Autoblog

Come August 19th, the C16 model line will grow from two models to three with the addition of the C16 Speedster announced today. Joining the Coupe and Cabrio versions of Callaway's Corvette-based supercar, the C16 Speedster is, in our eyes, the most equisite looking Callaway evar. It's appropriate then that the new open-air head scrubber will debut at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the poshest car show on the continent.

Like its brethren, the Speedster is motivated by a supercharged, though also intercooled, 6.2L V8, producing 700 horsepower and 660 ft-lbs. of torque. That appears to be about 84 horsepower more than one can order for a C16 Coupe or Cabrio. 0-60 takes just 3.2 seconds and the motor will finally surrender to the laws of physics around 210 mph. Going that fast with no windshield would be an adventure, for sure. Though the twin wind deflectors would push the rushing air up and over your (hopefully) helmeted head, there's a good chance you might be dining on a June bug or two for lunch. Callaway has incorporated some bumps behind the extra tall headrests, as well, which hopefully support the car's weight should you find yourself upside down on the tarmac. Considering the C16 Speedster will cost $305,000 USD when it goes on sale in the fall, owners will hopefully not be driving in a way where upside down antics are a possibility.

Check out the gallery of high-res pics below and Callaway's press release after the jump.

[Source: Callaway]







PRESS RELEASE:

CALLAWAY C16 SPEEDSTER SET TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT 2007 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS d'ELEGANCE

Flagship Model in C16 Line Offers High-Speed Motoring in its Purest Form, Features Jet-Fighter Styling, 700HP Hand-Built Powerplant, Unrivaled Exclusivity

OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT (July 23, 2007) – Callaway Cars today announced it will unveil the C16 Speedster, the third and flagship model in the C16 lineup, on the concept lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, August 19, 2007.

The made-to-order C16 Speedster represents a pinnacle in American supercar design. The supercharged and intercooled 700 horsepower Callaway exotic produces class leading power, a topless cockpit with twin wind deflectors and extended headrests, exquisite bodywork and race-inspired chassis tuning. Much like its spiritual predecessors, the 1990 Callaway Speedster and 1998 C12 Speedster, the latest C16 Speedster offers a visceral open air driving experience unlike any other.

"This is Callaway Cars' most exquisite vehicle to date," said company founder Reeves Callaway. "The C16 Speedster marks our 20th anniversary with Corvette and 30th year in business, and having this statement of our passion for the automobile featured on the concept lawn at Pebble Beach is a high water mark for us."

The C16 Speedster was penned and modeled by Paul Deutschman, architect of the "Callaway look" and designer of the original 1990 Callaway Speedster. Every body panel has been redesigned to speak to style and aerodynamics, and a hand-tooled German leather interior adds exclusivity. Door sills, the steering wheel and dash area all carry signature Callaway badging. Each Speedster is tailored to the buyer's specifications, including interior and exterior colors and a personalized build plate.

Underneath the car's stunning bodywork lies the heart of a racecar. The Callaway supercharged, intercooled, 6.2L all-alloy hand-built powerplant produces 700hp and 660lb-ft of torque, propelling the Speedster from 0 to 60 in an estimated 3.2 seconds. Maximum velocity of the C16 Speedster is over 210 mph.

Overall handling and road feel is transmitted by a newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension system. This joint development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific road conditions.

A unique element the Speedster shares with its C16 siblings – Coupe and Cabrio – are Callaway/Dymag Carbon wheels that weigh approximately 40-percent less than the lightest aluminum wheels, significantly reducing unsprung weight for improved acceleration, cornering and braking. These TUV- and DOT-tested wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by carbon fiber rims and measure 19" x 10" front and 20" x 13" rear. Residing behind the wheels is a Callaway / StopTech brake system, which utilizes 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm x 32 mm rotors.

The Callaway C16 Speedster will be available for purchase in the Fall of 2007 and starts at $305,000 USD. Speedster No.1 of the series will be delivered to its new owner at Pebble Beach.

The Callaway C16 Speedster is built by Callaway facilities in California, Connecticut, and Germany and is available for purchase exclusively through Callaway Cars' authorized dealer network. Callaway C16 components are also available individually for 2005 - 2007 Corvettes through Callaway authorized retailers and installers. For additional information on Callaway Cars, its automobiles and dealer locations, call 860-434-9002 or visit www.callawaycars.com