spyker c8 laviolette

Spyker may not be a household name, yet, however the Dutch company has been around for some time, founded by 2 brothers in 1898. They were the first company to run a 6 cylinder engine and a four wheel drive system. During the first world war, Spyker turned their hands to fighter planes to cover for the slump in the car market but returned to cars after the war, focusing their efforts at record breaking rather than production.

March 2005 saw the start of the C8 production and the agreement with Audi for use of it engine. The laviolette is a firm entry into Supercar territory, is hand built but is less obvious than a Lamborghini or Ferrari. Its not until you take a closer look, then you spot the chrome ducts, the engraved exhaust pipes, scissor doors, then that interior.

The interior is an experience to be enjoyed on its own, "quilted" leather, pressed aluminium, chrome toggle switches and of course the unique chromed gear linkage. The theme, including the badges, link to their aircraft manufacturing past. Sitting in the comfortable leather seats, you know this is something special even before the big Audi V8 explodes into life. Even in "Quiet" mode, the RS4 derived engine can be heard from a fair distance. Just what the neighbours needed on the sunday we were heading out for an early morning trip to Goodwood.

Inside and on the move the cabin is light and airy, extremely comfortable and even when the quiet mode is switched off, the V8 parked just behind your head is not intrusive. In fact to make the most of the exhaust note, we ended up windows down and playing with the switch to see if there really is any difference in loudness.

With a small wheelbase for a supercar, the Spyker is more at ease with the small country lanes of Hampshire, plenty of grunt and road holding capabilities, you could really push it and feel comfortable in doing so. I can only wonder if the V8 is this quick, what it is the C12 like?

Spyker have tried something different in their styling and whilst it may not be to everybody's taste, I hope they do well.

Mark Borthwick
September 2007