cars news 10: Rebirth: Spyker C8 Preliator Shown at Geneva

The Spyker C8 Preliator is the sports car-maker’s first model since filing for financial restructuring to address short-term operational and liquidity challenges in late 2014. Debuting at the 2016 Geneva auto show, the C8 Preliator is only the third model from Spyker since its inception in 2000.

Referring to the new model as a road jet or plane without wings, styling of the new C8 Preliator is inspired by the company’s aviation heritage. Preliator means fighter or warrior in Latin, according to Spyker. The name is also said to refer to the automaker’s recent financial struggles.

Power for the Spyker C8 Preliator comes from an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V-8. Spyker then adds a supercharger, which brings power up to 518 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a DOHC design with five valves per cylinder and a stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves. A rear-mounted six-speed Getrag manual transmission is standard, while a ZF six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional. Both transmissions feature Spyker’s signature exposed gear linkage.

The C8 Preliator’s space frame chassis is comprised of extruded and folded sheet aluminum with integrated side-impact and rollover bars. In addition to being lighter, the new chassis is said to be 10-percent stiffer than the outgoing model. The front and rear independent double-wishbone suspensions are supplied by Lotus and feature coilover dampers and forged aluminum bits.

A set of AP Racing brakes peek out from behind a 19-inch wheel and tire setup. Black calipers are standard, while colored calipers are optional. Carbon ceramic brakes are also optional. The 24-spoke Turbofan wheels measure 19×8.5 inches up front and 19×10 inches in the rear and are wrapped in Michelin rubber measuring 235/35 and 295/35, respectively.

Spyker C8 Preliator interior leather seats

With the new model, Spyker has also improved the car’s aerodynamics, including a NACA duct in place of the previous model’s roof scoop, small ailerons and winglets added to the front splitter and side skirts, and a redesigned rear diffuser.

Other exterior styling details include the absence of the shark-like gills, a new V-shaped grille with honeycomb mesh, reflective gold coating on the glass canopy, HID headlights with integrated LED turn signals, CNC-machined stainless steel LED taillights (that are said to emulate fighter jet afterburners), and LED CHMSL.

The exterior paint palette features 16 standard colors, including Satin Jet Grey. A new Spyker Squadron GT2 paint scheme is available. Additionally, Spyker says the C8 Preliator can be specified in any color as requested.

Inside, the new car offers more interior space as well as more comfort and improved ergonomics. The leather-clad interior is available in 14 standard colors as well as any bespoke color the customer desires. The redesigned dashboard features turbine-style vents, and a standard Head-Up Display (HUD), while machined Chronoswiss dials and switches are available. The standard infotainment system features navigation (controlled via the HUD), Bluetooth, and Apple iPhone connectivity.

The Spyker C8 Preliator will be produced in Coventry, U.K., in conjunction with CPP Metalcraft with the total model run limited to just 50 units.

Source: Spyker