Spyker C8 Laviolette

Five years after its introduction, this limited-edition, custom-built, closed-roof sibling of the C8 Spyder convertible is still evolving. The glass-roofed, aluminum-bodied exotic Dutch coupe with the stunning roof and side air ducts and scissor doors is more of a showstopper than TiVo. An Audi V-8 engine that achieves 400 horsepower powers the likely $300,000-plus sports car.

The C8 Laviolette was named after an early 20th-century Spyker engineer, Belgian racecar builder Joseph Laviolette. The vehicle will be driven by Sharon Stone in the upcoming "Basic Instinct" movie sequel. The company hopes to sell 120 vehicles overall this year.

Exterior

First, there's the glass roof that the company says aims to evoke a fighter plane's cockpit. Then there's the distinctive roof-mounted air duct, looking like a Stinger missile launcher. Twin sets of headlamps — all circular and of varying depths and sizes — are arranged like barrels of a Gatling gun. The C8 Laviolette has a four-corner independent suspension.

Interior

The auto show model features strawberry red suede seats and other interior trim; a photograph provided by Spyker shows a green scheme. Either way, the high-quality material features a diamond pattern. Two separate compartments keep the driver and passenger slightly apart, delineated by a chrome bar that bisects the chrome gearshift lever.

Under the Hood

The C8 Laviolette's 4.2-liter V-8 engine produces 400 hp and 354 pounds-feet of torque, goes 187 mph and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. A six-speed manual is standard.

Safety

Antilock brakes are standard.

Engine

Sizes And Weight

Performance