Spyker C8

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Spyker C8
Spyker C8 at the Amsterdam car show
Manufacturer Spyker Cars
Production 2000–present
Class Sports car
Body style(s) 2-door convertible
Layout RMR layout
Engine(s) 4.2 L Audi V8, 400 hp (300 kW) to 600 hp (450 kW)
Wheelbase 2575 mm (101 in)
Length 4185 mm (165 in)
Width 1880 mm (74 in)
Height 1080 mm (42 in)
Curb weight 1250 kg (2750 lb)

The Spyker C8 is a sports car produced by the Dutch automaker Spyker Cars.

[edit] Models

There are several variants of the C8:

  • C8 Spyder
  • C8 Spyder T
  • C8 Spyder SWB
  • C8 Laviolette
  • C8 Double 12S
  • C8 Double 12R
  • C8 Spyder GT2-R
  • C12 LaTurbie

The C8 Spyder is the original base model with an Audi 4.2 litre V8 engine giving the car 400 hp (300 kW) and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The C8 spyder T has a more powerful Audi 4.2 litre V8 twin turbo with 525 hp (391 kW) giving it a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). The C8 Laviolette has the 400 hp (300 kW) Audi engine but unlike the spyder models that come with either a soft or a hard top, the Laviolette has a glass canopy. The C8 Double 12R is a version made specifically for the 24 hours of Le Mans also using the Audi V8 engine with 480 hp (358 kW) and the C8 Double 12S is the street version of this car which has the same glass canopy of the Laviolette and optionally has a 600 hp (450 kW) engine instead of the 400 hp (300 kW) engine from the C8 spyder, giving it a top speed between 300 km/h (186 mph) and 345 km/h (214 mph) depending on the engine. Both Double 12 versions have a modified C8 spyder frame with a longer wheelbase and a bigger fuel tank, 100 litres instead of 75.

The GT2R is the latest racing model of the car and has 450 hp (336 kW) and an open top with a metal rollcage. The Spyker C12 LaTurbie is the most recent road model and also has a long wheelbase but comes with a new 12 cylinder 6.0 litre Audi W12 engine producing 500 hp (370 kW). Despite the changed designation, C12 instead of C8, the car's appearance is still similar to that of the C8 models. C12 refers to the twelve cylinders, while the C8 has only eight.

Though similar in name to the C12 LaTurbie, the limited edition Spyker C12 Zagato is different from the the C8 series.

[edit] Racing

One of two C8 Spyder GT2-Rs at the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans.
One of two C8 Spyder GT2-Rs at the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Spyder C8 Double 12R's first race was the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2002, though an accident prevented the car from finishing. It also participates in the 24 hours of Le Mans and several other endurance races. Since 2005 it has also participated in FIA GT races with a Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R.

[edit] External links