Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 unveiled at LA Auto Show

By Digby Fullam

Motor Shows

20 November 2008 16:04

Spyker whisked the covers off a new special-edition, Le Mans-inspired model at the LA Auto Show.

The striking orange colour of the C8 Laviolette LM85 is designed to ape the livery of the firm’s GT2 Le Mans cars. The LM85 nameplate refers to the race car’s starting numbers.

OK, it's got a special paint job, but what else?

Underneath the novel paint, this car is all about aluminium. Based on the Spyker GT2R racer, the LM85 uses an aluminium chassis and all aluminium body. All this aluminium gives it a respectably low kerbweight of 1275kg.

Power comes in the form of Audi’s mid-mounted 4.2-litre V8 mated to a six-speed manual ‘box. It sends 400bhp through the rear wheels via a limited slip diff which promises decent traction in corners, while six-pot AP brakes keep you out of trouble.

Is it an inside job too?

Yes. The LM85’s interior is awash with leather and Alcantara. The orange makes an appearance inside too, but thankfully just in the form of some high-contrast stitching. Hardcore drivers will also be pleased to note that the floor mats are fireproof, should the worst come to the worst. Of course, they too feature orange piping.

Anything else I should know?

A stout $250,000 (£168,000) buys you a LM85, and Spyker will throw in a free Chronoswiss Pilot Watch complete with (surprise, surprise) an orange crocodile strap. This substantial sum also buys you a VIP ticket the Spyker’s seventh outing at the 2009 Le Mans race. Be snappy if you want one, as there will only be – appropriately enough – 24 LM85s.

By DigFullam