Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder prototype let loose
Spyker Cars may not have impressed in its F1 venture, but it certainly has made up for it off the track. The exclusive sportscar-maker has kept true to its promise made in March at the Geneva Auto Show by debuting the first prototype of the Spyder version of its second-generation Spyker C8 Aileron. The open-top model is scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2010.
The Aileron has an all-aluminum Audi 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 400bhp and generating 354lbs of torque at 3,400rp. It delivers a top speed of 300kmh (187mph) and accelerates from standstill to 100kmh (60mph) in 4.5 seconds.
The engine is paired to a manual six-speed gearbox, driving the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. For the first time, Spyker is offering an optional automatic transmission on the C8 Aileron (paddle shifting behind the steering wheel).
The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder has a semi-automatic canvas soft-top (available in eight colors) with a glass rear window. Its operation is electric/hydraulic, secured by one central latch and operated manually. Once folded, the soft-top disappears into the body of the car for an undisturbed profile. The roof retracts under an aluminum tonneau, with two buttresses upholstered in quilted Hulshof leather (matching the car’s interior) and featuring the company’s motto Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via (for the tenacious, no road is impassable).
Spyker C8 Aileron: the new-generation Spyker
For those who want just that little bit more in an already exceptional vehicle, complete custom and unique finishes are available, or why not order a turned aluminum dashboard fascia, the 19-inch directional rotor wheels, quilted leather detailing for the cockpit and Chronoswiss dashboard instruments … how about a five-piece Louis Vuitton luggage set exclusively made for Spyker (something for the wife?).
“Spyker Cars has taken the next step in our short but intense history with the launch of our second-generation sports car,” said Victor R. Muller, Spyker Cars’ founder and Chief Executive Officer at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where the prototype was unveiled. “We are currently presenting the first Spyker C8 Ailerons to customers, dealers and press around the world, and the response has been very enthusiastic.
“The C8 Aileron Spyder is a logical extension to our range of vehicles, since we have both hard-top and convertible versions of the short-wheelbase model,” said Muller. “The Aileron Spyder will offer open-top motoring along with all the usual Spyker characteristics, striking aviation-inspired styling and hand-crafted quality, based on the exclusive use of noble materials.” By no means a ‘family car’, the Spyker C8 Aileron is a mid-engine, two-seater featuring a longer wheelbase (150mm) than Spyker’s existing sports cars, the C8 Laviolette and convertible C8 Spyder. The extra length delivers increased driver comfort and greater stability at high speeds. Its front track has been increased by 6.1 inches (155mm) to 63.98 inches (1625mm) and the rear 64.76 inches (1645mm) to improve road handling.
Chassis
The Spyker C8 Aileron is hand-crafted, using only the finest bespoke materials such as lightweight all-aluminium body construction and an uncompromising engineering package to create something unique. The Spyker C8 Aileron’s all-aluminium space frame has undergone a complete redesign to increase torsional rigidity and to incorporate an all-new Lotus suspension system. Inside, the C8 Aileron is roomier and accommodates the optional automatic gearbox.
Design and aerodynamics
Spyker’s engineers have worked hard to create an exceptionally stiff structure of 29.500Nm/degree, while rigid-node and load-path technology has been used to ensure that the minimum amount of aluminum achieves this performance, thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Unwanted cabin noises and vibrations have been minimized by special structural tuning. Spyker says these technologies and measures have allowed it to arrive at the most efficient chassis in its history and one of the best in its class.
The design of the hand-crafted Spyker C8 Aileron and Aileron Spyder is heavily inspired by the company’s aviation heritage. The Aileron moves away from the initial propeller propulsion design of the first-generation cars, turbine propulsion. The bright polished air inlets were converted into turbine-engine-shaped air scoops. Several changes in styling were made to improve the car’s aerodynamics. Most of the shark-like gills are gone to make way for a larger grille that allows additional cooling.
Also the rear diffuser (with an extra spoiler) was redesigned for improved functionality. The split side windows with the characteristic metal frame have been replaced by single-pane side windows that are fully retractable, improving driving comfort. The outside mirrors are now mounted on two turbine fan blades. LEDs are used extensively (rear, indicators, sidelights) and the headlight units have been redesigned to follow the body design more closely. The C8 Aileron Spyder is available in 16 standard colors, but customers may choose any color they wish as an option, as well as the Spyker Squadron GT2 color scheme.
Drivetrain
As noted, the Spyker C8 Aileron uses the Audi 4.2-liter V8 engine, delivering 400bhp and is available in manual and automatic. The manual is a six-speed Getrag gearbox and the auto is a ZF six-speed gearbox with paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. Both transmissions retain Spyker’s trademark exposed gear change mechanism.
Suspension
The C8 Aileron is fitted with a new front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension system developed by Lotus, with a new kinematic layout of the front and rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, mono-tube dampers, coil over damper steel springs, anti-dive and anti-squat setup for improved handling properties, made of forged aluminium where possible, to keep the vehicle’s unsprung weight as low as possible. Shock absorbers are placed vertically within the wishbones. The Aeroblade wheels of the first-generation cars have been replaced by turbine-inspired 19-inch alloy wheels. New 12-blade, 19-inch directional rotor wheels, branded Rotorblade, are available as an option. The 235/35 size tires in front and up to 295/30 at the rear provide exceptional handling.
Brakes
The C8 Aileron’s brakes are supplied by AP Racing, a partner from day one. Black brake callipers with Spyker script are standard. Colour-coded callipers with Spyker script can be ordered as an option, and carbon ceramic brakes will be available as an option soon.
Interior and sound system
The leather interior is available in 14 standard colours, but any other colour can be ordered as an option. The brushed aluminum dashboard was completely redesigned to suit the new Spyker identity and to improve ergonomics and functionality, including driver and passenger airbags. Air vents maintain that turbine style and the performance and distribution of the air conditioning has been improved. A multifunctional LCD display is integrated between the speedometer and the odometer. The middle console houses the standard Kharma sound system (six-speaker system with digital radio, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and a navigation system). A turned aluminium dashboard, as well as Chronoswiss (Spyker’s watch manufacturing partner) dials and switches, are available as an option.
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