Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder To Upgrade to Corvette ZR1 Engine

Look at a car like the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder and you’d swear that it packs 600 or 700 horses. The car just emanates power and high-end materials to the point that it should be an elite supercar. But, with a 400-hp 4.2-liter Audi V8, it notches in a step or two below all-out supercar status in terms of performance (though its looks and exclusivity make a strong argument for full membership in that club). With that Audi powerplant, the Spyker hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and tops out at 187  mph–fast, but not as fast as you’d expect.

Well, if a new report out of the Netherlands is to be believed, the Aileron will be getting much more powerful before it goes into production. GTSpirit reports that Spyker CEO Victor Muller indicated to a Dutch magazine that the Aileron will ditch the Audi V8 in favor of the supercharged LS9 V8 from the Corvette ZR1, upping output to 638-hp and 604 lb-ft. That’s a pretty substantial leap and should get the Spyder’s performance in line with its stunning good looks. Muller also indicated that only 99 examples will be built. [via GT Spirit]