Spyker is the zany Dutch automotive manufacturer that we don’t get to hear about often enough but every now and then they release a little something to keep us pleased. This time it’s the Spyker C8 Preliator and it is just what you would expect from them. A boutique sportscar with a striking design, both inside and out, accompanied by a performance driven personality.
The Preliator isn’t far off from the Aileron in terms of design. It retains the oval grille, sleek headlamps and numerous aviation NACA ducts as well as the completely glass roof that is no longer divided by the chimney coolant intake. The rear design has been changed more to fit the likes of the 2013 Venator Concept with its CNC-machined stainless steel LED taillamp design.
Thankfully not much has changed with the interior which makes use of a steampunk aeronautical theme. Spyker claims that the interior has more space than the Aileron while making use of high quality leather and steel. Drivers are also greeted by a HUD and turbine style air vents.
The Preliator still adopts a mid-mounted 4,2-litre V8 from Audi which has been given a supercharger to push the power output to 392 kW. The rear wheels will be driven by a standard six-speed manual transmission but a six-speed automatic ZF transmission with paddleshifters is an option. All of this will be mounted upon the space frame which makes use of the Lotus supplied independent double-wishbone suspension.
For handling purposes the Preliator is fitted with a set of newly designed 19-inch Turbofan alloy wheels with Michelin 235/35 front and 295/30 rear tyres. Braking is done by a colour coded set of AP Racing calipers. Carbon ceramic brakes are optional.
The new Spykers will be assembled in Coventry, UK with a limited number of 50 models to be sold to the public.
