Flying into the future.
The past few years have been very difficult and tumultuous for Spyker. Financial troubles and uncertainty had almost put the automaker away for good. But, now they’re back and ready to start handcrafting vehicles with the new Spyker C8 Preliator flying into the future.
“The greatest man in our industry, Enzo Ferrari, once said: ‘What’s behind you, doesn’t matter’. What does matter is the fact that we have returned to Geneva today to unveil the worthy successor to the Spyker C8 Aileron, launched right here in 2009, of which the last five units are being assembled in our new production facilities in Coventry, the United Kingdom,” said Victor R. Muller, Founder and CEO.
The Spyder C8 Preliator is the third generation of cars that the Dutch automaker. The name “Preliator” is symbolic for the brand as it means “fighter” or “warrior” in Latin, just like the “Fighters” warplanes made by Spyker from 1914 to 1918. The name is also represents the battles that the company has pushed through over the past few years.
The entire design of the Spyker C8 Preliator is unique and packed with aviation heritage. The third-generation vehicle features an array of submerged air intakes, also known as NACA ducts, and similar to those found in modern aircraft, to reduce drag and optimize cooling. The roof features a prominent NACA duct to supply the engine with air as opposed to the air scoop on the previous-generation model to reduce drag.
The Spyder C8 Preliator features a large open glass canopy with reflective gold coating much like a jet fighter’s. The classic V-shaped grille with honeycomb mesh is prominently featured up front along with LED headlights. A central pillar that was first shown on the 2013 Spyker B6 Venator concept is also on display along with a front splitter with side winglets.
The same winglet design is used on the trailing edge of the side skirts on the Spyker C8 Preliator. Various NACA and traditional ducts are worn throughout the body from the hood to the fenders and roof, created a seamless, slipstream shape. At the rear, the LED CNC-machined stainless steel rear LED lights mimic the look of jet afterburners while machined and engraved exhaust tips sit below.
Beneath the body of the Spyker C8 Preliator is an advanced all-aluminum space frame that utilizes a host of new technology and construction to provide an exceptionally rigid and light starting point. The new technology and space frame also makes the C8 Preliator the most efficient chassis in the brand’s history.
The lightweight all-aluminum space frame of the Spyker C8 Preliator is mated to a Lotus front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension system. The entire setup was redesigned and utilizes new front and rear stabilizer bars, monotube dampers with coil-over steel springs, and forged aluminum components for a nimble and athletic chassis.
Hitting the asphalt are 8.5J x 19 front and 10.0J x 19 rear Turbofan wheels with a turbine-style design shod in 235/35/19 front and 295/30/19 rear Michelin sport tires. Hiding behind the silver-finished wheels on the Spyker C8 Preliator are AP Racing four-piston front and rear calipers with 350- and 332 mm cross-drilled steer discs. The calipers can be painted in a variety of colors and bear the Spyker signature logo. As an option, carbon ceramic brakes are also available.
Powering the road-going aircraft is an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V-8 engine that’s strapped with a supercharger. In total, the motor produces 525 bhp at 6,800 RPM and 443 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM, with a maximum speed of 7,200 RPM. Drivers will be able to choose from either the standard Getrag six-speed manual or ZF Tiptronic six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Armed with the supercharged motor, the Spyker C8 Preliator can accelerate to 62 mph from rest in 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 201 mph.
Inside, the Spyker C8 Preliator is more spacious and comfortable than models before while keeping the classic aeronautical design that’s made the brand so special. A total of 14 standard colors are available on the highest-quality leather available on the market. Customers also have the option of choosing any interior design combinations they desire as an option. The show car at Geneva was presented in a Saddle interior with honeycomb stitching and ivory leather headliner.
The dashboard of the Spyker C8 Preliator features turbine-style vents and a clean brushed aluminum trim. Vibrant green backlighting is used on each gauge while many controls are laid out with switches like an aircraft cabin. The classic exposed gear change mechanism is prominently featured as well. As an added high-end option, Machined Chronoswiss dials and switches can also be installed. A high-end sound system with integrated digital radio, Bluetooth, and Apple iPhone connectivity will come standard.
Only 50 Spyker C8 Preliator models will be produced and assembled in Coventry, UK alongside long-time partner, CPP Metalcraft. A total of 16 standard colors are available along with a special Spyker Squadron GT2 scheme as well as any colors a customer desires to create a truly bespoke vehicle. The Spyker C8 Preliator will retail for 324,900 euros with the manual gearbox, excluding options and taxes. Models with the automatic gearbox, excluding options and taxes will start at 330,990 euros.
Spyker C8 Preliator Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Horsepower: 525 bhp / 386 kW at 6,800 RPM
Maximum Torque: 443 lb-ft. / 600 Nm at 3,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Getrag six-speed manual (std.) or ZF Tiptronic six-speed automatic (optional)
Drive: Rear wheel
Differential: Drexler limited-slip
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds
Top Speed: 201 mph / 322 km/h
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes:
Front Wheels: 8.5J x 19
Rear Wheels: 10.0J x 19
Optional: Turbofan directional 24-spoke forged alloy
Front Tires: 235/35 ZR19
Rear Tires: 295/30 ZR19
Front Brakes: AP Racing four-piston calipers with 350 mm steel discs
Rear Brakes: AP Racing four-piston calipers with 332 mm steel discs
Spyker C8 Preliator Gallery
Source: Spyker
Are you excited for the new Spyker C8 Preliator and the return of the brand?
