Monday 13th December 2004

Launch of prototype Spyker C12 Spyder

Six-litre supercar offers 500 bhp and 200mph top speed

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Dutch race car maker Spyker has unveiled its latest prototype, the 6.0 litre C12 Spyder. The first Spyker to be powered by a 6.0-litre W12 Audi engine, the dry sump, aluminium-engined car generates 500 bhp and 442 lb-ft of torque, and weights 1,400Kg. Top speed of this lightweight road racer is some 200 mph with an acceleration of 0-60 mph in under four seconds. The car will be fitted with a manual six-speed gearbox or an automatic gearbox with pedal shift.

Accessories include Spyker’s in-house designed 19-inch Aeroblade wheels. Further specifications include rear wheel drive with limited slip differential, ABS and an aluminium spaceframe with integrated roll cage. The exhaust makes what the company calls "the overwhelming signature Spyker sound".

This new prototype brings Spyker’s long wheelbase range up to three different models:

• Eight-cylinder C8 Double12 R (Le Mans race car)
• C8 Double12 S (street version)
• Twelve-cylinder Spyker C12 Spyder (open version).

The total Spyker range is now up to 6 models.

Spyker Cars' CEO Victor Muller says: “I am extremely proud to present this prototype as an extension of our range of super cars. Assuming customer demand meets our expectations this car could go in production sometime in the last half of 2006.”

Muller continues, “Clients have repeatedly asked us for a Spyder version of the Spyker C8 Double12 S. Now we have not only complied with their wishes but have exceeded their expectations by providing a new super car with an extra powerful and exclusive engine.”

The price, including glass hard top, is estimated to start at €290,000 (about £200,000), ex-factory, excluding taxes.

Spyker hasn't stated whether the car will actually reach production and, if so, when but we have contacted it and are awaiting an answer. as soon as we get one, we'll let you know.

Platinum watch

The company also launched a new watch to go with the car, a limited edition platinum version of the Chronoswiss Spyker Double12  Pilot Watch. It has a platinum case, a diameter of 44.0 mm and a height of 12.3 mm. Both Chronoswiss and Spyker logos are featured on the dial. Each watch is individually numbered and comes with an extra large aluminium box and Spyker scale model car.

Spyker owners can have their own chassis number engraved in the case. Only 48 pieces will be made. The recommended retail price is €34.700 (about £24,000), with the first delivery expected by August 2005.

Spyker says that the watch's name "pays tribute to Spyker’s aviation heritage and racing tradition. The watch was inspired by the Spyker C8 Double12 R and named after the famous speed races which, in the past, were held in two 12-hour laps." Chronoswiss  was founded in 1983 by master watchmaker Gerd-Rudiger Lang.

More here: www.spykercars.com, www.chronoswiss.com

[RoadsterRaks]

One word....

Saw a few Spykers in the flesh earlier this year, they are well and truly

[v15ben]

Just been to look at the C8 Spyder today!
Its an awesome looking car but I don't know if they are going to sell very many!

I will post some pictures up when I can!

[blockpower]

wow i will sell my cerb and my wife for one

[toppstuff]

They are beautiful, weird and wonderful cars. Truly special.

And have a good look at their website - its one of the best .

[FestivAli]

Look nice, I'll agree, but isn't 500hp a bit weeny for supercars these days? Doesn't the enzo have 600-odd? That said, I'll applaud the mark if they decided not to follow the stupid horsepower wars among manufacturers these days (mercedes/amg, anyone?)because whilst less may not look much when you're marketing against the opposition, 500hp is enough to have fun with.

[errek72]

Truly a breath of fresh air to see a handcrafted sports car in stead of all those plastic 3D modelled TVR/McLaren wannabees.
I do not think it is beautiful - but I love it because it has character.

[GregE240]

Surely paddle shift as opposed to pedal shift?

[/pedantic sod mode]