Autoblog

Report: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder trying catch up to 99 units with ZR1 power?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Spyker, Rumormill

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

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Spyker that didn't have to do with its acquisition of Saab. The Dutch automaker has apparently had its hands full taking the reins in Trollhattan from General Motors - so busy in fact that it has apparently missed production targets. Like with the new C8 Aileron Spyder.

The convertible version of the stretched and updated C8 debuted about a year and a half ago in Pebble Beach, and was supposed to enter production in the first half of 2010. Well, 2010 has come and gone and apparently production still hasn't started. But we do have some news.

According to reports from the company's native Netherlands, Spyker is planning on keeping the C8 Aileron Spyder very exclusive, with a production run of just 99 units. That's a mighty limited edition, but there's more: according to the same report quoting CEO Victor Muller, Spyker will be ditching the Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 for the 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Considering that, at 638 hp, the LS9 produces over 50% more power than the 400-horse Audi mill, the commensurate drop in the previously estimated 4.5-second sprint to 60 should be well worth the work involved in turning the blown eight around and mounting it in the middle of the Spyker. Either that, or this could all amount to nothing - but the notion that the door between GM and Spyker could be swinging both ways is certainly intriguing.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

Report: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder trying catch up to 99 units with ZR1 power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Spyker, Luxury

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.

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Dutch Exodus: Spyker relocating vehicle assembly to the UK

Drew Phillips — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, UK, MISC

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

In these tough times automakers are doing everything they can to cut costs. For Spyker, that means moving its vehicle assembly from its home country of the Netherlands to Coventry, England. How does that save money, you ask? "With approximately half of our vehicles' parts and components sourced in the UK, and virtually all key suppliers being located there, moving closer to our suppliers and engineering partners will result in substantial savings and tangible efficiency improvements," according to Spyker CEO Victor R. Muller.

The assembly of the Spyker line, which includes various iterations of the C8 supercar, will move to CPP Manufacturing before the end of the year. CPP has worked with the Dutch manufacturer since its reincarnation in 2000, and even built Spyker's first prototype. Other portions of the company, such as engineering, marketing, and the race team will stay at the Zeewolde headquarters. Full details can be found in Spyker's press release after the jump.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

[Source: Spyker]

Continue reading Dutch Exodus: Spyker relocating vehicle assembly to the UK

Dutch Exodus: Spyker relocating vehicle assembly to the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Acura, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Spyker, Celebrities, Design/Style

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.

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Pics & Details Aplenty: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Spyker, Luxury

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

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.

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Monterey 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder debuts

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

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

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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