Spyker C8 Preliator
Spyker, creator of meticulously hand-built sports cars since 2000, today proudly unveils 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."
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.
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 we have offered them for over a decade and a half now. Our dedicated crew will assemble the first cars in Coventry, UK, together with CPP Metalcraft, our very first partner since we 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".
Design
The Spyker C8 Preliator's contemporary design is even more heavily inspired by Spyker's aviation heritage than any of our 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 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.
Interior
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 highend 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.
