Bartek S.
Aerodynamic Ace
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/...uild-lm85-road-legal-version-of-gt2-race-car/
Troubled Dutch carmaker Spyker is working on building a limited-edition road-going version of its C8 GTR2 race car. Sporting as much as 450hp (335kW) and race-car looks and handling, the C8 Laviolette ‘LM85′ is expected to make its debut before the end of the year. The new model was revealed in the company’s mid-year report and future outlook.
After a turbulent financial year in 2007, including a bungled and expensive run at fielding a Formula One team, which strained supplier relationships and threatened to see the company head into bankruptcy, leadership has struggled to right its course. Among the steps it is taking are increased production of Short Wheel Base models, the beginning of C8 Aileron production in the fourth quarter and the exhibition of a pre-production C8 Aileron at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The C8 recently made its US debut at Pebble Beach.
The LM85, named for the GT2 race car’s Le Mans starting number of 85, could feature as much as 450hp (335kW) and 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration of 3.8 seconds, like the race car. Some necessary additional weight for noise reduction and comfort features could slow the time somewhat, but the super-limited edition run of just 24 cars indicates Spyker may be building them as pure as possible. Top speed is expected to crest 186mph (300km/h).
The company also will be focusing on its somewhat odd-looking high-performance D12 SUV. That vehicle will be targeted largely at the U.S. and Eastern Europe. Currently about half of all Spyker’s revenues come from the U.S., and it has only recently begun to expand into Eastern Europe, so the new model is carrying the flag for the Dutch maker. Rumors of the SUV’s switch to American-sourced V8 power could lead to a model-name change (D8 SUV, reflecting the number of cylinders) but would likely generate as much power as the previously sought Volkswagen W12, with eventual figures expected to lie in the 500hp (373kW) range.
Another recent development that could help the company in the longer term is a recent parts and platform sharing deal inked with Lotus. Under the agreement, Lotus will supply Spyker with parts for its C8 Aileron and will aid in designing and developing the company’s future models. Lotus will also be the preferred subcontractor for supply of necessary components that Spyker cannot product in-house.
motorauthority
Troubled Dutch carmaker Spyker is working on building a limited-edition road-going version of its C8 GTR2 race car. Sporting as much as 450hp (335kW) and race-car looks and handling, the C8 Laviolette ‘LM85′ is expected to make its debut before the end of the year. The new model was revealed in the company’s mid-year report and future outlook.
After a turbulent financial year in 2007, including a bungled and expensive run at fielding a Formula One team, which strained supplier relationships and threatened to see the company head into bankruptcy, leadership has struggled to right its course. Among the steps it is taking are increased production of Short Wheel Base models, the beginning of C8 Aileron production in the fourth quarter and the exhibition of a pre-production C8 Aileron at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The C8 recently made its US debut at Pebble Beach.
The LM85, named for the GT2 race car’s Le Mans starting number of 85, could feature as much as 450hp (335kW) and 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration of 3.8 seconds, like the race car. Some necessary additional weight for noise reduction and comfort features could slow the time somewhat, but the super-limited edition run of just 24 cars indicates Spyker may be building them as pure as possible. Top speed is expected to crest 186mph (300km/h).
The company also will be focusing on its somewhat odd-looking high-performance D12 SUV. That vehicle will be targeted largely at the U.S. and Eastern Europe. Currently about half of all Spyker’s revenues come from the U.S., and it has only recently begun to expand into Eastern Europe, so the new model is carrying the flag for the Dutch maker. Rumors of the SUV’s switch to American-sourced V8 power could lead to a model-name change (D8 SUV, reflecting the number of cylinders) but would likely generate as much power as the previously sought Volkswagen W12, with eventual figures expected to lie in the 500hp (373kW) range.
Another recent development that could help the company in the longer term is a recent parts and platform sharing deal inked with Lotus. Under the agreement, Lotus will supply Spyker with parts for its C8 Aileron and will aid in designing and developing the company’s future models. Lotus will also be the preferred subcontractor for supply of necessary components that Spyker cannot product in-house.
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