2008 Spyker C8 Aileron review and pictures

Spyker C8 Aileron review:

Spyker Cars, manufacturer of premium sport cars, unveiled its second generation C-line sports car at the Salon International de l`Auto in Geneva, Switzerland today: The all aluminium Long Wheel Base model is called Spyker C8 Aileron and will come with both a manual as well as an automatic gearbox.

Architecture

The Spyker C8 Aileron continues Spyker`s signature architecture (applied since its inception in 2000 with the C8 Spyder) of a mid-engined configuration in an aluminium space frame, clad in aluminium body panels.

The Spyker C8 Aileron`s space frame is a development of the original space frame of the first generation cars: its torsional rigidity, however, was improved by 40% without adding any weight. Its dimension have changed though, the wheelbase increasing by 10 cm / 4.5 inches for improved road handling and more cockpit space. Also its front track was widened and as a result the car is virtually „square.

Wheels and suspension

The Aeroblade ™ (5 propeller) wheels of the first generation cars are - logically - replaced by a 10 blade rotor wheel called „Rotorblade` ™. They come in 19" all round and are made in left and right hand turning versions.

The Spyker C8 Aileron`s suspension was developed from scratch and has double wishbones both front and rear. Shock absorbers are now placed vertically within the wishbones.

(Carbon Ceramic ) Brakes

Brakes are supplied by AP Racing, a Spyker partner from day one. Colour coded callipers with Spyker script are available as an option. The Aileron is available with carbon ceramic brakes as an option as well.

Exterior Colours

The Spyker C8 Aileron is available in 14 standard colours but as an option customers may elect to have the car painted any colour they whish. The Spyker Squadron GT2 colour scheme with big "S"s is available as an option as well.

Squadron

Spyker Squadron - the factory GT2 team -, in partnership with its title sponsor SNORAS Bank and Speedy Racing, is proud to present its latest GT2 racer for the most famous and grueling race on the planet: the 24-Hours of Le Mans. In 2008 and 2009 Spyker Squadron will compete with two Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2Rs in both the Le Mans Series (LMS) and the 24-Hours of Le Mans.

The Laviolette GT2R replaces the successful Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R, the first Spyker that earned podium positions for the Dutch manufacturer of exclusive sports cars in the international GT arena. The new Laviolette has been built from the ground up around on a much stiffer, aluminum spaceframe with better aerodynamic qualities. Based on the team`s knowledge and experience with the previous C8, a long list of components have been changed or improved. The new car is an excellent platform to continuously develop and improve pace to reach the ultimate goal: a podium position at Le Mans.

Spyker Squadron welcomes Lithuanian SNORAS Bank, as its title sponsor for the upcoming season. Like last year Spyker Squadron partners with Alexandre Pesci`s Swiss dealer team Speedy Racing, sponsored by LEMO and Rebellion Horlogerie.

Car number 85 will be driven by Alexei Vasilev (RUS), Ralf Kelleners (GER) and Peter Dumbreck (GBR). The second car, number 94, will be piloted by Andrea Chiesa (SUI), Benjamin Leuenberger (SUI) and Philippe Camandona (SUI). Both at Le Mans and in the Le Mans Series the team will use Michelin tires. After two earlier tests in Estoril and Le Castellet (Paul Ricard) the team will head to Barcelona, Spain within three weeks for the first 1000km race this season: the LMS 1000km de Catalunya.