2008 NY Auto Show: Spyker C8 Spyder SWB and C8 Laviolette SWB Come to The Big Apple
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Zeewolde, The Netherlands - March 19, 2008: Featured at this year's New York Auto Show are the The Spyker C8 Spyder SWB (convertible) and the Spyker C8 Laviolette SWB (coupe).
 Spyker C8 Spyder |
 Spyker C8 Laviolette |
Two weeks ago, Spyker Cars unveiled its second generation C-line sports car at the Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva, Switzerland. The all aluminum Long Wheel Base model is called Spyker C8 Aileron and will be offered with both a manual as well as an automatic gearbox. The C8 Aileron is scheduled to make its US debut at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August, 2008 with US deliveries slated to commence 4th quarter 2008.
Architecture
The C8 Aileron continues Spyker’s signature architecture (applied
since its inception in 2000 with the C8 Spyder) of a mid-engined
configuration in an aluminum space frame, clad in aluminum body panels.
 Spyker C8 Aileron |
Design
Designing a successor of a first generation car is no mean feat.
Spyker’s design philosophy has always been to create timeless
designs, contemporary but classic.
In the first generation cars the leading design cues were Spyker’s aviation and racing heritage. The propeller design consistently applied to many elements of the cars (such as the Aeroblade wheels) since 2000, was up for refreshment though; in aviation the propeller engine was succeeded by the turbine engine so Spyker adopted the turbine as its “leitmotiv” for the Aileron.
The signature Spyker polished air inlets in aluminum were converted into turbine engine shaped scoops reducing the “bling” element considerably, which reflects a trend Spyker sees in general: more sober designs, less exuberant. The scoops have polished alloy nacelles which may be colour coded with the interior as an option. The airflow around the car was redesigned so that the shark-like gills of the first generation cars (no less than 17 on a C8 Spyder) could be abandoned giving the Aileron a cleaner, smoother appearance.
The radiator opening was enlarged in anticipation of more horsepower requiring additional cooling. The mesh is V-shaped as on the first generation cars, a direct reference to the Spykers of the previous century, but angled forward giving the car a somewhat more aggressive stance.
Also the headlight units were reshaped to follow the body design more closely. LED lights are incorporated in the units for indicators as well as Xenon lights (which are standard now).
The jet inspired glass canopy, first introduced on the C8 Laviolette in February 2001, was extended backwards, reducing drag and increasing cockpit headroom. The signature air inlet atop the cockpit remains in place and is now turbine shaped.
With the increased wheelbase (4.5 inches / 10 cm), the doors grew by the same length allowing for more comfortable in- and egress.
Unfortunately, practicality sometimes gains over design: The first generation cars have split side windows which were not optimal in terms of sealing (wind noise and water management). The Aileron has single pane side glass that drops when the door is opened and closed, creating improved comfort level.
The rear diffuser was redesigned for improved functionality. The redesigned rear lights are LED units.
The outside mirrors were redesigned and the cone is mounted on two turbine fan blades painted in body colour (but available in polished aluminium as an option).
Power train
The Aileron will continue to use the Audi 4.2 litre V8 giving 400 BHP.
This state-of-the-art 5 valve 4 cam engine is now mated to a 6-speed Getrag
manual or a 6-speed automatic ZF gearbox. This is the first time a Spyker
is available with an automatic gearbox as standard equipment.
Wheels and suspension
The Aeroblade ™ (5 propeller) wheels of the first generation cars
are logically replaced by a 10 blade rotor wheel called
‘Rotorblade’ ™. They come in 19” on front and rear
wheels and are made in left and right hand turning versions.
The Aileron’s suspension was developed from scratch and has double wishbones both front and rear. Shock absorbers are now placed vertically within the wishbones.
(Carbon Ceramic ) Brakes
Brakes are supplied by AP Racing, a Spyker partner from day one. Colour
coded callipers with Spyker script are available as an option. Carbon
ceramic brakes will be offered for the Aileron as an option as well.
Interior
The interior of all Spykers is clad in the highest quality leather the industry has on offer. The Dutch Tannery of Hulshof provides the six hides used for an Aileron interior in 14 standard colours, which is fitted by Ellemeijer. Any other colour so desired by the customer is available as an option.
Chronoswiss Dials are available as an option as well.
Audio System
When Spyker started production in 2003, 80% of the customers ordered
their cars without any audio system, the basic reasoning being that the
engine provided all the sound one could possibly wish for. However, with
larger numbers of cars going into the market, the demand for a standard
sound system increased and cars were fitted with the system chosen by the
owner. With the ever increasing success of the I-pod and similar products,
the demand for a standard sound system fitted by the factory has increased
to the point that every Aileron will be equipped with a Kharma sound
system, incorporating a GPS system, Bluetooth, CD player and an I-pod jack.
It is paired to 7 Kharma loudspeakers.
As an option the Kharma Experience system - of an unprecedented quality in the industry - is available for the most discerning owners (see separate chapter).
Exterior Colours
The Aileron is available in 14 standard colours, but as an option
customers may elect to have the car painted any colour they whish. The
Spyker Squadron GT2 colour scheme with big “S’” is
available as an option as well.
Squadron
Spyker Squadron the factory GT2 team -, in partnership with its title
sponsor SNORAS Bank and Speedy Racing, is proud to present its latest GT2
racer for the most famous and gruelling race on the planet: the 24-Hours of
Le Mans. In 2008 and 2009 Spyker Squadron will compete with two Spyker C8
Laviolette GT2Rs in both the Le Mans Series (LMS) and the 24-Hours of Le
Mans.
The Laviolette GT2R replaces the successful Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R, the first Spyker that earned podium positions in the international GT arena. The new Laviolette has been built from the ground up on a much stiffer, aluminum space frame with better aerodynamic qualities. Based on the team’s knowledge and experience with the previous C8, a long list of components have been changed or improved. The new car is an excellent platform to continuously develop and improve pace to reach the ultimate goal: a podium position at Le Mans.
Spyker Squadron welcomes Lithuanian SNORAS Bank as its title sponsor for the upcoming season. Like last year Spyker Squadron partners with Alexandre Pesci’s Swiss dealer team Speedy Racing, sponsored by LEMO and Rebellion Horlogerie.
Car number 85 will be driven by Alexei Vasilev (RUS), Ralf Kelleners (GER) and Peter Dumbreck (GBR). The second car, number 94, will be piloted by Andrea Chiesa (SUI), Benjamin Leuenberger (SUI) and Philippe Camandona (SUI).
Both at Le Mans and in the Le Mans Series, the team will use Michelin tires.
After two tests in Estoril and Le Castellet (Paul Ricard), the team will head to Barcelona, Spain to make its 2008 season debut at the LMS 1000km de Catalunya.
Spyker C8 Aileron Technical Specifications
Engine type: Aluminum V8 spark-ignition. Exhaust : Two sets of single pipes with Spyker ‘Nulla Tenaci’ engraved Displacement : 4.2 litres (4163cm3) Max. Output : 400 bhp (298Kw) Max. Torque : 354 lbs/ft (480Nm) Max. Revolutions : 7,000 Rpm Top Speed : 187 mph (300 km/h)
Chassis: Aluminum space frame, composed of aluminum extrusions and folded sheet.
Body: Aluminium Superformed body Weight : 3,142 lbs (1425 kg) Wheelbase : 105.4” (2677 mm) Length : 179.5” (4561 mm) Width : 75.2” (1910 mm), excluding mirrors Front track : 64.9” (1650 mm) Rear track : 64.9” (1650 mm) Max.-height : 47.8” (1214 mm ) Fuel tank capacity : 18.5 gallons (70 liters)
Drive line: Standard: 6 speed manual gearbox Optional: 6 speed automatic gearbox
Suspension: Double aluminum wishbones with integrated shock absorbers
Brake system: Brake system incl. ABS system Front : 362mm diameter Steel brake-discs with AP-racing 6 piston brake callipers. Rear : 330 mm diameter steel brake-discs with AP-racing 6 piston brake callipers
Carbon Ceramic Brakes optional
Wheels: Front : 8,5J x 19” Rotorblade ™ alloy Rear : 10J x 19” Rotorblade ™ alloy Tyres: Front : BF Goodrich 235/35 ZR19 Rear : BF Goodrich 295/30 ZR19
Interior: Full leather interior by Hulshof Turned aluminum dashboard Chronoswiss gauges Driver’s and passenger’s airbags with passenger airbag deactivation switch Audio: Kharma Sound System (optional)
Price: MSRP excl. taxes $229,990.00 (manual, excluding options) $239,990.00 (automatic, excluding options)