Spyker C12 Zagato

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.

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.

Spyker C12 Zagato

Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker unveiled the Spyker C12 Zagato at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show with the help of Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, and Andrea Zagato, CEO of Zagato.

Norihiko Harada, Zagato’s Automotive Chief Designer, and Muller co-operated closely to
design this limited edition of 24 sports cars to be delivered from March 2008 onwards. The world premiere of this ultra-exclusive version of the C12 range celebrates Spykers entry into the world of Formula One and marks the first integration of design elements and styling cues from the Spyker F8-VII Formula One car into the Spyker road car range. This point was underlined by the unveiling of the car being performed by Spykers Formula One race driver, Adrian Sutil.

Spyker C12 Zagato: the Rationale

After it became apparent that Spyker would succeed in acquiring the Midland Formula 1 team it was decided that the C12 Zagato should embody as many of the Formula 1 design cues as practically possible so as to set a new design vision for future Spyker road car models.

In the months following that decision, Spyker and Zagato finalized the design and the manufacturing of the C12 Zagato was entrusted to Spykers long time fabrication partner, Coventry Prototype Panels in Coventry, UK. Under the guidance of Brendan OToole, CPPs Managing Director, and tienne Beijersbergen van Henegouwen, Spykers Project Manager, the vehicle was built by a dedicated Spyker and CPP crew from aluminum in an amazing 4 weeks.

Spyker C12 Zagato: the Vehicle

The Spyker C12 Zagato is an all aluminum rear wheel drive sports car, based on the Spyker C12 Spyder. The C12 is powered by the 6.0 liter, 12 cylinder, 500 bhp W12 engine from Volkswagen AG and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Spyker C12 Zagato is equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic gear box with F1 style shifting, Chronoswiss instruments and a Zagato designed full leather interior with brushed aluminum instrument panel. The C12 Zagato has an aluminum body with stainless steel roof rails and has many F1 derived design details such as an F1 nose, air scoop, chimneys, mirrors, rain light, fuel flap and diffuser. It has a panoramic roof that features the Double Bubble, a typical Zagato style element. The Spyker C12 Zagato has a length of 177.4 inches, a width of 80 inches excluding mirrors, a height of 49.2 inches and weighs 3262 lbs. Top speed is 193 mph.

The Spyker C12 Zagato will retail for EUR 495,000 (excluding ORC).

More information on the Spyker C12 Zagato can be found at: http://www.spykercars.com/


[Source: Spyker Official Press Release]

2009 Volvo S80 T6 AWD

Swedish car maker Volvo have announced a new addition to the Volvo S80 range with the S80 T6 AWD equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine plus permanent all-wheel drive.

Replacing the old 3.2-litre six-cylinder powerplant, the force-fed 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine featuring multi-valve cylinder heads with twin overhead camshafts, along with a twin-scroll turbocharger develops 210 kW and a useful 400 Nm of torque (available from 1500 rpm).

This compact T6 engine features a direct-driven alternator fitted to the engine block while the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor sits unconventionally behind the engine. Coupled with the engine block integrated vibration damper, this frees up a lot of longitudinal space.

With power sent to all four wheels through a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the T6 is capable of accelerating the S80 from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

Boasting the S80's signature 'Floating Centre Console' that contributes to a sense of space in the front compartment and right through to the rear seats, large, ergonomic seats provide sumptuous comfort for both front and rear passengers and, at the front, can be specified with an optional ventilation system to provide extra cooling in hot Australian summers. Front seat heating, which takes the edge off cold winter days, and electric power adjustment are standard on all S80s.

A list of new features for 2009 include changes to the auto-closing buttons for the windows and sunroof which now have side ridges preventing unintentional activation, a new range of interior colours, optional sun curtains, a new claret walnut wood trim, tyre pressure monitoring system, revised front head restraints and refinements to the audio systems.

The 2009 Volvo S80 T6 AWD is priced from $78,950.

The Official Volvo Press Release:

The dynamic and luxurious Volvo S80 enters the 2009 model year ready to expand its presence in the luxury segment with the introduction of a compact, turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine to the Volvo S80 range.

The new S80 T6 AWD model joins the high-performance S80 V8 AWD, featuring a 60-degree, 4.4-litre all-alloy V8 and producing a powerful 232 kW and 440 Nm, along with the S80 D5 featuring Volvo's 2.4-litre turbodiesel that develops 136 kW and a surging 400 Nm of torque to provide sports sedan performance combined with outstanding fuel economy.

With a sparkling 210 kW and a muscular 400 Nm of torque (developed from just 1500 rpm) at its disposal, the T6 engine replaces the previous 3.2-litre six-cylinder powerplant to further raise performance levels and add to the refinement of Volvo's flagship sedan.

The T6 engine features multi-valve cylinder heads with twin overhead camshafts, along with a twin-scroll turbocharger that provides extremely swift responses comparable to a twin-turbo system.

The S80's optional Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE) now gets larger 8-inch screens on the back of the front-seat head restraints that have been designed to further improve viewing in daylight conditions, while the High Performance and Premium Sound systems now have a USB port enabling easy connection with an iPod, MP3 player, or even a digital camera. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all models.

The S80's Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) effectively reduces the amount of particles, pollen, gases and odours entering the passenger compartment. In addition, all textiles and leather are certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100, an international standard that ensures fabrics and hides have been thoroughly tested to check for certain allergy-inducing substances and emissions.

The S80 can also be optioned with Volvo's Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) - an advanced system approved by the Swedish Association against Asthma and Allergy - that provides healthier air quality inside the passenger compartment. When the car is unlocked via the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.

Advanced dynamics - an essential element in the Volvo S80
The dynamic abilities of the S80 are underpinned by an all-independent suspension system using MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink axle at the rear, as well as Volvo's FOUR-C Active Chassis, which is standard on T6 and V8 models.

This advanced, electronically controlled system "reads" the road and adapts instantly to constantly varying driving conditions, combining precise, accurate handling with the smooth, comfortable ride expected by luxury segment customers.

By continuously modifying the damper rates to suit prevailing circumstances, the FOUR-C Active Chassis maximises comfort while resisting the tendency to squat, dip or roll under acceleration, hard braking or while cornering.

The system offers the choice of three settings:

COMFORT - for a relaxed, ultra-smooth ride
SPORT - more controlled body movements, faster steering response
ADVANCED - firm damper control, maximum road holding

In emergency driving situations, FOUR-C automatically adjusts to provide maximum stability.

The Haldex all-wheel drive system, which is standard on T6 and V8 S80 models, employs an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch that constantly balances the power bias between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimal roadholding in all situations.

In its latest iteration, the S80's all-wheel-drive system features Instant Traction, which sets a bias (approximately 1500 Nm) favouring the rear wheels when starting on slippery or loose surfaces.

The S80 is also fitted with Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) - a yaw-sensor-based stability system that reduces engine output and selectively applies individual brakes when necessary to avoid under or oversteer.

Advanced safety features are a given with Volvo S80
Volvo has long been a pioneer of automotive safety engineering and has acquired a vast knowledge through intensive studies that include real-life accidents as well as sophisticated laboratory testing.

The S80 benefits from this accrued know-how with systems such as Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, inflatable curtain airbags and emergency flashing brake lights.

Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which advises the driver if another vehicle is travelling behind the B-pillar (or in the 'blind spot') along with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which is equipped with the driver fatigue monitoring system Driver Alert Control (DAC), are standard with the new Teknik pack and optional otherwise.

Exterior changes identify 2009 Volvo S80 range
The sweeping, elegant shapes of the Volvo S80 brought a fresh new look to the Australian luxury market when it was introduced here in 2007.

The 2009 S80 range adds to the dynamic appearance with a wide range of wheel choices including the striking new "Cassini" 17-inch alloys and, at the rear, is identified by a more pronounced Volvo identification.

All S80s are fitted with active bi-Xenon headlights with washer function as well as Home Safe and Approach lighting systems.

Key Standard Features
Comfort

* Personal Car Communicator inc. keyless entry & alarm
* Bluetooth
* Front & Rear Park Assist
* High Performance Sound with 6-CD (8 speakers)
* Dual Zone Climate Control
* Humidity Sensor
* Auto Dim Rear View Mirror
* Rain Sensor Wipers
* Electric Park Brake
* 18" Alloys

Safety

* Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (DSTC)
* 4C - Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept
* Active Bi-Xenon Headlights
* Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
* Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
* Inflatable Curtains (IC)
* Laminated Side Windows

Packages add value
The 2009 Volvo S80 is available with two optional packages - Teknik and Travel:
Teknik

Volvo Navigation System (VNS)
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Adaptive Cruise Control with collision warning and auto brake
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Driver Alert Control (DAC)
Compass
Total Value: $13,000
RRP: $9,500

Travel Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
Rear Headphone Sockets
Ventilated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Total Value: $6,300
RRP: $4,500


[Source: Volvo]