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[Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/autoblog-podcast-141/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/autoblog-podcast-141/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/autoblog-podcast-141/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #141 of the Autoblog Podcast marks the first time we're joined by a guest outside the Autoblog Inner Circle, and we're hoping that it's the start of a trend. This week, our interview couch is occupied by drift, rally and stunt legend (and all-around good guy) Tanner Foust, the only back-to-back Formula D champion ever. Since Tanner's a racer, we kick off the show talking about the heartbreaking Ferrari crash at Monterey before touching on the Dodge Viper powered Devon GTX and its screaming lap at Laguna Seca.

Actual news starts with talk of the Hyundai Equus coming to the United States, moves on to the Volkswagen Phaeton's supposed return to the North American market, and then to the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. Acura's ZDX tickles (or not) our design eyes, and then we wrap up with some of your questions. Thanks for the new reviews at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page, as well as taking the time to fill out our survey. The feedback to our Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com address has been great, too, so keep it coming... see you next week!



Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura zdxAcuraZdxautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastdevondevon gtxDevonGtxfalsefeaturedferrari 250ferrari 250 testa rossaferrari 250 trferrari 250 tr crashferrari 250trferrari crashferrari monterey crashFerrari250Ferrari250TestaRossaFerrari250trFerrari250TrCrashFerrariCrashFerrariMontereyCrashhyundai equusHyundaiEquusphaetonphaeton returnphaeton returning to usPhaetonReturnphaetonreturningtouspodcast 141podcast tanner foustPodcast141PodcastTannerFoustspyker c8spyker c8 aileronspyker c8 aileron spyderSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronSpykerC8AileronSpydertanner foustTannerFoustvolkswagen phaetonVolkswagenPhaetonvw phaetonVwPhaetonzdxTue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #141Autoblog68:00tanner foust, podcast 141, spyker aileron, devon gtx, ferrari 250tr crash, ferrari monterey crash, hyundai equus, volkswagen phaeton, acura zdx <![CDATA[Pics & Details Aplenty: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/pics-and-details-aplenty-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/pics-and-details-aplenty-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/pics-and-details-aplenty-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Along came a Spyder, and we sat down beside her to snap some photos for your viewing enjoyment from Pebble Beach, where Spyker unveiled the convertible version of its new C8 Aileron. And to go with them, we've now got a series of studio shots along with official details on the new roadster from Holland's niche automaker.

The handcrafted Aileron features aircraft-inspired styling in a way its northern neighbor Saab can only dream of, with turbine-styled air scoops, Rotorblade wheels and little propellor emblems abound, all in a nod to Spyker's roots in early aviation. LEDs serve in the tail-lamps, front turning indicators and side repeaters, but it's inside where the attention to detail really shines. Upholstered in Royal Dutch Tannery Hulshof's quilted Litano leather available in 14 standard colors to compliment the 16 exterior tints and 8 soft-top choices, the cabin features a Chronoswiss dashboard and industry-first Kharma sound system, while an optional five-piece Louis Vuitton luggage set can be had for the trunk.

What separates the Spyder from its fixed-roof counterpart unveiled in Geneva this past March is the electric-hydraulic roof that saves weight with a manually-operated single central latch mechanism. The twin buttresses on the decklid are emblazoned with what has to be an industry first: the company's motto, in Latin: "Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via" (for the tenacious, no road is impassable). A luggage rack milled from solid billet aluminum is mounted right behind, while underneath rests an all-aluminum, Audi-sourced, 4.2-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a Getrag manual or ZF automatic, both with 6 ratios, that's enough to propel the Dutch roadster to 60 in 4.5 seconds en route to a claimed top speed of 300 km/h (187 mph). Lotus fine-tuned the suspension and AP Racing provides the stopping power with optional carbon-ceramic brakes.

The Aileron Spyder is scheduled to go into production in the first half of next year, but you can follow the jump now to read the full press release and check out the gallery of studio shots below and the live shots from Monterey below that.


Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder


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

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

[Source: Spyker]

Continue reading Pics & Details Aplenty: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Pics & Details Aplenty: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aileronaileron spyderAileronSpyderc8 aileronc8 spyderC8AileronC8Spyderspykerspyker aileronspyker c8spyker c8 aileronspyker c8 aileron spyderspyker spyderSpykerAileronSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronSpykerC8AileronSpyderSpykerSpyderMon, 17 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/spyker-preparing-to-enter-gt1-with-competition-spec-c8-aileron/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/spyker-preparing-to-enter-gt1-with-competition-spec-c8-aileron/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/spyker-preparing-to-enter-gt1-with-competition-spec-c8-aileron/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spyker may have dropped out of Formula One, but they haven't lost that competitive spirit. Even before selling its F1 team to Kingfisher's Vijay Mallya, who rechristened the squad as Force India, Spyker was fielding the race-prepped sports cars in the GT2 category, The C8 Laviolette GT2-R (pictured above) has been their weapon of choice, in turn yielding the road-worthy LM85 which debuted at last year's Los Angeles show. But the niche Dutch automaker is reportedly preparing to step into the big leagues.

According to the latest reports from across the pond, Spyker's new GT1 racer will be based on the latest C8 Aileron, complete with aluminum body and chassis and powered by a race-tuned Audi V8. Fielding the GT2 car will fall to privateer teams while the Spyker Squadron focuses on GT1. Of course the Dutch team will have to step up its game if it's going to dice it with the big boys next season, and we'll enjoy watching them go at it.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2009 Spyker C8 Aileron


Gallery: Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R


[Source: motorsportblog.it]

Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt1gt2le mansLeManslm gt1lm gt2LmGt1LmGt2spykerspyker c8spyker c8 aileronspyker c8 gt1spyker c8 gt2spyker c8 gt2-rspyker c8 laviolettespyker c8 laviolette gt2-rspyker c8 laviolette lm85spyker c8 lm85spyker gt1spyker gt2-rSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronSpykerC8Gt1SpykerC8Gt2SpykerC8Gt2-rSpykerC8LavioletteSpykerC8LavioletteGt2-rSpykerC8LavioletteLm85SpykerC8Lm85SpykerGt1SpykerGt2-rFri, 03 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[New pics of production Spyker Aileron hit the interwebs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/new-pics-of-production-spyker-aileron-hit-the-interwebs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/new-pics-of-production-spyker-aileron-hit-the-interwebs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/new-pics-of-production-spyker-aileron-hit-the-interwebs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Spyker C8 Aileron - Click above for image gallery

Boutique Dutch carmaker Spyker unveiled its elongated and streamlined C8 Aileron back in March in Geneva, and we saw its North American debut in New York a month later. Those were show car versions of the upcoming production model based on the concept car we had seen in Geneva and Pebble Beach the year before. We've seen the imposing coupes from every possible angle, inside and out. They are finely crafted, uniquely engineered, rolling works of art, like a plutocrat's timepiece on wheels. What we haven't seen is a production-spec Aileron in red.

A new batch of photos has just begun circulating out onto the 'net, showing a stunning red Aileron driving around Europe. A reliable source tells us this is the first pre-production car to hit the streets, so it is only a matter of time before we see one of these 400 horsepower, Audi 4.2-liter V8-powered rocketships in private hands. Click below to see our full gallery.


Gallery: Spyker Aileron in red


[Source: Spyker]

New pics of production Spyker Aileron hit the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aileronspykerSpyker Aileronspyker c8spyker c8 aileronSpykerAileronSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron gets a longer fuselage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-gets-a-longer-fuselage/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-gets-a-longer-fuselage/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-gets-a-longer-fuselage/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Spyker C8 Aileron

Stylish. Unique. Quirky. "Practical" isn't one of the words typically associated with Spykers, but apparently customers in the Dutch automaker's niche clientele found the C8's cabin, deliciously steampunk as it is, a tad cramped. Spyker has responded by stretching the supercar's wheelbase to offer a bit more interior space for all that retro switchgear and diamond-quilted leather to create the C8 Aileron, unveiled in concept form here last year and in the final production version this time 'round at the Geneva Motor Show.

Although the Aileron would ostensibly seem a simple stretch job, Spyker claims to have completely re-engineered the car from scratch, starting with the aluminum space-frame chassis. However you look at it, the Aileron is 155mm (5.9 inches) longer than the C8 Laviolette it replaces. A lengthened C8 Spyder is also in the works, and the more commodious version promises to help the troubled niche automaker branch into the lucrative North American market. Full details, including the Audi-sourced 400-hp V8, are enumerated in the press release after the jump, and you can view the new Aileron in all its machined aluminum, aircraft-inspired glory in the gallery below.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2009 Spyker C8 Aileron



Photos Copyright (C)2009 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron gets a longer fuselage

Geneva 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron gets a longer fuselage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dutchgenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowspykerspyker aileronspyker c8spyker c8 aileronspyker genevaSpykerAileronSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronSpykerGenevaWed, 04 Mar 2009 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Spyker to build lightweight race-derived C8 LM 85]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/31/spyker-to-build-lightweight-race-derived-c8-lm85/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/31/spyker-to-build-lightweight-race-derived-c8-lm85/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/31/spyker-to-build-lightweight-race-derived-c8-lm85/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Take your exotic sports car and put it in a room with its racing counterpart. Put on some R&B, dim the lights and wait nine months. It's a winning formula that has worked for some of the world's best automakers and resulted in such stunning performance vehicles as the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Aston Martin DBS and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, to name just a few. Now Spyker is getting ready to cue up the Barry White with the upcoming LM 85.

Named for the starting position of the Spyker C8 GTR2 racer at Le Mans, the LM 85 will be the latest race-derived, hardcore exotic sportscar. It will be based on the short-wheelbase C8 Laviolette, but lightened and tightened. Power could be as high as 450 horses, while the suspension is expected to be stiffened and weight removed to get a 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) figure near 3.8 seconds and top speed bumping the 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. Only a highly symbolic 24 examples are expected to be built in an effort to bring the niche Dutch automaker back from the brink.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport and Motor Authority]

Spyker to build lightweight race-derived C8 LM 85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lm 85Lm85spykerspyker c8spyker c8 laviolettespyker c8 lm 85SpykerC8SpykerC8LavioletteSpykerC8Lm85Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spyker loses 72.075 million euros in 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/30/spyker-loses-72-075-million-euros-in-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/30/spyker-loses-72-075-million-euros-in-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/30/spyker-loses-72-075-million-euros-in-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Spyker C8 Aileron

For such a small manufacturer of specialty vehicles, Spyker hemorrhaged a huge amount of money last year; 72.075 million euros ($113.07 million at current exchange rates), to be exact. Part of this loss was due to the sale of its Formula 1 operations, but their car-selling business managed to cost them a few million more. Money was so tight that the Dutch supercar company only managed to assemble 26 cars last year -- only two in the final quarter, despite the waiting list for their wares.

Good news is on the horizon, though, as Spyker has received a cash-infusion from Snoras Group, a Lithuanian bank (and now the largest shareholder in the company), and is again up-to-speed on automobile production. The long-wheelbase C8 Aileron, along with its new automatic transmission, is scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, while their D8 Peking-to-Paris will follow in 2009. Additionally, their racing team, Spyker Squadron, will continue its GT aspirations, though Formula 1 has obviously been abandoned. So, Spyker fans, look forward to a less-tumultuous year in 2008... we're pretty sure that it couldn't be any worse than the last.

[Source: Spyker (.pdf link) via Automotive News]

Spyker loses 72.075 million euros in 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>spykerspyker c8spyker c8 aileronspyker carsspyker d12spyker d12 pekingspyker d12 peking-to...spyker d12 ssuvspyker d12 suvspyker d8spyker d8 peking to parisspyker squadronspyker-carsspyker-d8-peking-to-parisspyker-f1spyker-squadronspykerc8SpykerC8AileronSpykerCarsSpykerD12SpykerD12PekingSpykerD12Peking-to...SpykerD12SsuvSpykerD12SuvSpykerD8SpykerD8PekingToParisSpykerSquadronSun, 30 Mar 2008 07:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Spyker C8 Aileron]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-spyker-c8-aileron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-spyker-c8-aileron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-spyker-c8-aileron/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Spyker C8 Aileron

Making any car longer, particularly a sportscar, comes with penalties and concessions. But Spyker managed to circumvent them with the new C8 Aileron, which the eccentric Dutch automaker unveiled here in Geneva. Despite a ten-centimeter stretch in wheelbase, torsional rigidity has improved by a whopping 40-percent without adding extra weight to the C8's aluminum space frame. The same Audi V8 continues to deliver 400 horsepower as in the shorter C8 Laviolette, but is now offered for the first time mated to an automatic transmission, which Spyker hopes will help improve its sales and extract the company from its financial woes.

The longer wheelbase of the C8 Aileron also means that Spyker will be able to produce a more functional convertible than the spyder it's offered in the past. In the meantime, a slew of new visual details are added to the already busy design along with the stretch, including some new vents and scoops drawn from the forestalled C12 Zagato. If you want more details, we've got the full press release for you after the jump, and a whole gallery of high-resolution images of the C8 Aileron from the floor of the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Spyker C8 Aileron

Geneva 2008: Spyker C8 Aileron originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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