Last year's Geneva show saw the introduction of Spyker's second-generation sports car, in prototype form. This year, the car is back in full production trim, as Spyker prepares for a full upgrade to its lineup. Deliveries of the C8 Aileron are set to begin in May.
Longer than the current C8 Laviolette, the C8 Aileron's conversation-starting sheet metal is wrapped around a 400 horsepower Audi 4.2 liter V8. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available. The C8 Aileron boasts a claimed top speed of 187 mph (300 km/h) and a 4.5-second 0-60 sprint.
That's supercar territory, though it doesn't put the C8 Aileron at the top of the class. That's okay, though, because Spyker's buyers are interested in the car's styling as well as its performance, and nothing else quite resembles the C8 Aileron--unless it's the C8 Laviolette. The C8 Aileron retains Spyker's signature aircraft influence. As a thematic approach to its second-generation status, however, the propeller design motif has been replaced with turbines, representing the second generation of aircraft propulsion. A striking hand-tuned aluminum dash and classic aeronautical themes still dominate the interior. Scissor doors, a small rooftop air inlet and round air intakes in the flanks give the Aileron a unique look, while the longer body offers a more balanced look compared to the stubby C8 Laviolette.
After weathering some recent financial difficulties, Spyker hopes that the C8 Aileron will help to move the brand forward, and get the books back into the black.
