The Spyker C8 is a
sports car
A sports car is a car designed with an emphasis on dynamic performance, such as handling, acceleration, top speed, the thrill of driving and racing capability. Sports cars originated in Europe in the early 1900s and are currently produced by ...
produced by the Dutch automaker
Spyker Cars
Spyker Cars (, ) is a Dutch sports car marque. The modern Spyker Cars held the legal rights to the brand name. The company's motto is "''Nulla tenaci invia est via''", Latin for "For the tenacious, no road is impassable". The marque's logo dis ...
since 2000.
The design takes visual cues from the 1999
Spyker Silvestris V8
The Spyker Silvestris V8 is a Dutch mid-engine sports car introduced in 1999 as a prototype for what would later become the Spyker C8. The Silvestris was the first new model from Spyker since it declared bankruptcy in 1929 and it hailed a return ...
concept car but the proportions have been changed vastly.
First generation (2000–2012)
Spyder (2000–2009)
The Spyder (later known as the Spyder SWB to distinguish it from Spyker's long-wheelbase offerings) is the original base model of the C8, debuting at the 2000
Birmingham Motor Show
The British International Motor Show is an annual motor show held by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders between 1903 and 2008 in England, and as The British Motor Show since 2021 by Automotion Events.
Initially held in London at Th ...
.
Equipped with an
Audi
Audi AG () is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. As a subsidiary of its parent company, the Volkswagen Group, Audi produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide.
Th ...
4.2L
V8 engine
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.
The first V8 engine was produced by the French Antoinette company in 1904, developed and us ...
making , the Spyder has a top speed of .
Laviolette (2001–2009)
The Laviolette was the second C8 model to be developed, and was unveiled by Spyker at
AutoRAI 2001.
The Laviolette has the same Audi 4.2L V8 engine producing as the Spyder, but replaces the Spyder's retractable soft top roof with a fixed glass canopy and an integrated roof air intake, making it the first C8 coupe. 55 Laviolettes were built in total.
The name 'Laviolette' is a reference to Belgian engineer
Joseph Valentin Laviolette, who helped develop several Spyker race cars in the early 1900s.
Double 12S (2002–2007)
The next year, Spyker commemorated the opening of a new factory with the unveiling of the Double 12S on March 21, 2002.
The Double 12S is a road-legal version of the Double 12R race car, and as such uses the same modified 4.0L Audi V8. The Double 12S was offered in five different stages of tune, listed below:
The name 'Double 12' is a reference to the 24-hour world speed record, set in 1922 by racing driver
Selwyn Edge
Selwyn Francis Edge (1868–1940) was a British businessman, racing driver, cyclist and record-breaker. He is principally associated with selling and racing De Dion-Bouton, Gladiator; Clemént-Panhard, Napier and AC cars.
Personal life
Edge ...
in a Spyker C4.
Spyder T (2003–2007)
The Spyder T is a modified version of the original C8 Spyder. This updated model, announced by Spyker at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 2003, features a
twin-turbocharged
Twin-turbo (not to be confused with a twincharger setup, which is a combination of a supercharger and a turbocharger) refers to an engine in which two turbochargers work in tandem to compress the intake fuel/air mixture (or intake air, in the case ...
version of the Spyder's 4.2L V8, resulting in a power increase to . To handle the new powertrain, the Spyder T features a wider track and tires over the standard Spyder, as well as suspension and aerodynamic upgrades.
Laviolette LWB (2008–2012)
At the
2008 Geneva Motor Show, Spyker introduced a long-wheelbase C8 Laviolette to be produced alongside the original standard-wheelbase car. The new version extended the C8's wheelbase to from the original , meeting customer demands for a more spacious interior. The Laviolette LWB uses the same Audi 4.2L V8 from the original Laviolette, producing .
Laviolette LM85 (2009–2012)
The Laviolette LM85 is a road-legal version of the Laviolette GT2-R racing car, much like the Double 12S was to the Double 12R. Production of the LM85 was limited to 24 units to pay homage to the 24 Hours of Le Mans races in which many Spyker race cars have taken part.
The Laviolette LM85 was designed after the GT2-R's racing livery, and only offered in a two-tone Burnt Orange/Gun Metal finish. The car utilized the 4.2L Audi V8, producing .
The 'LM85' name is a combination of the acronym for 'Le Mans' (LM) and the number 85, Spyker Squadron's preferred racing number.
Second generation (2009–2018)
Aileron (2009–2016)
![Spyker aileron goodwood festival of speed 2010](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Spyker_aileron_goodwood_festival_of_speed_2010.jpg)
At the
2009 Geneva Motor Show, Spyker debuted the C8 Aileron, described by the company as the second generation of their C8 sports car, to replace the Laviolette. Though still equipped with the same 4.2L Audi V8 from the Spyder and Laviolette, the Aileron features a longer, wider body, and, for the first time in the C8, an optional
ZF automatic transmission. Continuing with the aviation themes of previous C8 cars, the Aileron's wheel design is inspired by jet turbine blades, a motif that can be seen throughout the car's aluminum construction and interior.
The name 'Aileron' is a reference to the
flight control surface of the same name, a nod to the company's history in aviation.
Aileron Spyder (2009–2016)
A convertible version of the C8 Aileron was unveiled later in 2009 at the
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is an automotive charitable event held each year on the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. It is widely considered the pinnacle event of its kind and one of the most prestigious car events in ...
. Aside from the retractable roof, the dimensions and powertrain of the Aileron Spyder are identical to those of the standard Aileron. The Aileron Spyder would replace the original C8 Spyder, which had been in production since 2000.
Aileron LM85 (2018)
To commemorate the end of the production of C8 Aileron models with the introduction of the Preliator, Spyker built three Aileron LM85 cars. As with the previous Laviolette LM85s, the Aileron LM85s are styled after the Spyker racing livery, though each of the three Aileron LM85 examples produced came with a distinct color scheme.
The LM85 is the only Aileron model to feature Spyker's more powerful 4.2L supercharged Audi V8 producing .
Third generation (2016–present)
Preliator (2016–present)
![Spyker C8 Preliator (21)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Spyker_C8_Preliator_%2821%29.JPG)
The C8 Preliator was officially announced at the
2016 Geneva Motor Show as the third generation C8 sportscar, replacing the Aileron. Though originally Spyker had planned to produce the Preliator with a 5.0L V8 engine supplied by
Koenigsegg
Koenigsegg Automotive AB () is a Swedish manufacturer of high-performance sports cars based in Ängelholm, Skåne County, Sweden.
Company
The company was founded in 1994 in Sweden by Christian von Koenigsegg, with the intention of producing ...
, in 2018 this deal was called off. Instead, the Preliator will use a 4.2L supercharged Audi V8 producing , resulting in a time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of . The car comes with a choice of a 6-speed
Getrag
Getrag (), stylized as GETRAG, was a major supplier of transmission systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The company was founded on 1 May 1935, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, by Hermann Hagenmeyer; as the ''Getriebe und Zahnradfabrik ...
manual or a 6 speed ZF automatic transmission. As with previous Spyker models, the car has typical aviation inspired design elements such as
NACA
The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) was a United States federal agency founded on March 3, 1915, to undertake, promote, and institutionalize aeronautical research. On October 1, 1958, the agency was dissolved and its assets ...
styled air-inlets. Driver technology has been upgraded as well compared to previous models, with the C8 Preliator gaining a
heads-up display
A head-up display, or heads-up display, also known as a HUD (), is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. The origin of the name stems from a pilot being able to view informa ...
and
bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). In the most widely used mode, transmission power is limi ...
connectivity for phones.
The name 'Preliator' likely comes from the Latin word ''
proeliator'', meaning "fighter".
Preliator Spyder (2017–present)
The following year at the
2017 Geneva Motor Show, Spyker unveiled the Preliator Spyder to replace the outgoing Aileron Spyder model. Though introduced with the Koenigsegg V8 producing , due to the termination of the engine deal the Spyder will also use the Preliator's 4.2L supercharged Audi V8.
Racing
Double 12R (2001–2003)
The Double 12R was a version of the C8 developed specifically for the
24 hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans (french: link=no, 24 Heures du Mans) is an endurance-focused Sports car racing, sports car race held annually near the town of Le Mans, France. It is the world's oldest active Endurance racing (motorsport), endurance r ...
, using a modified Audi V8 engine with a displacement of 4.0L and power output of . The Double 12R debuted shortly after the Laviolette at the
2001 IAA in Frankfurt. The Double 12R's first race was the
2002 12 Hours of Sebring, though an accident prevented the car from finishing. It also participated in the
2003 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 71st 24 Hours of Le Mans (french: 71e 24 Heures du Mans, link=no) was a non-championship 24-hour automobile endurance race held for Le Mans Prototype and Grand Touring cars from 14 to 15 June 2003 at the Circuit de la Sarthe close to Le ...
and several other endurance races.
Spyder GT2-R (2005–2008)
The Spyder GT2-R represented Spyker's next generation of racing car, succeeding the Double 12R in 2005 in its debut at the
12 Hours of Sebring
The 12 Hours of Sebring is an annual motorsport endurance race for sports cars held at Sebring International Raceway, on the site of the former Hendricks Army Airfield World War II air base in Sebring, Florida, US. The event is the second round ...
. The GT2-R featured a further-modified version of the Double 12R's V8, now displacing 3.8L and producing .
Laviolette GT2-R (2008–2010)
Spyker followed the introduction of the Laviolette LWB in 2008 with a replacement for the Spyder GT2-R race car. The Laviolette GT2-R debuted at the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 4.0L V8 seen previously in the Double 12R.
Specifications
Chassis
Every incarnation of the C8 from the Spyder to the Preliator is built on an aluminum
spaceframe
In architecture and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure ( 3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used to span large areas with ...
chassis, although through the generations the original chassis has been stiffened and lengthened to accommodate the longer wheelbase and optional automatic transmission. The body panels for the first two C8 generations are also made out of aluminum, while the Preliator incorporates
carbon fibre
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (American English), carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers (Commonwealth English), carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, carbon-fiber reinforced-thermoplastic (CFRP, CRP, CFRTP), also known as carbon fiber, carbon compo ...
for all parts of the body except the hood and the deck for additional weight savings over the outgoing Aileron.
Suspension
All generations of C8 come equipped with
double wishbone suspension
A double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design for automobiles using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle ...
at the front and rear axles. First generation C8 models used inboard
Koni shock absorbers and components constructed from stainless steel and aluminum. Aileron and Preliator models adopted an updated suspension setup developed by
Lotus, with an increase number of parts manufactured from forged aluminum and new mono-tube dampers.
Wheels
Powertrains and performance
In popular culture
A C8 Spyder appeared in Season 4 episode 7 of ''
Top Gear
Top Gear may refer to:
* "Top gear", the highest gear available in a vehicle's manual transmission
Television
* ''Top Gear'' (1977 TV series), a British motoring magazine programme
* ''Top Gear'' (2002 TV series), a relaunched version of the or ...
'' (UK) driven by
Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson (born 11 April 1960) is an English broadcaster, journalist, game show host and writer who specialises in Driving, motoring. He is best known for the motoring programmes ''Top Gear (2002 TV series), Top Gear'' an ...
and
The Stig
The Stig is a character from the British motoring television show ''Top Gear''. Created by former ''Top Gear'' presenter Jeremy Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman, the character is a play on the anonymity of racing drivers' full-face helmets, wit ...
.
The Spyker C8 Laviolette has been featured in movies such as ''
Basic Instinct 2
''Basic Instinct 2'' (also known as ''Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction'') is a 2006 erotic thriller film and the sequel to 1992's '' Basic Instinct''. The film was directed by Michael Caton-Jones and produced by Mario Kassar, Joel B. Michaels ...
'', ''
War
War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular o ...
'' and ''
Fast & Furious 6
''Fast & Furious 6'' (titled on-screen as ''Furious 6'') is a 2013 American action film directed by Justin Lin and written by Chris Morgan. It is the sequel to '' Fast Five'' (2011) and is the sixth installment in the ''Fast & Furious'' franc ...
''. It also appeared in "Rizzoli & Isles" Money for Nothing episode. The Spyker C8 was also featured in a 2010 commercial for
Reese's Puffs
Reese's Puffs (formerly Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs) is a corn-based breakfast cereal manufactured by General Mills inspired by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. At its launch in May 1994 the cereal consisted of corn puffs flavored with chocolate and ...
.
The C8 has also been featured in a number of video games, including:
Gallery
File:Spyker C8 Interieur.JPG , Spyker C8 Spyder interior.
File:Broughtonsspyker.jpg , Spyker C8 Spyder scissor doors
Scissor doors (also called flap doors, wing doors, beetle-wing doors, turtle doors, switchblade doors, swing-up doors, upswing doors, Lamborghini doors, and Lambo doors) are automobile Vehicle door, doors that rotate vertically at a fixed hinge ...
.
File:Spyker C8 Heck.JPG , Spyker C8 Spyder rear.
File:Geneva MotorShow 2013 - Spyker C8 Aileron.jpg, Spyker C8 Aileron
References
External links
Spyker Cars(official website)(down)
(owner and enthusiast website)
{{Spyker Cars
Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Sports cars
C8
Convertibles
Hardtop convertibles
Coupés
Cars introduced in 2000
24 Hours of Le Mans race cars