Spyker C8 Preliator: Expensive and Unconventional, Yet so Endearing
Spykers occupy a special niche among the world's most exclusive and remarkable cars. The Dutch company, active since 2000, specializes in making cars that you see once and never forget. Even their names are special. There's the C8, the C8 Laviolette and the C8 Aileron, among others.
Spyker's latest creation is the C8 Preliator. This vehicle is offered as a coupe, with a convertible model set to be launched next year. The coupe will boast an Audi V8 engine while the convertible will be equipped with a V8 built by Sweden-based Koenigsegg, which is also no stranger to exclusivity. The suspension system is supplied by Lotus while the frame and body make extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminum.
As you can imagine, mechanical components are the key feature of a Spyker. Still, you can't help but admire the spectacular design, both interior and exterior, of the C8 Preliator. Of all Spyker models, in fact. There's nothing conventional about its swoopy profile—either you love it or hate it—and the passenger compartment will amaze even those who think they've seen it all. Each button, control and gauge is designed for optimal use and the overall style is uniquely impressive. The dashboard looks like it's taken from the cockpit of a decades-old airplane, a nod to Skyper's early operations as an aircraft manufacturer (1914 to 1929). It's no coincidence that Spyker's logo displays a propeller.
Just one last detail. The Spyker C8 Preliator will set you back around USD$350,000. While the Spyder's exact price hasn't been revealed, expect to dish out a cool USD$450,000.