We heard this one before, but now it seems that this rumor is gaining some legs. Spyker, the Dutch supercar makers that recently acquired Saab, are seriously looking into increasing production of the C8 Aileron supercar from the 36 units it produced in 2009 to about 250 units by 2012. As perspective as to how big this news is, consider that since 2002, Spyker has only sold 214 vehicles.
The move is indicative of Spyker’s renewed approach in producing and marketing their cars. They are veering away from the limited-run uber exclusive production and moving to an increased production volume. This is supported by the brand’s move to CAAP Manufacturing, Ltd. in England providing the added resources and man-power to accomplish their objective.
It also can’t go unnoticed that since Spyker purchased Saab, they have been licking their chops in using the latter’s vast dealership network, something that should bode well for Spyker’s objective in increasing awareness and production of their supercars.
Likewise, the supercar manufacturer is also in the process of introducing a new automatic transmission, which it is hoping will attract a new segment of customers, including those in the US, that put a premium on comfort more than they do in performance.
Whatever the case may be, it’s beginning to look like Spyker won’t be having supply and demand problems with the C8 Aileron in the future.
Not everyone has the opportunity to race in such a historical race as the LeMans, but gamers everywhere can explore the hidden twists and turns in Forza Motorsport 3 and now they can do it with a new orange racer. Spyker announced today that the new C8 Laviolette LM85 will be featured as the free car of the month for the Forza 3 Motorsport Exotic Car pack released on May 11, 2010 for 400 Microsoft Points.
"We’ve created something very special and unique with the LM85," said Victor Muller, Spyker CEO. "It’s very exciting to share our creation and passion with the Xbox and Forza Motorsport community, and we can’t wait to see how players put it through the paces on the track."
The LM85 is powered by an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 400 bhp. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 185 mph. The real C8 Laviolette LM85 was limited to 24 units, but, thankfully, the digital version will not have a unit cap.
Autocar had the chance to get behind the wheel of the Spyker C8 Aileron supercar. The video gives a great look to both the inside and the outside of the C8 Aileron giving us the opportunity to see what a popular and expensive designer added to the design detail of this automobile. What did they think about the car? How much cooler do things sound with an accent? Watch the video and find out!
The Spyker C8 Aileron is powered by an Audi 4.2 Liter V8 that produces 400HP and is available with the choice of two different transmissions. It accelerates from 0 to 60MPH in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187MPH.
The Dutch super car builders from Spyker were keeping the theme of high-end debuts going at Pebble with the unveiling of the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. The drop top super car is based upon the exact same aluminum space frame chassis as the fixed roof version that made itself known to the world earlier this year at the Geneva Motor show replacing the long running C8. The Spyder is powered by the same 4.2 Liter Audi sourced V8 as the hard top and should be pumping out somewhere around 400 HP and for the first time is offering an automatic gearbox.
Aside from the beautiful new bodywork that hints at the automaker’s aviation heritage, the Spyder wears the company’s motto “Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via” on the tonneau cover that hides away the semiautomatic soft-top that is capable of sealing off the cabin in just 20 seconds. The unit is also covered in quilted Hulshof leather, the same as the Aileron’s interior, surrounding a wing shaped piece of travel luggage upholstered in the same quilted leather and resting on the CNC-machined aluminum luggage rack.
The C8 Aileron Spyder’s chassis was designed to be much more rigid than the outgoing C8 which will work wonderfully with the vehicle’s new suspension that was designed and supplied by Lotus to make this a very capable super car. Adding a bit of bling to aviation inspired road rocket are a set of 19 inch Aeroblade wheels housing a set of massive AP Racing brakes. Spyker expects that half of all C8 Spyders produced will end up here in America, so what better place to unveil the new open air machine to the U.S. market. With a move like this, Spyker is living up to their motto inscribed on the shoulders of the car, ”For the tenacious, no road is impassable.”
The Dutch built Spyker C8 Aileron was unveiled back at the Geneva Motor Show in production trim. The first models have already made their way out the showroom doors and on to the streets of Europe. This particular cherry red metallic Aileron managed to be caught by the trigger happy automotive paparazzi.
The C8 Aileron is powered by a Audi 4.2 Liter V8 engine that delivers 400 HP and is available with two transmission options. The first one is a 6 speed Getrag manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to suit the FSI power plant. The other option is a ZF 6 speed automatic gearbox, which comes standard with paddle shifts behind the steering wheel, giving you that Formula 1 feeling as you shift up through the gears. This particular C8 is able to go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 187 MPH.
Check out the gallery on the right after the jump.
