2009 Spyker C8 Laviollete LM85 - Spyker's Even More Extreme GT2-Derived C8

 

 

 

 

 

 Released to the public at the LA Auto Show, the 2009 Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 will see a super-limited production run of only 24 units. The Spyker C8 edition is designed to commemorate Spyker's success in Le Mans racing, and a select few Spyker fans will get a piece of automotive history.The C8 Laviolette LM85 carries the same Audi-sourced 4.2 liter engine as other recent C8 models, and the exterior and interior are familiar though upgraded with even greater use of weight saving materials than before. The chassis is manufactured entirely from aluminum, and the little details that set the C8 Laviolette LM85 apart, like black powder-coated alloy wheels and even the option of left or right hand drive based on what is most familiar to the customer's home nation.The C8's iconic, and iconoclastic, shape is loved by some and simply confuses many others. But Spyker's fans are rabid, and a curb weight of only 2800 should ensure the C8 Laviolette LM85 retains Lotus-esque handling characteristics.But all the fancy exterior and interior features do not change the fact that this is still basically a kit car, with the engine coming from Audi and most key components being crate items. But, street legal speed and real head-turning Spyker styling are worth the price of admission, whatever that base price ends up being once it is announced by Spyker. Read on for all the official details, direct from the automaker. 

Spyker officially reveals Le Mans-inspired C8 Laviolette LM85

It's been a winning formula for Ferrari: build a road car, then build a race version of that road car, and finally build a road version of the race car. Spyker has decided to try out the formula for itself and officially announced it will be building a road car inspired by its GT2R race car that is in turn based off the C8 Laviolette production car. Named the C8 Laviolette LM85, the Le Mans-inspired Dutch supercar features Audi's 4.2-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower, a 6-speed manual transmission, paint scheme from the GT2R race car, and an interior covered in black leather and alcantara. Other features include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, black powder coated alloy wheels and 6-piston brakes from AP Racing. The car will be on display at the LA Auto Show in November, so we will be sure to bring you additional photos. For now, check out the small gallery below, as well as a gallery of the GT2R race car. More information on the C8 Laviolette LM85 can be found in the press release after the jump.

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: LA Auto Show, LaAutoShow, Spyker, Spyker C8 Laviolette, Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85, SpykerC8Laviolette, SpykerC8LavioletteLm85 ]

Spyker to build lightweight race-derived C8 LM 85

Take your exotic sports car and put it in a room with its racing counterpart. Put on some R&B, dim the lights and wait nine months. It's a winning formula that has worked for some of the world's best automakers and resulted in such stunning performance vehicles as the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Aston Martin DBS and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, to name just a few. Now Spyker is getting ready to cue up the Barry White with the upcoming LM 85.Named for the starting position of the Spyker C8 GTR2 racer at Le Mans, the LM 85 will be the latest race-derived, hardcore exotic sportscar. It will be based on the short-wheelbase C8 Laviolette, but lightened and tightened. Power could be as high as 450 horses, while the suspension is expected to be stiffened and weight removed to get a 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) figure near 3.8 seconds and top speed bumping the 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. Only a highly symbolic 24 examples are expected to be built in an effort to bring the niche Dutch automaker back from the brink.

[ Via: Motor Authority ]
[ Tag: lm 85,Lm85,spyker,spyker c8,spyker c8 laviolette,spyker c8 lm 85,SpykerC8,SpykerC8Laviolette,SpykerC8Lm85 ]

Spyker CEO steps down, F1 team could be on the block

Well, that was short-lived. Spyker announced yesterday that after the negative publicity surrounding the exotic automaker's credit worthiness, combined with its aim of staying afloat in the future, it may consider selling a portion, and possibly all, of its Formula One team.
Spyker's CEO, Michiel Mol, is currently contemplating buying the team, and as such, will be stepping down in order to avoid a conflict of interest. The company's vice-chairman, Hans Hugenholtz, will be taking the reigns as the acting CEO until a replacement for Mol is found.
The move comes as Spyker works to refinance its operational expenses, and although the automaker isn't keen on releasing all the details of the restructuring, you can find more information at their website, here.

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: f1,formula 1,formula one,Formula1,FormulaOne,hans hugenholtz,HansHugenholtz,michiel mol,MichielMol,spyker ]

Spyker F1's wealthy new owner injecting India into F1

Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker has staved off bankruptcy by offloading its F1 team for a cool 80 million Euros ($110 million USD). That's the kind of pocket change that new owner Vijay Mallya loses in his car seats every year. Mallya, currently ranked the world's 664th richest man by Forbes, owns Kingfisher Airlines and the popular Indian beer of the same name, but is most famous in F1 circles for hosting lavish parties aboard his 311' yacht "Indian Empress" over the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.This marks the first time an Indian individual or company has taken such a prominent role in international motorsport, though rumored Jaguar and Land Rover buyer Tata has sponsored Spyker's predecessor Jordan in the past, and currently backs Williams F1. Both the Tata and Mallya families will now be lobbying Bernie Ecclestone hard to get a race around the streets of New Delhi on the F1 calendar within the next few years.

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: f1,kingfisher,mallya,spyker ]

Pebble Beach Week 2007: Spyker Zagato makes California appearance

The Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach always manages to host a few surprises. Last year we saw the Glickenhaus one-off P4/5, a Ferrari Enzo rebodied by Pininfarina as an homage to the legendary P3/4 racecars of the '60s. This year we saw the unveiling of the new Callaway Speedster and the official showing of the new Aston Martin DBS, but there were some other cool cars there as well -- cars that may be somewhat familiar from other shows but that many folks haven't seen in person. This year's visitors were treated to up-close glimpses of the new Maserati GranTurismo, Lincoln MKR, Chrysler Nassau, Lexus LF-A and IS-F, Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive, Dodge Demon, Giugiaro Mustang, Bentley Brooklands, Jeep Trailhawk, Cadillac Cien and CTS-V.

But few save the first two drew as much attention as the Spyker Zagato. That's the limited edition run of 24 special closed coupes we first saw in Geneva. It's at once more contemporary than other Spykers and simultaneously more retro. Kind of made us think of the Flash Gordon show -- A retro look at the future. It taks some classic auto styling cues and adds a fair bit of SLR and Zonda in for good measure. It's quite a looker, and a mover too by the sound of it. A derivative of Spyker's flagship C12 model, the Zagato uses a version of VAG's 6.0L W12 putting out 500 hp, or 650 with the optional supercharger. Because of its light weight (3,086 lbs.), the C12 Zagato should be good for a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 193 mph.

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: PebbleBeach,spyker,Spyker Zagato,SpykerZagato,zagato ]

Spyker C12 Zagato delayed

The Spyker C12 Zagato, introduced during the same burst of fanfare that followed Spyker's acquisition of an F1 team, has been put on hold. Only 24 are slated to be made, and only for existing Spyker customers, but Spyker simply doesn't have the production capacity at the moment. Right now, the company has enough to deal with getting its backlog of current and coming models made, at the same time working to shore up its finances. According to the Auto Telegraaf, the company will be posting a large loss this year, the F1 team is having trouble with sponsors, and company shareholders are bickering. Not that we would necessarily spend $700K on one, but we would think it a shame if the C12 Zagato was crushed by market forces.
[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: c12,production,spyker,zagato ]

Spyker loses 72.075 million euros in 2007

For such a small manufacturer of specialty vehicles, Spyker hemorrhaged a huge amount of money last year; 72.075 million euros ($113.07 million at current exchange rates), to be exact. Part of this loss was due to the sale of its Formula 1 operations, but their car-selling business managed to cost them a few million more. Money was so tight that the Dutch supercar company only managed to assemble 26 cars last year -- only two in the final quarter, despite the waiting list for their wares.

Good news is on the horizon, though, as Spyker has received a cash-infusion from Snoras Group, a Lithuanian bank (and now the largest shareholder in the company), and is again up-to-speed on automobile production. The long-wheelbase C8 Aileron, along with its new automatic transmission, is scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, while their D8 Peking-to-Paris will follow in 2009. Additionally, their racing team, Spyker Squadron, will continue its GT aspirations, though Formula 1 has obviously been abandoned. So, Spyker fans, look forward to a less-tumultuous year in 2008... we're pretty sure that it couldn't be any worse than the last.
[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: spyker,spyker c8,spyker c8 aileron,spyker cars,spyker d12,spyker d12 peking,spyker d12 peking-to...,spyker d12 ssuv,spyker d12 suv,spyker d8,spyker d8 peking to paris,spyker squadron,spyker-cars,spyker-d8-peking-to-paris,spyker-f1,spyker-squadron,spykerc8,SpykerC8Aileron,SpykerCars,SpykerD12,SpykerD12Peking,SpykerD12Peking-to...,SpykerD12Ssuv,SpykerD12Suv,SpykerD8,SpykerD8PekingToParis,SpykerSquadron ]

Spyker bankruptcy rumors abound

Could it be that running a Formula 1 program might be more expensive than Spyker thought? Or perhaps the F1 team is the more profitable part of the equation? The little Dutch sports car maker that has been fielding an F1 team this season is rumored to be on the brink of bankruptcy. We've heard these rumors before but gave the company the benefit of the doubt because we have also reported increased sales counts to counteract them, but so many outlets are reporting about their troubles that we felt it irresponsible not to report them this time.

For its part, Spyker took the bold step of asking financial services watchdog AFM to investigate because its stock price plummeted 12-percent after the latest round of newspaper reports, and the whole day of trading ended up being reversed. So maybe these are just rumors after all, but sometimes it's hard to fight against bad publicity. GP Update had reported about the companies initially asking Spyker to file bankruptcy. Dutch News reported about the bankruptcy reports, stock drop and ensuing investigation and reversal. Forbes reported about the reversal as well. GrandPrix.com is focusing on the fact that the F1 team seems to be caught in the middle of the whole thing, with conflicting reports that the production car division is tapping into the F1 budget. We'll keep an eye out for more info as it becomes available.

Thanks for all the tips, folks!

[Sources: GP Update, Dutch News, Forbes, GrandPrix.com]

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: Spyker bankruptcy, SpykerBankruptcy ]

Spyker dropping C12, developing new SSUV and C8

It was simply a matter of time before the financial stresses ailing Spyker would filter their way down to product. The result is the unceremonious execution of the stillborn C12 LaTurbie and the Zagato edition. Killing off those two models enables Spyker to put more of its limited resources into two remaining models, the C8 and the upcoming Super Sport Utility Vehicle D12.

According to Spyker head Hans Hugenholtz, the C8 will remain as it's cheaper to produce and stands as the cornerstone of the ultra-niche automaker's turnaround efforts. That, and the introduction of the D12 SSUV, now delayed until the end of 2008, will hopefully return the firm to profitability.

The death of the C12 was a huge financial hit, as Spyker spent a considerable amount of cash and resources toying around with the VW-sourced 450 HP 6.0-liter W12 that now may find a home within the D12 SSUV.
[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: c12 laturbie,C12Laturbie,c8,d12 SSUV,D12Ssuv,spyker,zagato ]

Spyker Cars signs letter of intent with ACI

Some of Spyker's financial woes may be in the process of being resolved, with the news that several investment firms are currently in talks with the ailing Dutch supercar manufacturer. A group of private investors known as ACI Ltd. have already signed a letter of intent with Spyker, causing stock prices to increase by almost 60-percent. Although rumors are swirling that another firm might buy up a majority stake in the automaker, Hans Hugenholtz, the interim CEO of Spyker, said that ACI's stake "won't exceed 30-percent."

More to follow as it develops.



[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: aci,spyker,spyker aci,SpykerAci ]

Enter the Rumormill: Spyker D12 to get American muscle

Good news all you power-hungry Spyker fans. Rumors are flying that the newly revived Dutch company is re-thinking the powerplants in its new C12 Zagato and D12 SUV. Instead of using VW's 6.0-liter W12, Spyker may be looking to U.S. manufacturers for its engines.

Three reasons could be driving the company to go American. One is purely financial. With the Euro worth about $1.50 right now, U.S. engines would be much cheaper than German ones. The second reason is output. VW is expected to end production of their W12 soon, and Spyker doesn't want to get caught with nothing under their hoods. The third reason is, again, output. Spyker's CEO Victor Muller has said the Audi V8 his company had once planned for use in the D12 SUV just isn't powerful enough with "only" 400 hp.

So what engines would be appropriate for Spyker? "Beleggers Belangen" quotes Muller as saying, "Look at the block in the General Motors Corvette: thick 500 hp. And from the V10 Dodge Viper: over 600 hp."

Dear Santa: We've been really good this year, but if you bring us a Viper-powered, Dutch-designed supercar with 600 hp we can't make any promises for next year.

[Sources: Autoblog.nl via Motor Authority]



[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: spyker,spyker american engines,spyker supercars,spyker suv,SpykerAmericanEngines,SpykerSupercars,SpykerSuv ]

Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8

The current standard-wheelbase Spyker C8 LavioletteSpyker may be down, but it's not out. The Dutch exotic automaker has fallen on some hard times, but that's not going to stop it from moving forward with at least some of its plans. The C12 Zagato has been postponed indefinitely, but at the upcoming Geneva auto show in March, Spyker is expected to unveil an improved version of its existing C8 Laviolette.As wonderfully quirky as the current C8 is, owners complain of constricted space. In response Spyker has stretched the wheelbase, giving more space in the cabin while improving the vehicles proportions. The C8 Laviolette LWB will feature an elongated version of the current model's glass roofline. A long wheelbase Spyder version is expected to follow sometime thereafter, benefiting from a proper motorized convertible roof instead of the largely useless folding rag on the current short-wheelbase model. It's a small step forward for the ailing company, but a step forward nonetheless. Follow the jump for a video rendering of the upcoming C8 Spyder LWB doin' the turntable thing.

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: auto show,AutoShow,c8,geneva,laviolette,long wheelbase,LongWheelbase,lwb,motor show,MotorShow,new,spyder,spyker ]

Geneva 2008: Spyker C8 Aileron

Making any car longer, particularly a sportscar, comes with penalties and concessions. But Spyker managed to circumvent them with the new C8 Aileron, which the eccentric Dutch automaker unveiled here in Geneva. Despite a ten-centimeter stretch in wheelbase, torsional rigidity has improved by a whopping 40-percent without adding extra weight to the C8's aluminum space frame. The same Audi V8 continues to deliver 400 horsepower as in the shorter C8 Laviolette, but is now offered for the first time mated to an automatic transmission, which Spyker hopes will help improve its sales and extract the company from its financial woes.The longer wheelbase of the C8 Aileron also means that Spyker will be able to produce a more functional convertible than the spyder it's offered in the past. In the meantime, a slew of new visual details are added to the already busy design along with the stretch, including some new vents and scoops drawn from the forestalled C12 Zagato. If you want more details, we've got the full press release for you after the jump, and a whole gallery of high-resolution images of the C8 Aileron from the floor of the Geneva Motor Show.

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: geneva,geneva 2008,Geneva2008,long-wheelbase spyker c8,Long-wheelbaseSpykerC8,spyker c8,spyker c8 aileron,spyker geneva,SpykerC8,SpykerC8Aileron,SpykerGeneva ]

Spyker iPhone clone spotted

In case you didn't know, Spyker lends its name to a number of consumer electronics, including mobile phones, digital audio players and pocket video devices. You can visit www.connect4spyker.com to view the entire product line, where Spyker reminds you in tongue-in-cheek fashion that a matching car is available for each one.

The gadget guys over at CNET, however, were excited to find what looks like an Apple iPhone clone badged with Spyker's name at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain this week. It looks exactly like an iPhone, but has a numerical keypad squished at the bottom of its face around what would be the Home button. According to CNET, the editors of which didn't get a chance to try out the phone since it was locked inside a glass case, tell us that Spyker's clone appears to be a solid attempt at capturing the magic and pixie dust that went into the design of the original. One thing's for sure, though, we know someone at Apple reads Autoblog, so Spyker should be checking its mailbox for a letter from Steve's lawyers.



[ Via: Gizmodo ]
[ Tag: spyker iphone,spyker iphone clone,spyker phone,SpykerIphone,SpykerIphoneClone,SpykerPhone ]

Spyker and Lotus sign cooperative agreement

Lotus and Spyker have worked together on a variety of projects over the past four years, but today, they've announced a new partnership that will further solidify both automaker's technical and design prowess. As its name would imply, the "Parts and Platform Commonality Agreement" involves Lotus supplying both elements to Spyker, helping to build the Dutch supercar producer's new C8 Aileron and possible the D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV. According to AutoCar, that could mean that future Spyker's could be based of the Lotus Esprit and that Lotus will increase its stake in the development of Spyker's cars.

[ Via: Autoblog (Spyker) ]
[ Tag: c8 aileron,C8Aileron,d8 peking-to-paris ssuv,d8 ssuv,D8Peking-to-parisSsuv,D8Ssuv,lotus,lotus spyker,LotusSpyker,spyker ]