2010 Spyker C8 Aileron

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Making its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show, the Spyker C8 Aileron landed stateside just a few weeks after its world debut at the Geneva auto show. Perhaps unfamiliar to most Americans, Spyker Cars from the Netherlands only started building exclusive premium cars in 2000, but the name has a long history as a coachbuilder dating back to 1875 and as a fighter aircraft manufacturer during World World I. And since the turn of this century, Spyker has introduced a number of exquisitely designed sports cars, and even competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.



From the outside, the Spyker C8 Aileron styling is an evolution of the previous Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 first shown at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show. While the Laviolette carried a propeller theme through most of the car, the Aileron emphasizes the jet propulsion age via the use of turbine-engine-shaped air scoops. Compared to the Laviolette, the Aileron is longer and rides on a wider front track for improved driving comfort and stability.





Power for the Aileron comes from an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 400 bhp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Either a Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox or a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission can be ordered with the car. The chassis is new, an aluminum space-frame design with suspension designed and produced by Lotus. The front and rear aluminum double wishbone suspension carries 19-in. wheels that are slowed by 13.8-in. front and 12.1-in. rear brake rotors.





The manufacturer suggested retail price for the Aileron is $209,990 with the manual gearbox, and $219,990 with the automatic, both excluding options. Expect to see a convertible version at this summer's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.