The design of the hand-crafted Spyker C8 Aileron represents the latest evolution of Spyker’s signature styling, which is heavily inspired by the company’s aviation heritage. In the first-generation cars, the propeller design was consistently applied to many elements of the vehicles. With the design of the new Spyker C8 Aileron, the emphasis is shifted from propeller propulsion to turbine propulsion. As a result, detailing on the car, such as the bright polished air inlets, are turbine-engine-shaped air scoops.
The C8 Aileron’s beautiful lines are complemented by minimal ‘shut’ lines and an uncompromised design made possible by the use of superformed aluminum body panels. The super forming process heats aluminum to 500 degrees Celsius and then vacuum forms the metal onto an inverted mould over a 30 minute period. Additionally, there are no breaks along the entire path of the door ring seals, guaranteeing maximum integrity against the elements.
At the front, the style of the C8 Aileron’s headlights is particularly eye-catching as they flow seamlessly from the body design. This characteristic styling can be defined as a part of the next generation Spyker identity, first seen on the Spyker C12 Laturbie prototype and subsequently in the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris prototype.
Latest-generation LEDs are used for the front and rear turn indicators and the sidelights within the sharply-styled headlight units.
Styling and functionality are harmonized in several characteristics of the car. The cockpit canopy, for example, is extended rearwards to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the car. Most of the shark-like gills of the C8 Aileron’s predecessors have been abandoned, which results in a cleaner, smoother appearance. The front end is characterized by a large grille that has spectacular visual impact and also allows maximum flow of cooling air. The rear diffuser is crucial to the cars stability at speed, with a spoiler placed under the diffuser, providing additional downforce to boost the ground effect forces produced by the under-car airflow and the diffuser. V8 powertrain and automatic drivetrain
The Spyker C8 Aileron’s performance is visceral, vibrant and alive. Power comes from a naturally aspirated Audi 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine. This power unit features a 90-degree angle block, 40 valves (five valves-per-cylinder, three intake and two exhaust), and variable valve timing.
Highly responsive, the V8 generates 400 ps at 6,800 rpm and an immense wave of torque (480 Nm at just 3,500 rpm), to ensure thrilling drivability.
Strong torque, high power, sleek aerodynamics, modest car weight and an excellent power-to-weight ratio all result in sensational acceleration: 0-to-100 kph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 300 kph.
As standard, the engine is fitted with a long-life stainless steel exhaust system tuned to put the driver ‘truly in touch with their senses’. This system uses noise-dampening reed valves to create a quieter drive below 3,500 rpm. The valves naturally open as engine speed rises above this figure, allowing the exhaust gases to travel straight out of the tailpipes to improve exhaust flow, performance and depth of sound. An optional ‘Sport mode exhaust system’ can be fitted, allowing the driver to manually overrule the valves, for a sportier sound throughout the entire engine rev range.
Marking a ‘first’ for Spyker, the C8 Aileron’s engine is mated to an automatic transmission that provides seamless, yet instant, progression through the gears. The highly regarded six-speed ZF gearbox features a regular torque converter and offers drivers a choice of fully automatic or clutch-less sequential manual gear shifting using the standard paddle shifts mounted behind the steering wheel.
The transmission selection operation retains Spyker’s trademark exposed gear change mechanism that provides a sense of occasion and proves that aesthetics and function go hand-in-hand.
The aluminum paddle shift controls are substantive and easy to reach. They do not rotate with the steering wheel, allowing the driver to easily identify the up-shift and down-shift paddles, regardless of the steering wheel’s angle.
In line with Spyker’s philosophy of delivering an undiluted sportscar driving experience, the drivetrain is not equipped with a limited-slip differential or any other mechanical or electronic aids.
Spyker’s engineering team conceived an all-new all-aluminum space frame structure for the C8 Aileron with the objective of maximized torsional and flexural rigidity. It provides an excellent foundation for the tailor-engineered suspension system.
Spyker allocated huge resources to optimize the performance and efficiency of the spaceframe chassis. Among other results of this attention to detail is the adoption of one-piece side sills that make an important contribution to chassis stiffness. The utilization of modern finite element analysis and numerical optimization methods allowed Spyker’s engineers to create a new chassis and bodywork style which boasts an exceptional torsional stiffness of 29,500 Nm/degree.
State-of-the-art rigid-node and load-path technology was employed to ensure that the optimal grade and quantity of aluminum is used to achieve this performance, thus minimizing the overall weight of the vehicle. The production chassis weighs just 230 kg.
Dynamic stiffness characteristics of the structure have also been carefully tuned in order to minimize unwanted cabin noises and vibrations, which may otherwise detract from the superlative driving experience. These technologies and measures have allowed Spyker to arrive at the most efficient chassis in its history.
The C8 Aileron is fitted with a brand-new fully independent double-wishbone suspension system (front and rear). This multi-adjustable suspension system incorporates a new kinematic layout of the front and rear suspension systems.
Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear, together with mono-tube dampers and coil over damper steel springs integrating the spring with the near-vertical shock absorber.
An optional hydraulic ride height elevation system is available to ensure safe passage over speed humps and steep ramp angles. It raises the ride height by 45 mm.
The suspension components are made of forged aluminum wherever possible to keep the C8 Aileron’s unsprung weight to a minimum. This goal is also supported by the use of special lightweight alloy wheels, which weigh just 36% of an equivalent steel wheel, and alloy brake calipers.
As standard, the Aileron is equipped with newly-designed and unique 19-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. New, high-impact, 12-blade 19-inch directional Rotorblade™ wheels are available as an option. These optional wheels are inspired by the turbine blades of a jet engine, echoing the new styling direction for Spyker, while acknowledging the company’s aviation heritage. The C8 Aileron’s generously proportioned tires – 235/35 ZR19 (front) and 295/30 ZR19 (rear) – provide exceptional grip and progressive handling.
A stiff chassis, well balanced weight distribution (45/55 front/rear), and rear wheel drive, ensure that the C8 Aileron posses excellent steering ‘feel’. The speed-sensitive rack and pinion system has hydraulic power assistance and requires 2.75 turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock.
As appropriate for a supercar with the performance potential of the C8 Aileron, the braking system is immensely powerful. Designed and supplied by AP Racing, a Spyker partner from day one, the system features ventilated and cross-drilled steel discs front and rear for rapid dispersion of heat. Black brake calipers with the Spyker script in silver are fitted as standard. Color-coded calipers with Spyker script in silver can be ordered as an option.