For those of you out there who have never heard of Spyker then please let this be your introduction. Spyker is a small auto manufacturer from Holland whose sole intent is to produce some of the most beautiful, best performing and unique automobiles on the planet. A few weeks ago I got a call from Vinny Russo, Spyker’s Dealer Relations Manager asking me if I wanted to participate in a track test of Spyker’s new Aileron up at Monticello Raceway in Monticello, NY – I instantly jumped at the chance.

I was first introduced to Spyker on a cross country rally back in 2007. It was the first time I had ever seen one in person and my first impression was simply… WTF is that? – but in a good way. Visually, these automobiles are a virtual feast for the eyes, as the attention to detail, both inside and out, is simply amazing. Climb into the cockpit of a Spyker and you don’t feel as though you’ve entered a car, you feel like you’ve put on a smoking jacket. Simply put, these cars are dead sexy. If Hugh Hefner were a car this would be him (but when he was younger… and not in a homosexual way either…. not that there’s anything wrong with that), hell, you get the idea. I half expected a playmate to slide in next me simply because I was in the damn thing. The interior is sublime. Crafted out of perfectly machined aluminum the dash panel is stunning and with it’s grouped toggle switches, billet a/c vents and exposed shift linkage it truly is an amazing site. Truth be told, this car probably has the most finely detailed interior ever put into an automobile.

Unfortunately the weather was less then perfect for our track sessions, but that didn’t stop anyone from having a great time. I was up at Monticello to drive a pre-production version of Spyker’s new Aileron as well as their existing C8 Laviolette. The Aileron has a longer wheelbase then the standard C8 and comes in hard top only. Like the interior, the Aileron’s exterior is also a visual feast. The aircraft inspired body lines of the Aileron pay homage to the company’s humble beginnings as an aircraft manufacturer in pre-WWI days. The lines, panel fitment and overall refined design is what make these automobiles stand out.

Driving the Aileron is another experience all together. I would consider the Aileron more of a high speed GT car then a track weapon, but even so the car was more than composed ripping through the back kink at Monticello Raceway. Power comes from a tweaked version of Audi’s 4.2 ltr. V8 and produces 400 hp which is laid down via a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Power delivery is forceful but linear and propels the Aileron up to speed with little drama. BTW, this car will do 187 mph and 0-60 in about 4.5 sec., so for those of you who think the Aileron is all show and no go, well then, you’d be wrong.

Shifts are firm, albeit being a bit lazy, but being a GT car, it’s not really an issue. One comment I have to make is about the exhaust note – OH MY GOD does this thing sound good, so believe me when I tell you a sound system is not required. Brakes are wonderful as well with AP Racing providing the stopping power by way of six-pot calipers on 14 inch rotors.

Spyker is a lifestyle automobile, it’s the one that stands out in a sea of Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s. It’s the conversation piece at every gathering and the one that makes other exotics feel mundane. All cars have a purpose and Spykers is simple – blend design, craftsmanship, performance & exclusivity into a package that follows no other road than it’s own. This, I must say has been accomplished in spades and after having had the privilege of driving one, I am very much looking forward to seeing what this little company from Holland produces next.