charles
Adrian PatonSpyker, man!
July 19th 2007 08:19
Ok I've looked at this thing from all angles a number of times, and me being so uncritical of things automotive or otherwise, I really was a little disappointed in this offering from Spyker and Zagato. One look at those beauties from Aston Martin that Zagato cooked up, led me to believe this one might be something pretty special too.
While the side profile is neither here nor there for me (though it seems a little high), it was the rear end that really killed it for me. What on God's good earth is going on there? I know Spyker has aeronautical ties, but whatever they were trying to achieve here definitely didn't work. On the other hand the front end is very cool and really looks the goods.
Well forgetting the looks of the car for the moment, the engine is another let down of sorts. The W12 from VW gets the cylinder count correct (as in my humble opinion a supercar needs 12, although Porsche's V10 is one of the few exceptions), they probably could have done a little more to the power figure, seeing that 500 hp can be had in a number of high performance sedans and more common cars. A supercharged option will give you 650 unbridled horses, but considering Spyker is only making 24 of these I thought they could do a little more to make this exotic truly exotic. The ideal step would have been to make their own engines for them. Call me a traditionalist if you will, but I miss the days when the marque you purchased has its own engine under the bonnet.
Ok so that isn't happening, but they probably could have coaxed some more naturally aspirated power from the W12 donk. Then again considering how their F1 cars are going at the moment, that might be a big ask.
I'll talk about the good points now, before I get sidetracked on those WHEELS! Being relatively light at around 1400kgs dry kerb weight the 500 hp W12 provides a claimed 0-100 in 3.8 seconds which isn't too shabby. Neither is the touch over 300km/h top speed.
All this is if Spyker can put them together though. Production capacity is full with the current and upcoming models, and a myriad of other problems such as posting a loss this year, F1 sponsors being hard to find and shareholders who don't get along may all signify the demise of the C12 Zagato. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing.
Pics courtesy of Autoblog.com
While the side profile is neither here nor there for me (though it seems a little high), it was the rear end that really killed it for me. What on God's good earth is going on there? I know Spyker has aeronautical ties, but whatever they were trying to achieve here definitely didn't work. On the other hand the front end is very cool and really looks the goods.
Sexy front end is the C12's one saving grace.
Well forgetting the looks of the car for the moment, the engine is another let down of sorts. The W12 from VW gets the cylinder count correct (as in my humble opinion a supercar needs 12, although Porsche's V10 is one of the few exceptions), they probably could have done a little more to the power figure, seeing that 500 hp can be had in a number of high performance sedans and more common cars. A supercharged option will give you 650 unbridled horses, but considering Spyker is only making 24 of these I thought they could do a little more to make this exotic truly exotic. The ideal step would have been to make their own engines for them. Call me a traditionalist if you will, but I miss the days when the marque you purchased has its own engine under the bonnet.
"I'll take the XL side skirts for my 1 of 24 Spyker thanks."
Ok so that isn't happening, but they probably could have coaxed some more naturally aspirated power from the W12 donk. Then again considering how their F1 cars are going at the moment, that might be a big ask.
I'll talk about the good points now, before I get sidetracked on those WHEELS! Being relatively light at around 1400kgs dry kerb weight the 500 hp W12 provides a claimed 0-100 in 3.8 seconds which isn't too shabby. Neither is the touch over 300km/h top speed.
Oh no
All this is if Spyker can put them together though. Production capacity is full with the current and upcoming models, and a myriad of other problems such as posting a loss this year, F1 sponsors being hard to find and shareholders who don't get along may all signify the demise of the C12 Zagato. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing.
Pics courtesy of Autoblog.com
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