Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Spyker has revealed the open-top version of its new C8 Aileron. The wraps came off at California’s Pebble Beach motor show, and despite the abundance of wild performance cars there, the Aileron still shone.

It’s essentially the roadster version of the second-generation Spyker supercar, which was revealed at the 2009 Geneva motor show. The two share the same Audi R8-sourced 4.2-litre V8 engine, dishing up 400bhp and 354lb ft, enough to shuffle the car to 62mph in 4.5sec and onto a 187mph maximum. The latter is identical to that claimed for the eight-cylinder R8.

The V8 can be mated to either six-speed Getrag manual or six-speed ZF automatic transmissions, both alongside a limited-slip differential, while the car boasts a trick aluminium space frame chassis to keep weight low.

Suspension comes courtesy of Lotus, widely renowned as the industry’s ride and handling aficionados, with an independent double-wishbone setup front and rear. There’s forged aluminium used here, too, to keep unsprung weight to a minimum.

The design is largely similar to the C8 Aileron coupe, with the key change being an electro-hydraulic soft-top. The distinctly supercar-esque proportions, aeroplane inspired detailing and LED lights all remain intact.

If you fancy one, you’ll need to set aside a reasonable wedge – the coupe weighs in at close to £200,000 once you’ve converted from euros and added taxes, meaning the C8 Aileron Spyder will wade into battle with its Gallardo, Scuderia and Zonda foes at around £225K. Production starts in early 2010.Read our look at the Spyker C8 Aileron coupe here

Our Harry's had a go in a Spyker C8 on video, too

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