle development and in reaching the very aggressive targets that Aspark has set for this full electric hypercar. The Owl will be manufactured in a bespoke facility that will take full advantage of MAT experience in hypercars manufacturing.

“The Owl project will allow MAT to continue the company growth and to expand into a new sector: the full electric hypercars. MAT strengths and experience are well known internationally and have been recognised during the selection process.”

Sounds like a match made in heaven. Or have Aspark just got their heads in the, um, clouds?