GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Spyker teases C8 Preliator Spyder

Spyker has announced it will reveal a convertible version of its recently launched C8 Preliator at the Geneva motor show next week.

Releasing a shadowy image of the Spyder that appears to show a removable hard-top, all will be revealed on March 7 when the drapes come off the convertible Dutch supercar.

Like the C8 Preliator coupe it's thought the Sypder will also be powered by the same Audi-sourced 4.2-litre V8 that's been supercharged to produce 386kW/600Nm.

Expected to weigh in a just 1350kg, it's likely the convertible C8 will come close to matching the coupe's 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds, although it's not certain the roadster will come close to the coupe's high 322km/h top speed.

Like the coupe, the new Spyder will be come with a six-speed manual as standard with the option of a six-speed automatic ZF transmission. Whatever the transmission, both models come with the firm’s exposed gear selector.

Under the skin the drop top C8 will share the coupe's aluminium space-frame chassis.

Now made at a new plant in Coventry in the UK, the Spyder, like the coupe, is thought to have been developed in cooperation with Lotus.

It's claimed the British sportscar maker helped develop and tune the Preliator's double wishbones all around, plus coil-over dampers and front and rear anti-roll bars.

From the image is seems Spyker's trademark ‘Turbofin’ 19-inch alloys wheels will be standard.

Just 50 C8 Preliator coupes were made originally with each selling for around $480,000 for the manual and another $10,000 for the auto.

It's not known how many Spyders will be made, nor how much of a premium the Netherlands-based car company will charge.

Expect more details when the new C8 Preliator Spyder is officially unveiled on March 7.