Friday 1 July 2011
Spyker C8 Aileron
The all-new Spyker C8 Aileron marks the next step in Spyker Cars' evolution. Initially unveiled at the 2009 Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva, the new Spyker C8 Aileron coupe took pride of place at the 2010 Geneva show just as it enters production in a new facility in Coventry, UK.
Inspired by the company's aviation heritage, Spyker's second-generation sports car features cues from second-generation aircraft propulsion, highlighting the turbine blade, rather than the propeller which adorned many elements of Spyker's first generation cars.
With sleek aerodynamics, a long GT wheelbase, luxurious and spacious cabin and world-class ZF six-speed automatic transmission, the new C8 Aileron broadens the appeal of the Spyker brand while maintaining the marque's exclusivity.
The Spyker C8 Aileron is available in 16 standard colours, but customers may choose any colour they wish as an option, as well as the Spyker Squadron GT2 racing colour scheme. The standard colours have been developed by Sikkens Autolakken Nederland and AkzoNobel Car Refinishes. Spyker selected these companies because of their high quality standards and their flexibility to meet the special requirements of owners wishing to give their Spyker a unique appearance. Some of the standard colours are exclusive to the C8 Aileron.
Second-generation design exploits advanced computer aids
The design of the hand-crafted Spyker C8 Aileron represents the latest evolution of Spyker's signature architecture, which is heavily inspired by the company's aviation heritage. In the first-generation cars, the propeller design was consistently applied to many elements of the vehicles. With the design of the new Spyker C8 Aileron, the emphasis is shifted from propeller propulsion to turbine propulsion. As a result, detailing on the car, such as the bright polished air inlets, are turbine-engine-shaped air scoops.
The smooth, elegant and powerful lines of the distinctive design are the result of a virtual aero computer programme provided by TotalSim and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) testing by Penso.
The Spyker C8 Aileron's beautiful lines are complimented by the minimal 'shut' lines and an uncompromised design made possible by the use of superformed alloy body panels. The superforming process heats aluminium to 500 degrees Celsius and then vacuum forms the metal onto an inverted mould over a 30 minute period. Additionally, there are no breaks along the entire path of the door ring seals, guaranteeing maximum integrity against the elements.
At the front, the style of the Spyker C8 Aileron's headlights is particularly eye-catching as they flow seamlessly from the body design. This characteristic styling can be defined as a part of the next generation Spyker identity first seen on the Spyker C12 Laturbie prototype and subsequently in the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris protoype.
