Factory visit Spring 2009

[Reddingius]

Thanks Wouter, I was really bummed that I wasn't able to join you guys, but this nicely detailed report makes up for it at least a bit. I'd like to see the result of joining the American v8 and the Aileron, that would certainly make for a real beast! Is there any clarity about when they will start racing the Aileron? I think that's going to be a beautiful racecar.
By the way: Are there any more pictures?

[Wouter]

The P2P mule is tested intensively at the Lotus facility at this moment. Victor Muller already drove the mule and was enthusiastic about the handling and driving experience. Besides the test mule at least two D8 P2P will be build this year, used for testing and even for some test drives for future owners as well. Expect the D8 P2P to have a 560hp supercharged V8 of American origin. Fitting this engine in the Aileron is a serious option for the future but the current combination of the Audi V8 with the ZF automatic gearbox is perfect so there is now need to rush this.

We also talked about the MTM supercharger. 4 Spyker's already received this 125HP boost. It is expensive (40K) and labour intensive. The car has to be almost totally striped to install this supercharger.

After this meeting Hans van Rennes showed us the development area. The grey C8 Aileron test mule, with the paddle shifts behind the steering wheel, was sitting there and it clearly shows the signs of extensive use. It recently did some high speed tests in north Germany.

We also visited the racing department where the C8 Laviolette GT2R was almost ready to go to the Le Mans Series 1000KM of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

At the end of the day we went to the production facility where we saw the new 9 sell production line. There were quite some car’s there in differenced stages of production including at least 4 LM85’s.

Thanks to Rijk for organising this visit and many thanks to Spykercars for the warm welcome!

[Wouter]

Victor Muller joined us and did a Q&A; Production of the C8 Aileron is speeding up. The second Aileron, a black one, is used for al sorts of test. Order intake for the Aileron is good and 100% of the customers until now choose the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox! The factory expected 95% of the Ailerons to be fitted with this gearbox. Spykercars is also planning two C8 Aileron driving events in the U.S. this summer.

Order intake for the SWB models did not drop after the introduction of the Aileron it even shows a small rise! Victor expects the SWB models to be in production for the next two years and than probable will end. 11 LM85’s have been built until now. Because of the very good order intake for C8 Spyders and Laviolette’s and the limited number of SWB chassis it is doubtful if al 24 LM85 will be built. If costumer demands for the SWB models remains as strong as it is and the factory runs out of chassis there is the option to order a batch of 20,30 or even 50 additional chassis. The factory has al the moulding pattern and therefore is not dependent on the initial chassis supplier and now bankrupt Karmann.

[Wouter]

It was a NICE visit, for those of us who were not able to join here’s a small report of the visit. I did not make notes but this is what I remember. If I’m wrong or forgot something please correct me…!

After some drinks in the development area Hans van Rennes made fun of our forum nicknames and gave an interesting presentation. Among other things he showed us some crash test movies of the C8 Spyder and about the rumoured possible re-entering in F1 his reaction was a smiling no comment…I don’t know what that means…. If al works out Spyker will bring a single Aileron to the Goodwood Festival of Speed . At pebble beach the Aileron Spyder version will make its world debut. Spykercars is also planning to take two coupe versions to Pebble beach.

[basman007]

F1, Aileron clay model and D12!! niiiice!

[Reddingius]

I wasn't there but I'm pretty sure it's a clay model.

[luigisk]

I also had a wonderful time at the factory yesterday. Nice that the race cars were present and that we were allowed to visit the production facility this time. In my opinion the aeroblade rims look good under the Aileron. Here are some of my pictures:

Maybe this is a strange question, but that aileron looks like a design study or something. Certainly not a production car. What is it?

[F Spider]

It's going to be hard to top this visit, but we need to start planning the Fall Factory Visit

[Wouter]

And some more:

[Wouter]

I also had a wonderful time at the factory yesterday. Nice that the race cars were present and that we were allowed to visit the production facility this time. In my opinion the aeroblade rims look good under the Aileron. Here are some of my pictures:

[Ricars]

Today was my first visit at the factory, it was a great experience!
Thanks Hans and Victor for the presentation and the hospitality.

It was nice too meet everyone of the forum, thanks.

Here's my first picture

Johan

[basman007]

First pictures

[ATTACH]4186[/ATTACH][ATTACH]4185[/ATTACH]

That's fantastic And I quite like the first pic

[Spyker 007]

As has been said before, a special thanks to Hans for the presentation, tour and anecdotes! And off course Victor Muller for his time and appreciation.

I made one picture of the end off day line-up.

Jeffrey

[pterps]

I would like to thank Hans and Victor for their time this afternoon, everytime I can visit the factory I am amazed by the progress I have seen since the time Hans started working for Spyker.
I had an appointment with a customer later this afternoon so I had to leave a bit earlier together with Marc. But I would to say hi to everyone on the board.

Peter

[SpykerOwner]

I had a fabulous afternoon and it was good to meet the enthusiasts and owners. Thanks all (including Hans + Victor!)

Good to meet future Spyker owner Thomas as well. And good you were able to drive Victor's C8 with supercharger.