The re-introduction of the Spyker name is by no means a sentimental and retrospective attempt to recreate old glories. The C8 is an advanced mid-engined two-seat sports car, characterised by lightweight construction and the purity of its design, with an uncompromising engineering package developed from scratch.
The ultra-stiff chassis is manufactured from aluminium sheet and extrusions and is clad with hand-crafted alloy body panels, in line with the original design drawings of Maarten de Bruijn who built the first Spyker prototype during the nineties.
The car not only features electrically operated tilting doors with an extremely strong and lightweight single point aluminium hinge (patent pending), but also fully-opening front and rear body sections which reveal the C8's delectable engineering details. These include fully-adjustable, independent front and rear suspension in stainless steel with unique Spyker-made components. Massive 14'' AP disc brakes with 6-pot callipers provide stopping power for the car which is propelled by Audi's state-of-the-art 4.2 litre all-aluminium V8. This is arguably the most compact and reliable engine of its kind, featuring high-tech details such as 5-valve configuration. In the C8 it is mated to an Audi manual 6-speed transaxle powering the rear wheels, a sequential 6-speed gearbox is optional.
The whole concept conjures up Spyker's goal of active competition at Le Mans and other endurance races in the very near future. For this purpose, the Spyker GT3 LM, featuring a stunning closed rivetted body, will be introduced in the autumn of 2001.
Every Spyker is fitted with a personal security card which activates the car's electrical systems as soon as the owner comes within a radius of 3 metres of the car. No ignition key is required. Spyker has designed extra-ordinary elegant Aeroblade" wheels with central locking featuring five propellers which are such a distinctive component of the Spyker trademark. Spyker has developed an aluminium Aeroblade" steering wheel covered in Connolly leather, which is rivetted onto the rim and which features two propellers as well.
Every Spyker engine is dyno tested, certified and tuned as per customer's request. Engine power output may vary from 400 (Stage I) to 450 BHP (Stage II), depending on the state of tune. Spyker has developed in co-operation with MoTe C Europe Ltd. of Banbury, UK, an advanced engine management system which will include drive-by-wire and various performance output options depending on the intended use of the car.
There is a safety element to this system, since it allows owners to reduce power very considerably in the event that the car is driven by a less experienced driver. The engine management systems allows for data logging as an option.
The Spyker C8's personality is further enhanced by a number of unusual and eye-catching interior features. Most noticeable, perhaps, on entering the car is the dashboard and instrument panel. The design of the instrumentation is reminiscent of those found in aircraft, reflecting the Spyker company's brief but productive aviation heritage. Once seated behind the controls, drivers will appreciate the remarkable design of the gear lever, so shaped to highlight the unusual shift mechanism that adds to the uniqueness of this motor car. The Spyker C8 also features a unique in-house designed decentralised wiring system, which combines simplicity with reliability and uses self resetting fuses throughout (patent pending).
Luxury and performance are further encapsulated in a number of other interior features, such as the tasteful incorporation of aluminium design elements as well as the exclusive Connolly leather trim. Every Spyker is fitted with four point full race harness seatbelts by Willans which are Connolly leather trimmed. The Spyker can only be started when these seatbelts are fastened which is an important safety feature. Carbon fibre bucket seats with aluminium detailing are an option. Owners may order every conceivable body colour to their own taste as well as leather to match. Xenon headlights are an option as well.
Spyker Cars are delighted to advise its customers on the infinite range of possibilities to personalise the car in every detail.