The Czinger 21C Spyder Takes Downforce RooflessSam RojasThe reality-bending Czinger 21C is, comfortably, the fastest car around a race track being built in the United States right now. It took five different California track records last year, then retook the record at Laguna Seca again later in the year as part of a long-standing rivalry with Koenigsegg. As a central-cockpit two-seater with a canopy, it also happens to be one of the most unique cars built anywhere on Earth right now. The latest variant, the 21C Spyder, makes the car even more unique without taking all that much away from its on-track bona-fides.As the name suggests, the 21C Spyder is the first Czinger available as a convertible. The main roof structure is a removable glass canopy, and when the canopy is installed, downforce is actually equal to the 3307 lb at 150 MPH produced by the fixed-roof 21C HDF model.Sam RojasWhat is even more incredible is the performance with that canopy removed; with the top off, the Czinger still generates 3267 lb of downforce at 150 MPH. Not only does that make the 21C Spyder still fast enough to nearly equal the record-setting pace of its fixed-roof relative, it gives the car the grip it needs to potentially fight for road-legal track records with the roof off. 21C Spyder buyers also get a pull-out roof for sudden downpours while their fixed roof is on its custom, Czinger-designed stand at home, but that top is probably not the best option while setting track records.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Spyder also benefits from arriving on the road later than both the 21C HDF and the low-drag V-Max. Inside, it features an upgraded steering wheel and dashboard setup, adding not new creature comforts like improved air conditioning ducts. The interior of the debut car is finished in a striking brown and blue two-tone, adding to the idea that this is the closest thing Czinger has made yet to a grand tourer.Sam RojasEven more significant are the changes underneath the wheels, which hide a braking system integrated directly into the car's suspension uprights. Czinger calls this technology BrakeNode, and it claims that it reduces unsprung mass by 6 lb over the already weight-optimized assemblies previously installed on other 21C models. The company also claims that it raises stiffness by 30%, makes brake pad changes easier, and, thanks to more even distribution of force, reduces stopping distance by up to 15%. The new brakes are standard on the Spyder, but they will also be available as an optional upgrade for fixed-roof 21Cs.Czinger plans to produce just 30 21C Spyders. At $2.75 million, the hypercar starts at about $400,000 more expensive than the other two 21C variants. As with all current Czinger products, it is designed and built in a California factory on the company's uniquely organic-looking "BioLogic" platform.Sam RojasYou Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State