The 21C Spyder Brings a Removable Roof and New Tech to an Icon
Back in 2023 at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, I had a conversation with Lukas Czinger, now CEO of Czinger. At the time, he educated me on how much you could achieve with 3D printing in a car. It was my first close-up with the 21C, and as impressed as I was, one thing I didn’t expect to ever see was a Spyder version.
That’s simply because of the unique ‘fighter jet’ configuration of the cabin. It just didn’t seem like something that would work out for a Spyder. Well, that was simply my opinion, and the folks at Czinger had other ideas. Among the Monterey Car Week notifications coming into my inbox was the announcement of the 21C Spyder.
Still under the BioLogic engineering philosophy at Czinger, the 21C Spyder sheds its roof without losing its shine. But this isn’t a story of simply slicing off the roof and calling it a day. The Spyder comes with new technology.
First, we have BrakeNode, a braking system that blends the caliper, suspension upright, and hydraulic fluid pathways into one structure. Beyond sounding incredibly cool, Czinger claims the new design comes with structural and functional benefits.
It increases stiffness by as much as 30% and reduces unsprung mass. Without geeking out on the details, the new system introduces cutting-edge braking tech that improves braking on the track and the road. Function aside, you know you can’t have something like that without cool rims to show it off. Czinger offers new 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with an open design to display BrakeNode in all its glory.
Also new in the Spyder are NeuralNode additions, which integrate additively manufactured metal touchpoints into the cockpit, enhance ergonomics, and improve the HVAC system for comfortable drop-top driving. The driver display also functions as the infotainment system, which offers Apple CarPlay integration.
Under the hood, you have Czinger's 2.88-liter twin-turbo V8 assisted by an MGU for a combined output of 1,250hp and 691 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph time is quoted at 1.9 seconds, while the time to hit the quarter mile is listed at 8.7 seconds. Transmission duties are still handled by the Xtrac seven-speed single-clutch system, and the top speed is listed at 205 mph.
Czinger claims the new car generates more downforce at 150 mph than any other open-top car at 3,267lbs. With the roof on, it generates 3,307lbs of downforce. Only 30 units are scheduled for hand assembly at Czinger’s Area 21 facility in California. Despite the name and the look of the car, ignore any thoughts of the presence of alien technology.
The 21C’s design probably isn't for everyone, but in my opinion, it’s very impressive. 3D printing aside, there’s just a ton of impressive technology in this car. Add to that the ‘edible nature’ of the exposed parts (whenever they're on display), and you have a hypercar people may be falling over each other to buy. It has certainly grabbed more than its fair share of attention during Monterey Car Week in the last few years, and it's not about to relent.
The company keeps coming up with improvements to a car that’s mostly a technology showcase. Much of that technology will find its way into other cars, as Lukas stated. So, if you don’t have deep enough pockets for the 21C Spyder, you may still get to enjoy Czinger tech in another car.
The 21C Spyder starts at $2.75m, but honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if all 30 units have been sold.
