Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-is-the-devil-in-the-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-is-the-devil-in-the-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-is-the-devil-in-the-details/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Where to even start? Oh right - that interior! With the possible exception of a couple of British-ish cars (BMW-owned Rolls-Royce Phantom, Volkswagen-owned Bentley Mulsanne, Tata-owned Jaguar XJ), no interior even comes close. And frankly, being honest, those luxo-barges just pale in comparison to the blinged out old-world splendor of a Spyker cockpit. And the C8 Aileron Spyder ups that already pricey ante. And get this - all C8s are now built in Coventry, England, shaving about $9,000 off the asking price, which is somewhere south north of $200,000 depending on baubles options.

Normally, photographing cars at auto shows feels like a strange, exotic form of torture, at least for us writerly types. The bright lights, the bumrush, the awkward positions (you try crawling on your hands and knees between a posing CEO's knees to get a shot of a wheel) - it's not fun. But when photographing this car, we were overcome with a rush of (let's just say) endorphins. We could imagine ourselves winding up the California coast, fondling that leather-wrapped aluminum gear shifter for hundreds of breezy, dreamy miles. And get this - it's an automatic... and we don't care!

For you number junkies who choose to hastily look past the incredible innards, the C8 drop top is powered by a 4.2-liter Audi V8 good for 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That medium-amount of gumption is routed to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed slushbox. Top speed is 187 mph and 0-60 happens in 4.5 seconds. Spyker claims that the car's strength is in the frame (stouter than a Ferrari F430, so they say) and therefor chopping off the roof has limited negative structural impact. Want more tech details? See our post from Monterey.



Let's get back to that interior. If you're into fancy cars (hi mom!) you've no doubt heard of special leather coming from "free range" cows raised without barbwire so as to ensure the leather is flawless. Well get this, the leather in the Aileron Spyder comes from a Dutch tannery that works with free range cold weather cows. Why cold weather? No mosquito bites. No, really. And you can get that interior in any of fourteen colors, most of which are (hopefully) equally eye-searing. Finally, anyone else as in love with the tonneau cover-mounted quilted leather briefcase as we are?


Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowAudiC8C8 Aileron SpyderC8 SpyderC8AileronSpyderC8SpyderLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowSpykerSpyker C8Spyker C8 AileronSpyker C8 Aileron SpyderSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronSpykerC8AileronSpyderFri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Monterey 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/15/monterey-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/15/monterey-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/15/monterey-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Spkyer C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Spyker deals in the ultimate four-wheeled fashion accessories, so it's fitting that the automaker debuted its next-generation droptop - the C8 Aileron Spyder - to the primped and bedazzled throngs in Monterey.

Based off the all-new Aileron that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year (replacing the original C8 after a successful nine-year run), the Spyder version stays true to its predecessor with a frameless windshield and a flowing profile that doesn't disrupt the more angular, aircraft-inspired theme of the coupe.

Ahead of the CNC-machined aluminum luggage rack and integrated roll-bars, a tonneau cover houses a soft-top (available in eight colors) and glass window that's deployed using an electric/hydraulic system and latched with a single mechanism.

Like the original C8, Spyker developed the Aileron to be a convertible from the onset, so little if any modifications have been made to ready the Spyder for drop-top duty. The chassis carries over unchanged, as does the drivetrain - an Audi-sourced 400+ hp 4.2-liter with a choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox (with paddle shifters) - along with the massive AP brakes and 19-inch Aeroblade wheels. And if the inside of the Aileron wasn't enough of a masterpiece to begin with, Spyker has teamed up with ultra-high-end stereo purveyors Kharma to offer a new infotainment system that will add another level of excess to the already excessive interior. Expect sales to begin later this, with around 50 percent of all Spyders winding up on U.S. shores.


Gallery: Monterey 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

01-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-live02-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-live03-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-live04-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-live05-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-live

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc. and Stefan Ammerlaan/Spyker Cars

Monterey 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At last year's Geneva Motor Show we got our first glimpse of the Spyker C8 Aileron, the stretched and stiffened coupe that could replace the C8 Laviolette later this year. In keeping with its promise to deliver a production version of the C8 Aileron in 2009, Spkyer has released a teaser of its newest hypercar ahead of its reveal in Geneva next month.

There's no doubt that the stylistic insanity of the concept will make its way to the production model, along with the Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8, putting out 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. A choice of either a Getrag six-speed manual or ZF auto-box will deliver power to the rear wheels, and with a curb weight of just over 3,100 pounds, the Aileron will hit 60 in 4.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 187 mph.

Spyker's trademark interior trinkets, including its turned aluminum dash, will find their way inside, along with a Kharma stereo with GPS, Bluetooth integration and MP3 compatibility. Production is expected to begin in May, with sales starting in early summer, and expect a convertible variant to bow next year.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron

Spyker C8 Aileron teased ahead of Geneva unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aileronc8genevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowspykerspyker c8 aileronSpykerC8AileronFri, 20 Feb 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Our Orange Crush is the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-our-orange-crush-is-the-spyker-c8-laviolette-lm85/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-our-orange-crush-is-the-spyker-c8-laviolette-lm85/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-our-orange-crush-is-the-spyker-c8-laviolette-lm85/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85

The Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85, which we'll call "Tiger," is officially out and about. Spyker has released more images of the Audi-engined, 400-hp, 6-speed manual Le Mans-inspired road car, and to our eyes it could be the best looking Spyker we've seen. The blacked-out mirrors do it a lot of favors and don't remind us any more of carry handles, and it has even retained 19-inch wheels secured with one lug nut and will apparently get you a combined 15 mpg on the EPA cycle. Not bad for a leathered up race car. Check out the press release after the jump and the galleries of high-res shots in our galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2008: Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85


Gallery: Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Our Orange Crush is the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85

LA 2008: Our Orange Crush is the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The current standard-wheelbase Spyker C8 Laviolette

Spyker may be down, but it's not out. The Dutch exotic automaker has fallen on some hard times, but that's not going to stop it from moving forward with at least some of its plans. The C12 Zagato has been postponed indefinitely, but at the upcoming Geneva auto show in March, Spyker is expected to unveil an improved version of its existing C8 Laviolette.

As wonderfully quirky as the current C8 is, owners complain of constricted space. In response Spyker has stretched the wheelbase, giving more space in the cabin while improving the vehicles proportions. The C8 Laviolette LWB will feature an elongated version of the current model's glass roofline. A long wheelbase Spyder version is expected to follow sometime thereafter, benefiting from a proper motorized convertible roof instead of the largely useless folding rag on the current short-wheelbase model. It's a small step forward for the ailing company, but a step forward nonetheless.

Follow the jump for a video rendering of the upcoming C8 Spyder LWB doin' the turntable thing.

[Source: Spyker Owner Forum]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8

Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It was simply a matter of time before the financial stresses ailing Spyker would filter their way down to product. The result is the unceremonious execution of the stillborn C12 LaTurbie and the Zagato edition. Killing off those two models enables Spyker to put more of its limited resources into two remaining models, the C8 and the upcoming Super Sport Utility Vehicle D12.

According to Spyker head Hans Hugenholtz, the C8 will remain as it's cheaper to produce and stands as the cornerstone of the ultra-niche automaker's turnaround efforts. That, and the introduction of the D12 SSUV, now delayed until the end of 2008, will hopefully return the firm to profitability.

The death of the C12 was a huge financial hit, as Spyker spent a considerable amount of cash and resources toying around with the VW-sourced 450 HP 6.0-liter W12 that now may find a home within the D12 SSUV.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Spyker dropping C12, developing new SSUV and C8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c12 laturbieC12Laturbiec8d12 SSUVD12SsuvspykerzagatoTue, 02 Oct 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Clear the roads: Paris Hilton running a Spyker C8 Spyder in Bullrun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/29/clear-the-roads-paris-hilton-running-a-spyker-c8-spyder-in-bull/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/29/clear-the-roads-paris-hilton-running-a-spyker-c8-spyder-in-bull/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/29/clear-the-roads-paris-hilton-running-a-spyker-c8-spyder-in-bull/#commentsFiled under: ,



As if there hasn't been enough Paris Hilton in our lives, now she's going to be competing in this year's Bullrun behind the wheel of a Spyker C8 Spyder. Bullrun, an eight-day rally and traveling fiesta,, will be running from Montreal to Key West starting on May 11. Paris was part of the 2004 rally (which, of course, she did not win) so she does have some experience with how the competition works.

To get her to appear, the Bullrun organizers gave the hotel heiress the gorgeous Spyker in which she'll compete. TMZ snagged some amusing video of the socialite with her exotic ragtop, in which she starts off in the driver's seat, then says "I don't know how to drive a stick" as she climbs into shotgun. Then, when someone else gets in to drive, the brainy beauty exclaims, "Don't hit my car!" as she looks back at her... Saab? We know Paris is a looker, but the C8, with its unique appearance and spectacular engine note, completely steals the show here.

[Source: TMZ]

Clear the roads: Paris Hilton running a Spyker C8 Spyder in Bullrun originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Apr 2007 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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