Spyker is still trying to crack the nod of those who consider rare supercars to be named things like TVR or Pagani. Now the Dutch firm is coming a step closer to that dream by releasing the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85. Quite a mouthful, I know, and perhaps not the best route to this dream, nevertheless, here it is, a roadgoing version of their GT2 Le Mans racing car.
If the car is long in name it is also not short on performance. Using Audi’s trusted 4.2-litre V8 of 400bhp, Spyker has extracted reliable power from a reputable, proven plant, thereby minimising negative issues around the engine. For a mate the car runs with a 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox. From there power goes to the rear wheels which are helped in sticking it out by a Drexler LSD (as in Limited Slip Differential and not the illegal pharmaceutical). Performance times are not available yet, but new buyers can try to keep up with the car time wise through their Spyker Chronoswiss 24H Pilot watch, with its orange-coloured crocodile strap. It is given free of charge at delivery of the vehicle and might make for the fastest dead croc for sure.
The colour orange dominates exterior finishings, with gun metal ‘s’ logo, black-coated 19-inch alloy wheels and side mirrors in gun metal too. Obviously there’s a lot of GT2 Le Mans racing car in the LM85. But interior is a lot more comfy than the racer, featuring alcantara roof upholstery, top dashboard trim and parts of the flat-bottomed steering wheel. The first cars from the assembly line will show up at the Spyker of Saudi Arabia event, at the Jeddah Motor Show (27 – 30 October 2008) and the Los Angeles Auto Show (19 – 30 November 2008).
