Czinger brings drop-top performance with 21C Spyder

Czinger has launched a new drop-top version of its wild 21C.

Called the 21C Spyder, it’s the American firm’s way of transferring its current high-performance hypercar into the world of convertibles while retaining the huge acceleration of the hard-top model.

Czinger says that even with the roof down, the 21C Spyder can generate up to 1,482kg of downforce at 150mph – the most produced by any convertible road car. Putting the roof panel back in place sees this increased to 1,500kg, too.

Performance comes via a 2.8-litre V8 hybrid engine which will allow the Spyder to go from 0-60mph in under two seconds with an all-wheel-drive system aiming to provide high levels of traction. The engine will also rev to a screaming 11,000rpm limit.

Limited to 30 examples – with each hand-made at Czinger’s production facility in Los Angeles – the 21C Spyder also uses a clever new braking system called BrakeNode. Essentially, this system combines the brake caliper, suspension upright and hydraulic fluid lines into one structure, which reduces unsprung mass and shaves off the car’s stopping distance by 15 per cent.

On the outside, there’s a huge rear wing and large central exhaust system, while inside, the driver sits in a central position with the passenger directly behind, just like in a fighter jet. While the removable carbon fibre hard top roof provides more heavyweight protection from the elements, the 21C is also supplied with a soft top that can help to fend off unexpected downpours.

Inside, there is a wide variety of real metal controls and dials to interact with, while the heating and ventilation system has been upgraded to cope with the additional strain of an open-top car.

Czinger has already confirmed that the 21C Spyder is accompanied by a price tag of $2.75m, or around £2m.