Spyker, creator of
meticulously hand-built sports cars since 2000 has unveiled its third-generation sports car: the Spyker C8 Preliator. Victor R. Muller, Spyker’s Founder and Chief
Executive Officer said on the occasion of the unveiling: "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.“
He further stated that the Spyker
C8 Preliator’s design represents the ultimate translation of our aviation
heritage to a “road jet”, a plane without wings, reflected among others in the
Head-Up Display, fitted as standard to every car. It is the epitome of our
unrivaled craftsmanship. By mounting a supercharger to the Audi V8 engine we
have improved the performance of the Spyker C8 Preliator significantly as
compared to its predecessor and its exclusivity is warranted since we will
produce a mere 50 units, he added.
The “Preliator” name, which means
"fighter" or “warrior” in latin, pays tribute to that aviation
heritage: "Fighters" are warplanes as made by Spyker between 1914 and
1918. But even more so, “Preliator” symbolises the uphill battles Spyker faced
and won in the past couple of years.
The Spyker C8 Preliator is made for discerning
owners who appreciate the attention to detail and bespoke features the company
has offered them for over a decade and a half now. The company’s dedicated crew
will assemble the first cars in Coventry, UK, together with CPP Metalcraft, its
very first partner since it started Spyker back in 2000, as of the last quarter
of this year.
“When I designed the Spyker C8
Preliator I wanted it to ooze the sheer tenacity and determination with which
we created a new dawn for our company and by launching it here today we pay
homage to the latin axiom which has adorned the Spyker propellor logo since
1914 “Nulla tenacia invia est via” - for the tenacious no road is
impassable", said Muller.
The Spyker C8 Preliator will
use the Audi 4.2 litre V8 engine Spyker has used since its inception but now
boasting 525 bhp as a result of a supercharger and will be available with two
transmission alternatives. The Spyker C8 Preliator will be fitted as standard
with a 6-speed Getrag manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the V8
supercharged engine. A ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, which comes standard with
paddle shifts behind the steering wheel to progress smoothly through the ratios
is an option. Both transmissions retain Spyker’s trademark exposed gear change
mechanism. ?
The Spyker C8 Preliator’s
contemporary design is even more heavily inspired by Spyker’s aviation heritage
than any of its previous models with a clear emphasis on the typical aircraft
air intakes, the so-called NACA ducts, and represents the latest evolution of
Spyker’s signature architecture.?
In the first-generation cars,
the propeller design was consistently applied to many elements of the cars. The
second generation cars showed a transition to turbine engine inspired design.
Within the design of the new third generation cars, the Spyker C8 Preliator,
the emphasis has shifted to submerged air intakes, the so-called NACA ducts, as
used in the aviation industry.? ?
In order to enhance the
aerodynamic performance of the car, several changes in styling were made so as
to reduce drag such as the replacement of the air scoop on the canopy by a NACA
duct. Small ailerons were added to the front splitter and side skirts to redirect
the airflow optimally. The shark-like gills have been abandoned, which results
in a cleaner, smoother appearance. The glass canopy has a reflective gold
coating applied to it as used in jet fighters. The trademark V-shaped grille
with honeycomb mesh is now characterised by the central pillar first seen on
the Spyker B6 Venator concept car shown here in 2013. Also the rear diffuser
was redesigned for improved functionality. Small winglets mounted on the front
splitter and side skirts optimize the airflow.? ?
The CNC-machined stainless
steel rear lights are made of LEDs
(light-emitting diodes) emulating fighter jet afterburners. LED lights were
also used for the indicators and the sidelights in the headlight units.The brake
light has been sculpted into the rear panel so as to ensure smooth flowing
design lines. Elegantly aggressive 19” Turbofan wheels are shown in a mirror
polish finish.
The Spyker C8 Preliator is
available in 16 standard colours, but customers may choose any colour they wish
as an option, as well as the sporty Spyker Squadron GT2 colour scheme. The C8
Preliator shown here has a new colour called Satin Jet Grey. Spyker will meet
any demand of its discerning owners to create an absolutely bespoke car of
which he or she will never find another one. ? ?
All-Aluminium Space Frame Chassis?? ?
The Spyker C8 Preliator’s
all-aluminium space frame composed of extrusions and folded sheet aluminium and
extruded aluminium side-impact bars and integral rollover bars was redesigned
with the objective to further increase torsional rigidity and to incorporate
the Lotus supplied suspension system. These characteristics provide an ideal
foundation for enhanced vehicle dynamics. ? ?
Moreover, the C8 Preliator’s
dimensions have been optimised, the car is longer than its predecessor,
providing for more driving comfort and stability at high speeds. ? ?
Spyker has put tremendous
efforts in the space frame performance of the C8 Preliator, specifically the
structure’s efficiency. The utilisation of modern finite element and numerical
optimization methods has allowed Spyker’s engineers to arrive at an
exceptionally stiff structure of 24.000Nm/degree, a 10% improvement over the
previous model. Rigid-node and load-path technology has been employed in order to
ensure that the minimum amount of aluminium is used to achieve this
performance, thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. The dynamic
stiffness characteristics of the structure have been carefully tuned in order
to minimize unwanted cabin noises and vibrations, which may otherwise detract
from the driving experience. These technologies and measures have allowed
Spyker to arrive at the most efficient chassis in its history.? ?
The Spyker C8 Preliator has
more interior space, which results in a higher comfort level and improved
ergonomics. The interior, with its typical Spyker attention to detail, is made
of the highest quality leather available in the market. The leather interior is
available in 14 standard colours, but any other colour – if desired by the
customer – can be ordered as an option. The car on display has a Saddle
interior with white honeycomb stitching (matching the mesh in the grille) and an
ivory leather headlining. ? ?
The dashboard was redesigned
to suit the new exterior design and to improve ergonomics and functionality.
Air vents are designed in turbine style and the performance and distribution of
the air conditioning was improved significantly. A multifunctional Head-Up
Display is integrated and placed atop the dash board. Machined Chronoswiss
dials and switches are available as an option. ?
? ?
In-Car Entertainment?? ?
With larger numbers of cars
going into the market and the increased popularity of the Apple iPhone and
similar products, the demand for a standard sound system fitted by the factory
increased. As a result, every Spyker C8 Preliator will be equipped as standard
with a high-end sound system, incorporating a digital radio, Bluetooth
interface and Apple iPhone connectivity. The navigation system is operated from
the Head-Up Display.? ?
Suspension & Wheels?? ?
The C8 Preliator is fitted
with a Lotus front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension system. This
suspension system includes a new kinematic layout of the front and rear
suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, mono-tube dampers, coil over damper
steel springs, anti-dive and anti- squat setup for improved handling
properties. The suspension components are made of forged aluminium where
possible, to keep the vehicle’s unsprung weight as low as possible. Shock
absorbers are placed vertically within the wishbones. ? ?
The Preliator has
newly-designed 19-inch alloy Turbofan wheels as standard. These wheels are
inspired by the turbine blades of a jet engine, which hints at Spyker’s
aviation heritage. The Michelin 235/35 size tyres at the front and up to 295/30
at the rear provide the necessary road holding. ? ?
Brakes?? ?
Brakes are supplied by AP
Racing, a partner from day one. Black brake calipers with Spyker script are
standard. Colour-coded calipers with Spyker script can be ordered as an option.
The car on display has Satin Gold calipers which match the air box. Carbon
ceramic brakes will be available as an option.?
Source: Spyker