Spyker C8

The Spyker C8 is a sports car produced by the Dutch automaker Spyker Cars since 2000.[3] The design takes visual cues from the 1999 Spyker Silvestris V8 prototype but with changes to the proportions.[4]

First generation (2000–2012)

Spyder (2000–2009)

The Spyder (later known as the Spyder SWB to distinguish it from Spyker's long-wheelbase offerings) is the original base model of the C8, debuting at the 2000 Birmingham Motor Show.[3] Equipped with an Audi 4.2-litre V8 engine producing 400 PS, the Spyder has a top speed of 300 km/h.

Second generation (2009–2018)

body style	2-door convertible (Spyder, Aileron Spyder, Preliator Spyder) 2-door coupé (Laviolette, Double 12S, Aileron, Preliator)

engine	4.0 L Mader-BMW V8 (Double 12S and 12R) 4.2L Audi V8 (Twin Turbo or Supercharged in Later versions)

powerout	400 - 620 hp

transmission	Getrag 6-speed manual ZF 6-speed automatic

length	4185 - 4628 mm

width	1880 - 1953 mm

height	1080 - 1270 mm

wheelbase	2575 - 2725 mm

weight	1250 - 1424 kg

C8 Aileron Concept (2008)

Before the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the company announced the C8 Laviolette LWB, but the car unveiled was called the C8 Aileron.[9] It had the long wheelbase of the C8 Double 12S (2.67 m), but its bodywork was somewhat similar to the upcoming Aileron (2009). The modified Double 12S chassis featured a suspension layout similar to that of the future Aileron, with double wishbones and vertical shock absorbers.[10] A single example was built because these long-wheelbase Double 12S chassis were rarer and more outdated, and because work was underway on a fully-fledged second-generation C8 Aileron (2009) - a heavily reengineered version with a 2.72 m wheelbase. The exhibition example was not running and was later converted into a right-hand drive customer car.[11][12]

Aileron (2009–2016)

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Spyker debuted the C8 Aileron, described by the company as the second generation of their C8 sports car, to replace the Laviolette.[13] Though still equipped with the same 4.2L Audi V8 from the Spyder and Laviolette, the Aileron features a longer, wider body, and, for the first time in the C8, an optional ZF automatic transmission. Continuing with the aviation themes of previous C8 cars, the Aileron's wheel design is inspired by jet turbine blades, a motif that can be seen throughout the car's aluminum construction and interior.[14] The name 'Aileron' is a reference to the flight control surface of the same name, a nod to the company's history in aviation.

Aileron Spyder (2009–2016)

A convertible version of the C8 Aileron was unveiled later in 2009 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.[15] Aside from the retractable roof, the dimensions and powertrain of the Aileron Spyder are identical to those of the standard Aileron. The Aileron Spyder would replace the original C8 Spyder, which had been in production since 2000.

Aileron LM85 (2018)

To commemorate the end of the production of C8 Aileron models with the introduction of the Preliator, Spyker built three Aileron LM85 cars. As with the previous Laviolette LM85s, the Aileron LM85s are styled after the Spyker racing livery, though each of the three Aileron LM85 examples produced came with a distinct color scheme.[8] The LM85 is the only Aileron model to feature Spyker's more powerful 4.2L supercharged Audi V8 producing 525 hp.

In January 2026, a Spyker enthusiast named Jasper den Dopper, along with Luxembourgish coachbuilder Milan Moraday and German tuner R Company, managed to revive the Spyker Aileron LM85 in which the company originally conceived many years ago but never finalized.[16]

manufacturer	Spyker Cars
production	2000–present
assembly	Zeewolde, Netherlands
predecessor	Spyker Silvestris V8
doors	Scissor
designer	Maarten de Bruijn‡R1R‡ Simon Koop (C8 Aileron, C8 Preliator)‡R2R‡
class	Sports car (S)
layout

First generation (2000–2012)

Spyder (2000–2009)

Laviolette (2001–2009)

Double 12S (2002–2007)

Spyder T (2003–2007)

Laviolette LWB (2008–2012)

Laviolette LM85 (2009–2012)

Second generation (2009–2018)

C8 Aileron Concept (2008)

Aileron (2009–2016)

Aileron Spyder (2009–2016)

Aileron LM85 (2018)

Third generation (2016–present)

Preliator (2016–present)

Preliator Spyder (2017–present)

Racing

Double 12R (2001–2003)

Spyder GT2-R (2005–2008)

Laviolette GT2-R (2008–2010)

Specifications

Chassis

Suspension

Wheels

Powertrains and performance

In popular culture

External links

References