Spyker C8 Aileron makes U.S. debut at Pebble Beach

Update: The 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is soon to be underway, and one of the cars on show is Spyker's upcoming C8 Aileron, which is making a public appearance shortly before going into production. The occasion marks the North American debut of the Spyker C8 Aileron. Featured prominently in the show's concept car section, its performance is real enough - the Aileron's Audi-sourced V8 is said to propel the Dutch supercar to 60mph (96km/h) in just 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 187mph (300km/h).

Scheduled for production in late 2008, every Aileron will be equipped with a Kharma sound system, incorporating a GPS system, Bluetooth, CD player and I-pod connectivity. Optional features will include a turned aluminum dashboard fascia, 19" Aeroblade wheels, quilted leather detailing for the cockpit and Chronoswiss dashboard instruments. If that wasn't extravagant enough, customers may also order a Louis Vuitton luggage set exclusively made for Spyker – the only car company in the world to have such an arrangement with the famous French design house.

The Aileron went on display during the pre-event auction on August 13th and will be on display through the 17th, the day of the actual Concours.

Original: Despite Spyker’s management reshuffles and financial setbacks of the past 12 months, the Dutch sports car company has managed to make an appearance at this week’s Geneva Motor Show and has unveiled a brand new model. The car is the all-aluminum long-wheelbase Spyker C8, which goes by the name ‘Aileron’ and will be offered in both manual and automatic versions.

Like all C8s, the new Aileron features a mid-engined configuration in an aluminum space frame and clad in aluminum body panels. For the latest Aileron model, engineers improved torsional rigidity of the space frame by 40% without adding any weight. The car’s wheelbase was increased by 10cm and the front track was also widened.

Hey stylistic features of the car include polished air inlets in aluminum, a larger radiator opening, and a V-shaped mesh pattern. Also, the headlight units were reshaped to follow the body design more closely. LED lights are incorporated in the units for indicators as well as Xenon lights fitted as standard.

The Aileron will continue to use the Audi-source 4.2L V8 with 400hp (298kW) on tap. This engine can either be mated to a six-speed Getrag manual or ZF auto gearbox (the first for a Spyker). Rolling stock consists of 19in propeller-style wheels housing AP Racing carbon-ceramic brakes and color coded calipers. The car also rides on a new suspension set-up, featuring double wishbones both front and rear and vertically placed shock absorbers.