Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

3 2 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I That breathtaking bodywork is constructed in aluminium, keeping the car’s weight down to an impressively lithe 1425 kg, while those stylish curves keep the aerodynamics in order and the car flying like the jets it emulates. And that’s not too much of an exaggeration. This lightweight beauty uses the engine and six-speed semi-auto gearbox from an Audi S4 to provide its motivation. These are, naturally, specially tuned and modified to exactly fit the Spyker’s very specific requirements and to ensure that the car’s no slouch on the road or track. Speaking of which, handling is taken care of too, with the C8’s mid-engined space frame aluminium chassis designed and set up for Spyker by Lotus. All rather impressive pedigree, I’m sure you’ll agree. The Audi engine means that power is measured at 395bhp with torque at 354lb ft. Now while those figures seem a little underwhelming in return for the car’s quite weighty price tag, you need to understand a few things about the Aileron. First and foremost, although the C8 is meant to be a quick car, its existence isn’t all about destroying the opposition with raw speed. Instead, says Spyker, this car is built to charm its audience with a unique combination of style, pace and exclusivity.

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