|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
4.2
liter Audi V8 |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
354
lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
|
HP |
395
hp @ 6800 rpm |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
94
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
4.5
seconds |
Top Speed |
186
mph |
(from Spyker Press
Release) SPYKER C8 AILERON: THE NEXT GENERATION LUXURY
SUPERCAR
All-new, long wheelbase
models continue heritage of performance, craftsmanship and
exclusivity
The all-new Spyker C8 Aileron marks the next step in Spyker’s
evolution. Initially unveiled as a concept at the 2009 Geneva
International Motor Show, series production is ramping up at a
purpose-built facility – operated by world-class specialist
coachbuilder, CPP – in Coventry, UK. Customer deliveries begin in
April and the order book stretches twelve months ahead.
Inspired by the
company’s aviation heritage, Spyker’s second-generation sports car
features cues from second-generation aircraft propulsion,
highlighting the turbine blade, rather than the propeller which
adorned many elements of Spyker’s first generation, short wheelbase
cars.
With sleek aerodynamics,
a long GT wheelbase, luxurious and spacious cabin and world-class ZF
six-speed automatic transmission, the new C8 Aileron broadens the
appeal of the Spyker brand while maintaining the marque’s
exclusivity.
Second-generation design exploits
advanced computer aids
The design of the
hand-crafted Spyker C8 Aileron represents the latest evolution of
Spyker’s signature styling, which is heavily inspired by the
company’s aviation heritage. In the first-generation cars, the
propeller design was consistently applied to many elements of the
vehicles. With the design of the new Spyker C8 Aileron, the emphasis
is shifted from propeller propulsion to turbine propulsion. As a
result, detailing on the car, such as the bright polished air
inlets, are turbine-engine-shaped air scoops.
The C8 Aileron’s
beautiful lines are complemented by minimal ‘shut’ lines and an
uncompromised design made possible by the use of superformed
aluminium body panels. The superforming process heats aluminium to
500 degrees Celsius and then vacuum forms the metal onto an inverted
mould over a 30 minute period. Additionally, there are no breaks
along the entire path of the door ring seals, guaranteeing maximum
integrity against the elements.
At the front, the style
of the C8 Aileron’s headlights is particularly eye-catching as they
flow seamlessly from the body design. This characteristic styling
can be defined as a part of the next generation Spyker identity,
first seen on the Spyker C12 Laturbie prototype and subsequently in
the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris prototype.
Latest-generation LEDs
are used for the front and rear turn indicators and the sidelights
within the sharply-styled headlight units.
Styling and
functionality are harmonised in several characteristics of the car.
The cockpit canopy, for example, is extended rearwards to optimise
the aerodynamic performance of the car. Most of the shark-like gills
of the C8 Aileron’s predecessors have been abandoned, which results
in a cleaner, smoother appearance. The front end is characterised by
a large grille that has spectacular visual impact and also allows
maximum flow of cooling air. The rear diffuser is crucial to the
cars stability at speed, with a spoiler placed under the diffuser,
providing additional downforce to boost the ground effect forces
produced by the under-car airflow and the diffuser.
V8 powertrain and automatic drivetrain
The Spyker C8 Aileron’s
performance is visceral, vibrant and alive. Power comes from a
naturally aspirated Audi 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine. This power unit
features a 90-degree angle block, 40 valves (five
valves-per-cylinder, three intake and two exhaust), and variable
valve timing.
Highly responsive, the
V8 generates 400 ps at 6,800 rpm and an immense wave of torque (480
Nm at just 3,500 rpm), to ensure thrilling drivability.
Strong torque, high
power, sleek aerodynamics, modest car weight and an excellent
power-to-weight ratio all result in sensational acceleration:
0-to-100 kph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 300 kph.
As standard, the engine is fitted with a long-life stainless steel
exhaust system tuned to put the driver ‘truly in touch with their
senses’. This system uses noise-dampening reed valves to create a
quieter drive below 3,500 rpm. The valves naturally open as engine
speed rises above this figure, allowing the exhaust gases to travel
straight out of the tailpipes to improve exhaust flow, performance
and depth of sound. An optional ‘Sport mode exhaust system’ can be
fitted, allowing the driver to manually overrule the valves, for a
sportier sound throughout the entire engine rev range.
Marking a ‘first’ for
Spyker, the C8 Aileron’s engine is mated to an automatic
transmission that provides seamless, yet instant, progression
through the gears. The highly regarded six-speed ZF gearbox features
a regular torque converter and offers drivers a choice of fully
automatic or clutch-less sequential manual gear shifting using the
standard paddle shifts mounted behind the steering wheel.
The transmission selection operation retains Spyker’s trademark
exposed gear change mechanism that provides a sense of occasion and
proves that aesthetics and function go hand-in-hand.
The aluminium paddle
shift controls are substantive and easy to reach. They do not rotate
with the steering wheel, allowing the driver to easily identify the
up-shift and down-shift paddles, regardless of the steering wheel’s
angle.
In line with Spyker’s
philosophy of delivering an undiluted sportscar driving experience,
the drivetrain is not equipped with a limited-slip differential or
any other mechanical or electronic aids.
Ultra-stiff, all-aluminium space
frame chassis
Spyker’s engineering
team conceived an all-new all-aluminium space frame structure for
the C8 Aileron with the objective of maximised torsional and
flexural rigidity. It provides an excellent foundation for the
tailor-engineered suspension system.
Spyker allocated huge
resources to optimise the performance and efficiency of the
spaceframe chassis. Among other results of this attention to detail
is the adoption of one-piece side sills that make an important
contribution to chassis stiffness. The utilisation of modern finite
element analysis and numerical optimisation methods allowed Spyker’s
engineers to create a new chassis and bodywork style which boasts an
exceptional torsional stiffness of 29,500 Nm/degree.
State-of-the-art
rigid-node and load-path technology was employed to ensure that the
optimal grade and quantity of aluminium is used to achieve this
performance, thus minimising the overall weight of the vehicle. The
production chassis weighs just 230 kg.
Dynamic stiffness
characteristics of the structure have also been carefully tuned in
order to minimise unwanted cabin noises and vibrations, which may
otherwise detract from the superlative driving experience. These
technologies and measures have allowed Spyker to arrive at the most
efficient chassis in its history.
All-new suspension and running
gear
The C8 Aileron is fitted
with a brand-new fully independent double-wishbone suspension system
(front and rear). This multi-adjustable suspension system
incorporates a new kinematic layout of the front and rear suspension
systems.
Stabiliser bars are
fitted front and rear, together with mono-tube dampers and coil over
damper steel springs integrating the spring with the near-vertical
shock absorber.
An optional hydraulic
ride height elevation system is available to ensure safe passage
over speed humps and steep ramp angles. It raises the ride height by
45 mm.
The suspension
components are made of forged aluminium wherever possible to keep
the C8 Aileron’s unsprung weight to a minimum. This goal is also
supported by the use of special lightweight alloy wheels, which
weigh just 36% of an equivalent steel wheel, and alloy brake
callipers.
As standard, the Aileron
is equipped with newly-designed and unique 19-inch 12-spoke alloy
wheels. New, high-impact, 12-blade 19-inch directional Rotorblade™
wheels are available as an option. These optional wheels are
inspired by the turbine blades of a jet engine, echoing the new
styling direction for Spyker, while acknowledging the company’s
aviation heritage. The C8 Aileron’s generously proportioned tyres –
235/35 ZR19 (front) and 295/30 ZR19 (rear) – provide exceptional
grip and progressive handling.
A stiff chassis, well
balanced weight distribution (45/55 front/rear), and rear wheel
drive, ensure that the C8 Aileron posses excellent steering ‘feel’.
The speed-sensitive rack and pinion system has hydraulic power
assistance and requires 2.75 turns of the steering wheel
lock-to-lock.
As appropriate for a
supercar with the performance potential of the C8 Aileron, the
braking system is immensely powerful. Designed and supplied by AP
Racing, a Spyker partner from day one, the system features
ventilated and cross-drilled steel discs front and rear for rapid
dispersion of heat. Black brake callipers with the Spyker script in
silver are fitted as standard. Colour-coded callipers with Spyker
script in silver can be ordered as an option.
Hand-crafted cabin with comfort
and space aplenty
The Spyker C8 Aileron
has been designed to offer ample interior space for 98th percentile
occupants, an unequivocally comfortable experience for driver and
passenger, and exceptional, but truly unique, ergonomics. As
standard, each C8 Aileron is fitted with driver and passenger front
airbags.
The interior, with its
signature Spyker attention to detail, is made of the highest quality
leather. The leather interior is available in 14 standard colours,
but a wide variety of other colours – to suit individual customer
preferences – can be ordered as an option. Spyker’s trademark
diamond stitched quilted interior trim finish is available as an
option – as are Alcantara® and a duo-tone cabin.
The C8 Aileron’s
interior amplifies further the signature Spyker aviation theme. The
brushed aluminium dashboard is an all-new design aligned paving the
way for a new next-generation Spyker identity and also to maximise
ergonomics, solid tactility and straightforward functionality. A
turned aluminium dashboard, as seen on planes in the 1920s and
1930s, and Chronoswiss dials and switches are available as an
option. The air vents are designed in turbine style. Even the Spyker
characteristic floor-mounted pedal box is exquisite in its
detailing.
A LCD display is
integrated between the speedometer and the odometer to show the
current selection and status of the in-car entertainment options
offered by the standard Kharma sound system accommodated in the
centre console.
Exclusive Kharma in-car
entertainment
Over the past decade,
Spyker customers have clearly indicated a preference for their cars
to feature a ‘standard’ factory-fit sound system and also a desire
for their cars to feature iPod and mobile device compatibility.
Spyker has teamed up
with one of the leading manufacturers of high-end sound systems,
Kharma International of The Netherlands. Every Spyker C8 Aileron
will be equipped with a sound system of unprecedented quality. The
standard ‘Reference’ Kharma sound system, incorporates a FM/AM
radio, iPod connectivity and USB inputs. The highly-specified
standard system features two high-end Matrix amplifiers with an
impressive 300 Watt combined output, two tweeters, two door speakers
and two front speakers. Customers can choose to upgrade to the
optional ‘Grand Reference’ audio package that features three
high-end Matrix amplifiers, increases total output to 450 watts, and
a double-coiled subwoofer with extended linear excursion.
The presence of a Kharma
sound system in the C8 Aileron marks the Dutch ultra-premium audio
brand’s debut in the world of automotive entertainment.
To operate the Aileron’s
in-car entertainment systems, a unique EBS head unit gives the
driver complete control over all functions – including the Kharma
sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and the satellite navigation
system, where fitted. The head unit is operated by a bespoke
touchpad control panel located on the transmission tunnel, and
selections are displayed on the 3.5-inch LCD display screen,
integrated into the dashboard.
In keeping with Spyker’s
brand values, the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) behind the
infotainment system has been designed specifically for its
application in Aileron.
Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder concept
Scheduled to go into
production in 2012, the Spyder concept was first unveiled at the
59th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California in August 2009,
and made its European debut at the Geneva International Motor Show
in 2010.
The Spyder concept
sports a high-quality, semi-automatic canvas soft-top with
integrated glass rear windscreen. The roof operation is
electric/hydraulic, secured by one central latch operated manually.
Once folded, the soft-top is totally enclosed within the body of the
car, ensuring a clean, undisturbed profile.
The roof retracts under
an aluminium tonneau, with two buttresses upholstered in quilted
leather matching the car’s interior and featuring the company’s
motto ‘Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via’: for the tenacious, no road is
impassable.
The Spyder concept
features a luggage rack, CNC-machined from solid billets of
aluminium, mounted immediately behind the roll hoops, on which its
wing-shaped aluminium case can be strapped. The case is trimmed in
the same quilted leather as the interior and buttresses.
Prices
(All prices quoted
are exclusive of local taxes, fees, and delivery charges unless
otherwise stated.)
Americas US$ 214,990
UK £ 194,000 on-the-road
Germany € 236,215 on-the-road
Europe € 198,500
Russia € 161,000
Middle East US$ 244,990
