Spyker C8 Aileron
Spyker shows off its second generation supercar, the 187mph Aileron
Spyker has revealed its second-generation supercar at the Geneva motor show. The production version of the C8 Aileron debuted at the Swiss show, a year after the prototype showed its face.
The big news is an all-new aluminium space frame chassis, which was designed from scratch. The car’s dimensions have also been tweaked to optimise interior space as well as dynamics – the wheelbase grows 150mm over the old C8 Spyder while the front and rear track are increased (up to 1625mm and 1645mm respectively).
The C8 Aileron uses Audi’s 4.2-litre V8 engine, with 400bhp and 354lb ft on tap. It can be mated to either six-speed Getrag manual or six-speed ZF automatic transmissions, the latter getting paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. Top speed is 187mph with 0-62mph taking 4.5sec, performance figures that are very close to the Audi R8 the engine makes its way from.
The C8 gets brand new independent double-wishbone suspension front and rear, with stabiliser bars and coil over springs. As much of the suspension as possible is made of forged aluminium in order to reduce unsprung weight. AP Racing brakes are standard with carbon ceramic stoppers due to join the options list in the near future.
Design-wise, it is still very much a Spyker but evolves the C8’s looks with a smattering of LED lights and a new-look front end. The car is also longer and sleeker, with the lengthened wheelbase changing the car’s proportions. The looks of the Aileron are set to influence the production Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris, a luxury SUV.
A C8 Aileron Spyder is also in the offing, with a world debut due at the Pebble Beach Concours event in August 2009. For now, the hard-top C8 Aileron will set you back 189,990 euros (minus tax), or close to £200K by the time you have got one over here. There’s very little chance you’ll see another one, though…
There’s more from the Geneva motor show here.
