2008 Callaway C16 Speedster Pictures, Specifications, Information

After its introduction of the C16 coupe and convertible, Callaway introduced its new flagship model, the C16 Speedster. The supercharged and intercooled 700-horsepower Callaway V8 produces class-leading power. A topless cockpit with twin wind deflectors and extended headrests, exquisite bodywork, and race-inspired chassis tuning, the made-to-order C16 Speedster represents a pinnacle in American supercar design. Much like its spiritual predecessors, the 1990 Callaway Twin Turbo Speedster and 1998 C12 Speedster, the latest C16 Speedster offers a visceral open-air driving experience unlike any other.

"This is Callaway Cars" most exquisite vehicle to date," said company founder Reeves Callaway. "The C16 Speedster marks our 20th anniversary with Corvette and 30th year in business, and having this statement of our passion for the automobile featured on the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach is a high-water mark for us."

The C16 Speedster was penned and modeled by Paul Deutschman, architect of the Callaway look and designer of the original 1990 Callaway Twin Turbo Speedster. Every body panel has been designed to speak to style and function, and a hand-tooled German leather interior adds exclusivity. Door sills, steering wheel, and dash area carry signature Callaway badging. Each C16 Speedster is tailored to the owner's taste for interior and exterior color and displays a numbered build plate. Matching fitted luggage by Schedoni is made from the same skins as the interior, and are marked with the Speedster's VIN. For high-speed driving, helmets are incorporated as part of the body design. A pair of matching, color coordinated, full coverage, carbon fiber, Formula One "Ivos" helmets by Stand 21 are captured by the rear deck bodywork and effectively built into the Speedster's extended headrests. Moderate-speed cruising uses the twin built-in wind deflectors, but the innovative Stand 21 helmets are always available for more spirited motoring.

Underneath the car's stunning bodywork lies the heart of a racecar. The Callaway supercharged, intercooled, 6.2L all-alloy hand-built powerplant produces 700hp and 660lb-ft of torque, propelling the Speedster from 0 to 60 in an estimated 3.2 seconds. Maximum velocity of the C16 Speedster is over 210 mph.

Overall handling and road feel is transmitted by a newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro supplemental coil-over suspension. This co-development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific road conditions.

A unique element the Speedster shares with its C16 siblings – Coupe and Cabrio – are Callaway/Dymag Carbon wheels that weigh approximately 40 percent less than the lightest aluminum wheels, significantly reducing unsprung weight. These TUV- and DOT-tested wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by carbon fiber rims and measure 19" x 10" front and 20" x 13" rear. Debuting behind the wheels is the new Callaway / StopTech carbon ceramic brake system, which utilizes 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm x 32 mm carbon rotors. The total weight savings from the combination of carbon/magnesium wheels and carbon ceramic brakes is 20 pounds per corner, 80 pounds total. This extraordinary weight reduction benefits the dynamics of road wheel compliance and lowered rotational inertia as well as decreasing the mass of the vehicle.

Another unique feature of the Callaway C16 automobiles is the electronic door release system, the DSpot. The Callaway C16s have no external door handles, resulting in very clean design lines. Instead, the door opening is triggered by a Callaway development, the DSpot – an area of the bodywork that is touch sensitive. Touching the DSpot pops the door open. The DSpot feature is automatically operational when the key fob is within 1 meter of the automobile.

The Speedster replaces traditional rearview mirrors with a 3 camera, closed-circuit system that displays its images on the Panasonic Strada navigation unit.