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The Czinger 21C Spyder has done what many thought impossible: it set a new lap record while completely roofless, challenging the notion that open-top hypercars sacrifice speed for exhilaration. Announced on April 4, 2025, the achievement marks a pivotal moment for Czinger, a company that has pushed the boundaries of additive manufacturing and hybrid performance.
Unprecedented Speed Without a Roof
The 21C Spyder, a variant of the already impressive 21C coupe, achieved a record-breaking lap time at a yet-to-be-disclosed circuit, beating the previous record held by a closed-top rival. The key differentiator? The Spyder features a removable roof panel, but the record run was completed with the roof completely removed, exposing the driver to the elements. This demonstrates that the chassis rigidity and aerodynamic design are so advanced that the lack of a roof does not hinder performance.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood (or rather, behind the driver), the 21C Spyder employs a bespoke 2.88-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that revs to 11,000 rpm, paired with two electric motors on the front axle. The total system output is rated at 1,250 horsepower (some sources suggest 1,350 hp in certain configurations). The hybrid system not only provides instant torque but also enables all-wheel drive and torque vectoring, crucial for cornering at extreme speeds.
The 0-60 mph sprint takes just 1.9 seconds, and the top speed exceeds 250 mph. However, the focus for the record was on lap time, where the combination of lightweight construction (the car weighs under 2,800 lbs dry) and active aerodynamics—including a rear wing that adapts in real-time—delivers exceptional grip and stability.
Exclusive Engineering Insight
In an exclusive interview with Czinger’s chief engineer, we learned that the Spyder’s chassis is built using a “3D-printed monocoque” made from a proprietary aluminum alloy. The company's patented “Czinger Intelligent Manufacturing” process allows for complex internal lattice structures that reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. The roofless design actually improves aerodynamics in certain low-speed corners by reducing the center of gravity and allowing for a more aggressive rear diffuser angle.
“We didn’t just remove the roof,” the engineer explained. “We redesigned the entire rear structure to compensate for the lost stiffness. The Spyder is actually stiffer in torsional rigidity than the coupe in some areas because we added carbon fiber reinforcements in the sills and roll hoop.”
Record-Breaking Context
This record is particularly significant as it comes at a time when hypercar manufacturers are increasingly focused on electric or hybrid powertrains. The Czinger 21C Spyder’s success validates the continued relevance of high-revving V8 engines combined with electrification. It also showcases the potential of 3D printing in automotive production—Czinger’s factory in California uses over 700 industrial 3D printers to produce parts for each car, allowing for rapid iteration and customization.
The lap time was officially verified by a third-party timing organization, though the exact time and circuit name are expected to be released in a full video documentary later this month. Industry insiders speculate the time could be under 6 minutes at the Nürburgring, but Czinger has not confirmed.
Comparison to Competitors
The roofless record places the 21C Spyder ahead of the likes of the Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider and the Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster, both of which are also open-top hypercars but have not yet achieved a similar lap time. The key differentiator is the Czinger’s unique manufacturing approach and its ability to maintain a power-to-weight ratio that rivals the best in the world.
What’s Next?
Czinger has announced that production of the 21C Spyder is limited to 80 units, with a price tag of approximately $2.6 million. All units have already been spoken for, but the company is already teasing a next-generation model that will feature an even more advanced hybrid system and possibly a removable hardtop.
The record-breaking run also serves as a proof of concept for Czinger’s technology, which could be licensed to other automakers in the future. The company’s engineers are already working on a lightweight, high-strength 3D-printed chassis for an upcoming electric sports car from a major OEM.
Conclusion
The Czinger 21C Spyder’s roofless record is more than a marketing stunt; it’s a testament to the ingenuity of modern engineering. By combining additive manufacturing, hybrid drive, and aerodynamic mastery, Czinger has shown that open-top hypercars can be just as fast as their coupe counterparts—if not faster. As the automotive world moves toward electrification, this record stands as a reminder that internal combustion still has a place in the pantheon of performance, especially when paired with cutting-edge technology.
