Spyker C8 Laviolette 'LM85' enters production

Updated with official information.

Troubled Dutch sports carmaker Spyker has released details for its upcoming limited-edition C8 Laviolette LM85, a road-going version of its GT2 LeMans car that will be produced in a limited run of just 24 units. Like the race car, the mid-engine supercar is powered by an Audi-sourced 4.2L V8 engine and is tuned to 400hp (298kW).

This powerplant is paired to a manual six-speed Getrag gearbox, with drive sent to the rear wheels via a Drexler limited slip differential. ABS brakes are fitted as standard. Behind the black powder coated alloy wheels sit a set of AP Racing six-piston brake calipers.

Features in common with the Laviolette GT2R race car include the all-aluminum chassis, matching ‘Burnt Almond Orange’ and silver ‘S’ logo livery, color-coded side mirrors, a carbon fiber rear spoiler and GT2 windscreen streamer. The LM85 can also be optionally equipped with Le Mans sticker sets as well as a customised LM85 car cover.

For the interior, Spyker fits black leather and Alcantara trim with orange stitching, an aluminum dash, and a personalised LM85 serial plaque.

Production is expected to start this quarter and both left and right hand drive models will be available. Every LM85 owner receives a special edition Spyker Chronoswiss 24H Pilot Watch with an orange crocodile strap, and the serial number of the individual cars are also engraved on the back of the watches.

In other areas, the company also will be focusing on its somewhat odd-looking high-performance D12 SUV. That vehicle will be targeted largely at the U.S. and Eastern Europe. Currently about half of all Spyker's revenues come from the U.S., and it has only recently begun to expand into Eastern Europe, so the new model is carrying the flag for the Dutch maker. Rumors of the SUV's switch to American-sourced V8 power could lead to a model-name change (D8 SUV, reflecting the number of cylinders) but would likely generate as much power as the previously sought Volkswagen W12, with eventual figures expected to lie in the 500hp (373kW) range.

Another recent development that could help the company in the longer term is a recent parts and platform sharing deal inked with Lotus. Under the agreement, Lotus will supply Spyker with parts for its C8 Aileron and will aid in designing and developing the company's future models. Lotus will also be the preferred subcontractor for supply of necessary components that Spyker cannot product in-house.