2008 Spyker C12 Zagato

Introduced at the 2007 Geneva International Auto Show, the C12 Zagato is one of the first truly new supercars from Dutch automaker Spyker. It continues to draw on the airplane-themed styling cues of the C8 but in a more modern (and considerably faster) design crafted with help from the Milan-based design and engineering house Zagato. The roof and side air intakes also recall design cues from Spyker's F8-VII Formula 1 race car, while the gull-wing doors recall the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR. The company bills the C12 as an ultra-exclusive vehicle and isn't very far from the truth: with production beginning in 2008 as a 2009 model-year car, only 24 examples of the Zagato variant will ever be made.

The engine represents a dramatic leap from the 400 hp Audi V8 of the C8. Instead, Spyker uses Volkswagen's unique 6.0-liter W12 engine, which mates two VR6 engines together to produce a full 500 hp. The extra power accelerates the car at the same level as the lighter, race-only C8 GT2R -- 60 mph comes in a brisk 3.8 seconds -- but also affords a slightly higher top speed of 193 mph. A special supercharger option can boost the engine to 641 hp, though Spyker hasn't yet posted official testing results for this even faster version.

Unlike the C8, this exotic C12 variant draws on Zagato's expertise to add a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifting; Spyker's more familiar six-speed manual also remains available.

Few options available, few necessary

With just two dozen models set to reach the roads, the C12 Zagato has few extras beyond colors, the F1-style automatic transmission, and the supercharged engine.

However, Zagato's design work also leaves the car with features that are unique compared to most of the Spyker line, such as a "double bubble" roof (a Zagato hallmark) as well as a brushed aluminum instrument panel.