We wanted to build the fastest and most beautiful" - Exclusive interview with Aspark Masanori Yoshida about the electric Hypercar Owl
Aspark Masanori Yoshida
Introduction:
Aspark Owl - Japan's electric Hypercar on four wheels
In the world of hypercars, it is often the iconic names from Europe or North America that dominate the headlines. But in recent years, a quiet but revolutionary challenger from the East has moved into the global spotlight: Aspark. Founded in 2005 in Osaka, Japan, Aspark initially established itself as a specialized engineering company with a focus on industries such as automotive, electronics and robotics. With a deep-rooted commitment to precision and technical excellence, the company quickly became a respected innovation partner in a variety of industries.
But under the bold leadership of Chairman Masanori Yoshida, Aspark decided to go far beyond its consulting roots. With a vision to redefine what electric mobility can achieve, the team embarked on one of the most ambitious journeys in the world of high performance: the development of an all-electric hypercar that would set a new benchmark for speed, design and exclusivity.
The result is the Aspark Owl - more than a vehicle, it is the realization of a dream that took over a decade to bring to perfection. When the first prototype was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017, it was met with both curiosity and skepticism. But instead of flinching, Aspark doubled down on development, engineering refinement and technological precision - determined to prove what is possible when passion meets perseverance.
Leadership & vision: The man behind the Aspark Owl
With breathtaking acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2 seconds, an ultra-light carbon fiber body and a strictly limited production run, the Owl stands today as one of the most advanced all-electric hypercars ever built. It is a testament to Japan's growing influence not only in the field of sustainable mobility, but in the particularly exclusive segment of high-performance innovation.
We are honored that Chairman Masanori Yoshida has taken the time to share his insights in this exclusive interview - giving us a rare glimpse into the story behind the Owl, the challenges it has overcome and his personal view on the future of the Hypercar.
Short biography: Masanori Yoshida
Founder & Chairman, Aspark Co, Ltd.
Masanori Yoshida is a Japanese entrepreneur and visionary engineer, best known as the founder and current Chairman of Aspark Co, Ltd.
Before venturing into the world of high-performance automobiles, Yoshida led Aspark through nearly two decades of growth in areas such as robotics, industrial systems and electrical solutions. His leadership style is characterized by bold decisions, interdisciplinary curiosity and a willingness to challenge established norms in technology and business.
Yoshida's entry into the Hypercar was not a spontaneous decision, but the result of long-term strategic thinking and a deep-rooted conviction in the potential of electric mobility.
Today, Yoshida leads Aspark with a clear global perspective, combining Japanese values of sophistication and craftsmanship with a disruptive approach to innovation. His work has earned him international recognition and made him one of the most fascinating personalities in the evolving world of electric supercars.
Interview questions for Aspark Owl and its founder, Mr. Yoshida - Discovering the soul of an electric hypercar
Oliver:
Mr. Yoshida, when you first envisioned Aspark Owl , did you think it would one day become a global symbol of electric Hypercar? How would you describe your original vision back then?
Mr. Yoshida:
It all starts with: "That would be exciting" - and the world is excited about it. This one sentence was the catalyst for everything we do. What drives us at Aspark is the belief in creating new value that doesn't yet exist. We don't just build hypercars - we create experiences that didn't exist before. Our ultimate goal is to deliver something that fascinates, inspires and excites - something that truly moves people.
Oliver:
Japan is known for its precision, subtlety and technical excellence. How is this philosophy reflected in every detail of the Owl - from design to performance?
Mr. Yoshida:
The Owl 's design is unmistakably futuristic, yet it carries a refined, almost feminine elegance in its flowing, sculptural form. Its slender silhouette conveys a sense of luxury and grace - but beneath this beauty lies extraordinary strength and breathtaking power. It is this contrast that makes the Owl an incomparable Hypercar in today's automotive world. Another key feature is its extremely low ride height, which not only enhances its visual appeal, but also optimizes aerodynamics. The active aerodynamic elements, which change as you drive, combine function and form - delivering both high performance and visual sophistication.
Oliver:
Many experts see the Owl as a milestone in the field of high-performance electric vehicles. Were there moments during development when you thought: "This could be impossible" - and what motivated you to continue?
Mr. Yoshida:
I never thought: "That's impossible." From the very beginning, our mindset was clear: we wanted to create something that the world has never seen before. The idea of the "impossible" does not exist in our thinking - neither in the past nor today. Every day was a cycle of trial and error. Things rarely went smoothly. But we never got discouraged - we just kept asking ourselves, "What's the next step to get it done?" For us, it was never about whether we could do it, but whether we would. This mindset allowed us to bring the Owl to life.
Oliver:
Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds is breathtaking. What were the biggest technical challenges in achieving this and what was the key factor?
Mr. Yoshida:
The development of the OWL began in Japan in 2014 - at a time when it was considered almost impossible to achieve true Hypercar with an electric drive. But from the beginning, we were guided by a central philosophy: "Create new value that does not yet exist." Guided by this belief, we worked our way through countless trials and rigorous testing. After the early development phase in Japan was completed, we moved the project to Italy to further develop the vehicle into a road-legal production model. The Owl was finally realized as a street-legal, high-performance electric Hypercar . Today it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.78 seconds (0-60 mph in 1.72 seconds). We believe what made this unprecedented challenge possible was our unwavering commitment to this original philosophy.
Oliver:
The design of the Owl looks futuristic, almost like something out of science fiction. Was it a conscious decision to stand out visually from traditional super sports cars?
Mr. Yoshida:
That was absolutely intentional - right from the start. Aspark originally started as an engineering service provider. When we decided to start a new internal project, our CEO, Mr. Yoshida, boldly said, "If we do this, let's aim for the best in the world. Let's build the fastest and coolest car in the world."
We didn't want something that just looked like a typical supercar. We wanted a design that would make people stop and think: "I've never seen anything like it!" - in the best sense. The Owl 's eye-catching presence - its other-worldly silhouette - was a conscious decision from day one.
Oliver:
How ready do you think Hypercar are to accept fully electric drives - and how is Aspark addressing the mental shift among collectors and purists?
Mr. Yoshida:
Many Hypercar find the sound and vibration of internal combustion engines incredibly intriguing, so the transition to all-electric powertrains will take some time.
But with models like the Aspark Owl - which offers breathtaking acceleration and eye-catching design - we believe it's absolutely possible to convey the true excitement of EV hypercars.
To accelerate widespread adoption, it's not just about raw performance - emotional appeal through design and driving experience will be key.
Oliver:
The Owl is produced in very limited numbers. What was the reason for this - exclusivity, technical complexity or a strategic focus on connoisseurs and collectors?
Mr. Yoshida:
Production of the Owl is limited to just 50 units - and that is quite deliberate. Instead of building electric cars for the mass market, we have decided to produce a small number of high-performance electric hypercars. Our aim is to offer every customer a truly special experience. The Aspark Owl is not about mass - it's about creating unforgettable moments, with every single exceptional vehicle.
Oliver:
What was the feedback from your first customers - in terms of the driving experience and the emotional connection with such a unique vehicle?
Mr. Yoshida:
What makes the Aspark Owl truly special is its incredible acceleration, ultra-low ride height of just one meter and a massive 1,953 horsepower. This combination creates a level of stability that feels like the car has melted into the ground - and offers a driving experience like never before. When you sit in the cockpit, the lowered seating position immediately conveys the feeling: "This is no ordinary car." Of course, we have made it roadworthy, with several driving modes for different situations. In Boost mode, the Owl accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.78 seconds - making it one of the fastest accelerating vehicles in the world.
Its active rear wing and double wishbone suspension not only look impressive - they also enable precise, safe handling, even in tight corners. All these elements make the Owl more than just an "EV supercar". It represents a new standard for electric hypercars. Those who have driven it often say the same thing: "It's not just transportation. It's a unique experience - something that adds a touch of the extraordinary to everyday life."
Oliver:
Are there any thoughts or plans for a future Aspark model - perhaps an all-electric GT or a Hypercar hypercar concept?
Mr. Yoshida:
We never saw the Owl as a one-off. In fact, we are already working on a second and third model. On June 8, 2024, we unveiled the Aspark Owl SP600, a new prototype in the Owl developed with an even greater focus on speed. It caused a worldwide sensation by reaching a top speed of 438.7 km/h.
For us, future development is not just about innovation - it's also about giving our customers long-term security and confidence. Rather than mass production, our vision at Aspark is to build ultra-limited, high-quality vehicles that offer unique value and a sense of excitement. We don't just build cars; we create bold new experiences. With everything we've learned so far, we will continue to push boundaries and create products that inspire genuine wonder and anticipation.
Oliver:
Do you think the future of the Hypercar will be all-electric - or will there still be room for iconic combustion engines?
Mr. Yoshida:
There will always be a group of enthusiasts who are attracted to the sound and smell of internal combustion hypercars, so we don't think the switch to all-electric will be absolute.
But given the pace of technological advancement and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, we see the industry largely moving towards electric powertrains.
At Aspark , we want to be at the forefront of this change - and our mission is to prove that electric can still move the soul.
We believe that performance and emotion need not be sacrificed in the age of electrification.
Oliver:
Many of our readers are interested in the practical aspect: What does the service and maintenance concept for such an exclusive car look like - especially for customers outside Japan or Europe?
Mr. Yoshida:
Even with a high-performance EV like the Owl , we believe it is our responsibility to ensure a long-term, worry-free ownership experience. Long before the first deliveries, we established a global service network, with dedicated support centers and the ability to send engineers directly to customers when needed.
Because production is limited, we can offer truly personalized care for each individual car. This level of attention is one of our greatest strengths.
Oliver:
Finally, a personal question, Mr. Yoshida: How do you feel when you stand in front of a finished Aspark Owl , its body reflecting the light - and you realize that this dream has become reality?
Mr. Yoshida:
Seeing the fully finished Aspark Owl for the first time filled me with a sense of pride and emotion that is really hard to put into words. This project is the culmination of our passion - a car that we are proud to present to the world.
But for us, the Owl is not the finish line - it is a milestone, just one chapter in an ongoing journey of challenge and innovation. We remain determined to continue pushing boundaries and creating new value in the world of EV hypercars.
Outlook
What Aspark has created with the Owl is more than just a technological statement - it is a symbol of courage, vision and uncompromising innovation. The insight into the mindset and attitude of Masanori Yoshida shows: This is not just a car being created, but an entirely new chapter in Hypercar.
In view of the successor models that have been announced and the clear focus on exclusive, high-performance electric mobility, we can look forward to seeing what milestones Aspark will set in the coming years. One thing is certain: the Owl was just the beginning.
