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Spyker debuts at Sydney show


The $650,000 hand-built convertible features a mid-mounted all-aluminium V8 engine sourced from Audi, which produces 300kW for rear-wheel distribution.

The C8 Spyder's aluminum frame keeps overall kerb weight to 1250 kilograms, allowing it to sprint to 100km/hr in a claimed 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 300km/hr.

P1, Spyker Cars' exclusive Australian authorised agent, is bringing the C8 Spyder to the Motor Show and P1 CEO Tim Sommers expects a strong reception for it.

"People know the Spyker name now because it entered Formula One this year and even led the European GP in July," Mr Sommers said.

"But most Australians would never have seen a Spyker road car before, so the Australian International Motor Show will certainly be the first chance for the public to see one."

Driving the C8 Spyder is a "terribly exciting and a very, very unique experience," Mr Sommers said. "It handles impeccably and it's quick."

He said that when driving the C8 Spyder a procession of turned heads are left in its wake.

"It's a bit of an acquired taste, but whether people think it's sexy or the ugliest car they've seen, it always makes an impression. You simply can't ignore it," he said in reference to its distinctive styling.

The C8 Spyder's interior also demands attention. The handywork of an aircraft cockpit designer, it is clad in opulent stitched leather and features a constellation of slick instrument gauges and switches on a boldly brushed aluminium dashboard.

"It's the most delicious interior I've ever experienced - and I've experienced most," said Mr Sommers, who in addition to selling Spyker Cars in Australia provides a $6 million collection of supercars for P1 members to use.

Mr Sommers said that while the C8 Spyder will be the first ever Spyker imported to Australia, he later plans to sell other Spyker models here, including the hard-top C8 Laviolette and D12 Peking-to-Paris sport utility vehicle.

He has already taken an order for a C8 Spyder and expects customer interest generated during the Australian International Motor Show will translate to a handful of additional orders.

Spyker cars have found favour in Hollywood, starring in several big-budget movies such as Basic Instinct 2, Pink Panther and Rogue.

The Spyker C8 Spyder will be displayed at P1's stand in Hall 2 of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 11-21 October.

For further information on P1 go to www.supercarclub.com.au.