Super Spyker

Super Spyker C8 Laviolette




by Tony Ng, Plush|30 May 2009

If there's a word to describe the Spyker C8 Laviolette, it's "raw."

The mid-engined coupe reeks of raw power, from inside out.

You could only imagine the amount of detail and effort that went into each car as the entire car, made of aluminium, is handcrafted using bespoke materials.
The C8's interior belies the aviation and racing heritage of Spyker, which begun in 1875. At one point in history, it was building fighter aircraft and engines.

At present, Spyker has established its presence in Singapore with the C8, available in both coupe (Laviolette) and convertible (Spyder).

The C8 recently demonstrated its prowess at the Changi Exhibition Centre in a Spyker demonstration organised by Auto Palace, a subsidiary of the Hong Seh Group.

You'll hear the C8 before you see it. Its roaring soundtrack is powered by an all-aluminum Audi V8 engine that produces 400bhp and 480Nm of pulling power at 3,500rpm. From a standstill, it only takes 4.5 secs to hit 100kph.

The engine is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, driving the rear wheels with a limited slip differential and ABS. That's about all the intervening technology you're going to get between you, the C8 and the road. No traction control. No acronyms.


Like the silvery exposed shift, the driving experience seems to feel raw at the edges. The engine snarls like a caged circus beast fighting to get out.

But when you're sprinting along at over 230kph on Singapore roads, nothing else matters much anymore.
Turning up the dial on the customised luxury feel are a list of optionals: aluminium dashboard fascia, 19" Aeroblade wheels, quilted leather detailing for the cockpit and Chronoswiss dashboard instruments.

To complete the extravaganza, you can also order a five-piece Louis Vuitton luggage set - made exclusively for Spyker.

The company's slogan since 1914 is "Nulla tenaci invia est via: For the tenancious no road is impassable."

Personally, I think it means they'll take you right to the edge of the road.

SPYKER C8 LAVIOLETTE (COUPE)
Engine: 4,172cc, 40v Audi V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 400bhp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 480Nm @ 3,500rpm
0-100kmh: 4.5 secs
Top speed: 300kph
Fuel consumption: 11.1 litres/100km (city-highway)
Price: $1.05 million
Distributor: Auto Palace

Source: Asiaone