2010 Spyker C8 Aileron
Price: $218,000+
Engine: 4.2L 32V DOHC V8
Torque: 354 lb-ft.
Horsepower: 400 hp
0-60 MPH: 4.2 sec.(est.)
Top Speed: 187 mph
EST. MPG: 13 City/18 HWY
Available: Now/Spyder later in 2010
What Does a Lawyer, War Planes, and Audi Have in Common?
Written by Nicolas Bates
Destined to get the attention of owners of even the most expensive cars in the world, the Spyker C8 Aileron is a car determined to show the world that you can be different, yet provide the same amenities and power as the competition. A Dutch lawyer, Victor Muller, took on the Spyker name recently. The original company made automobiles in the late 19th century and fighter planes and plane engines into WWI. They closed their doors in 1925. Now, using designs from the aero industry and lifestyle, Muller is determined to build extremely exclusive sports cars that are “affordable”.
The Spyker C8 Aileron is available in both a hard top, which sports amazing glass panels throughout the roof, and a Spyder version (yet to be released), which has a retractable roof that sets into the mid portion of the car. The Spyder version allows the usage of a not-so-usable luggage rack mountable behind that seats that may just fit a pair of pants. Hey, spills happen. The car’s mid mounted engine is that of a 4.2L Audi V8 that produces 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It can either be mated with a ZF automatic transmission, straight from an Audi A8 sedan modified to work with 2-wheel drive, with manual shift paddles or a Getrag 6 speed manual. No traction control, no stability control, just sheer V8 power mated to a 3,154 lbs chassis for your head jerking enjoyment.
The Aileron was first introduced as a concept car in 2008 and now has a completely redesigned aluminum chassis. Special attention was paid to this to offer extreme rigidity and also make room for more cabin space and to offer room to new suspension components. Since its first design, the car’s wheelbase has been lengthened by 150 mm and its front track by 155mm, providing much more stability. All of the Aileron’s turbine engine inspired inlets throughout the car are entirely functional, the top scoop on the hard top providing vital o2 to the massive V8 sitting behind the driver. Aerodynamic performance was also scrutinized and the Aileron underwent changes. Shark-like gills on the car have almost been completely discarded for a smoother feel and look. The rear diffuser was redesigned to offer more functionality and now has a spoiler underneath it as well for added downforce. A very large grill that offers additional cooling now showcases the front end of the car.
As noted before, the car received a new suspension set up. It sports a front and rear independent double wishbone system with front and rear stabilizer bars, mono-tube dampers, coil over damper steel springs, anti-dive and anti-squat setup for improved handling properties More attention was paid to kinetics (the branch of mechanics that deals with pure motion, without reference to the masses or forces involved in it). Any part of the suspension system that could be made with aluminum, was. This decision was brought on by the desire to keep all unsprung weight as low as possible. Its shock absorbers were replaced vertically within the wishbones. Minutia was paid attention to in the redesign of this handcrafted vehicle.
The interior is extremely extravagant with padded leather, available in 14 colors, on everything that isn’t aluminum. Ergonomics and functionality were first in mind when the brushed aluminum dashboard was redesigned. So much so, that they might almost appear “boring.” The dash and gauges certainly have a 50’s style feel, as they are large, round, and come straight out at you. A large toggle switch covered with a red pop up cover controls the electrical functions. Standard will be a Kharma stereo system, Bluetooth interface, iPod connectivity and a navigation system. The car also now offers driver and passenger side airbags.
Muller is offering the Aileron at $218,000 – a fraction of the cost to some of its competitors. And, while some people might pay the extra money to have the Lamborghini or Ferrari name, some may say that exclusivity is much more coveted. Spyker will build only 25-30 Ailerons this year, and even when the Spyder is released later in 2010, numbers for the Aileron are still said to be fewer than 100.