Spyker C8

Infobox Automobile


name = Spyker C8
manufacturer = Spyker Cars
production = 2000–present
predecessor =
successor =
related =
class = Sports car
layout = RMR layout
body_style = 2-door convertible
engine = 4.2 L Audi V8, Convert|400|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on to Convert|600|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on
length = 4185 mm (165 in)
width = 1880 mm (74 in)
height = 1080 mm (42 in)
wheelbase = 2575 mm (101 in)
weight = 1250 kg (2750 lb)The Spyker C8 is a sports car produced by the Dutch automaker Spyker Cars.

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 Convert|400|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on and a top speed of Auto km/h|300|0. The C8 spyder T has a more powerful Audi 4.2 litre V8 twin turbo with Convert|525|hp|kW|0|abbr=on giving it a top speed of Auto km/h|320|0. The C8 Laviolette has the Convert|400|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on 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 Convert|480|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 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 Convert|600|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on engine instead of the Convert|400|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on engine from the C8 spyder, giving it a top speed between Auto km/h|300|0 and Auto km/h|345|0 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 Convert|450|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 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 Convert|500|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on. 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.

Racing

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.

External links

* [http://www.spykercars.nl/ Spyker Cars] (official website)
* [http://www.spykerowner.com/ (owner and enthusiast website)