Spyker is a regular exhibitor at the annual
Geneva motorshow, showing off over-the-top concept cars and tailor-made models year after year. The latest is draped in Italian racing clothes.
The new C12 Zagato is a collaboration between Spyker Cars and the Zagato design house, made to commemorate Spyker's entry into the world of Formula One. The new car draws design elements and styling cues from Spyker's own F8-VII F1 car and also features a typical Zagato style element, the 'Double Bubble' panoramic roof. The C12 Zagato was built by the company's long time fabrication partner, Coventry Prototype Panels, along with a dedicated Spyker crew in a scant four weeks before the show.
Made entirely from aluminium, and based on the Spyker C12 Spyder, the rear-wheel drive sports car is powered by a Volkswagen-sourced 6-litre 12-cylinder W12 engine with 500bhp and 450lb.ft of torque. Measuring 4505mm in length with a width of 2031mm and a height of 1250mm, the car weighs just 1480kg and is claimed to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed surpassing 193mph.
Shifting through the cogs can be performed through either a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox with F1-style paddle shifting, while Chronoswiss instruments encased in a brushed aluminium instrument panel keep tabs on mechanicals. A Zagato-designed, full leather interior coddle the occupants.
The aluminium body with stainless steel roof rails features many Formula One-inspired design details, such as an F1 nose, air scoop, hot air 'chimneys', mirrors, a rain light, fuel flap and rear diffuser.
Only 24 examples of the €495,000 car will be produced, with deliveries scheduled to start from March of next year.
Eric Gallina - 14 Mar 2007