Spyker auto news

REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V8?

It's been two-and-a-half years since the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and although the recent spate of spy shots indicate work is well underway, Spyker won't make its self-imposed release date this year.

Instead, the high-speed luxo-'ute will likely appear at next year's Geneva expo and when it does, it will like drop its "D12" moniker for "D8" thanks to the supercharged V8 lying under its sculpted hood.

Coinciding with earlier reports, Spyker plans to utilize an American-sourced V8 to power the D8 SSUV, and if Autoblog.nl's sleuthing abilities are to be believed, it's none other than General Motor's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA - the mill that powers the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V.

The Dutch site caught the same Land Rover mule we saw earlier this year, and after investigating the prototype's license plate, discovered the engine met the same specifications as the LSA. That would mean at least 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, which should allow the SSUV to hit 60 mph in around five seconds and max out around 174 mph. If all goes according to plan, we'll see the production version in Geneva this March with sales beginning later in 2010.

Gallery: Pre-Production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged V8?

It's been two-and-a-half years since the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and although the recent spate of spy shots indicate work is well underway, Spyker won't make its self-imposed release date this year.

Instead, the high-speed luxo-'ute will likely appear at next year's Geneva expo and when it does, it will like drop its "D12" moniker for "D8" thanks to the supercharged V8 lying under its sculpted hood.

Coinciding with earlier reports, Spyker plans to utilize an American-sourced V8 to power the D8 SSUV, and if Autoblog.nl's sleuthing abilities are to be believed, it's none other than General Motor's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA - the mill that powers the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V.

The Dutch site caught the same Land Rover mule we saw earlier this year, and after investigating the prototype's license plate, discovered the engine met the same specifications as the LSA. That would mean at least 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, which should allow the SSUV to hit 60 mph in around five seconds and max out around 174 mph. If all goes according to plan, we'll see the production version in Geneva this March with sales beginning later in 2010.

Gallery: Pre-Production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron?

Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spyker may have dropped out of Formula One, but they haven't lost that competitive spirit. Even before selling its F1 team to Kingfisher's Vijay Mallya, who rechristened the squad as Force India, Spyker was fielding the race-prepped sports cars in the GT2 category, The C8 Laviolette GT2-R (pictured above) has been their weapon of choice, in turn yielding the road-worthy LM85 which debuted at last year's Los Angeles show. But the niche Dutch automaker is reportedly preparing to step into the big leagues.

According to the latest reports from across the pond, Spyker's new GT1 racer will be based on the latest C8 Aileron, complete with aluminum body and chassis and powered by a race-tuned Audi V8. Fielding the GT2 car will fall to privateer teams while the Spyker Squadron focuses on GT1. Of course the Dutch team will have to step up its game if it's going to dice it with the big boys next season, and we'll enjoy watching them go at it.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2009 Spyker C8 Aileron

Gallery: Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R

New pics of production Spyker Aileron hit the interwebs

Boutique Dutch carmaker Spyker unveiled its elongated and streamlined C8 Aileron back in March in Geneva, and we saw its North American debut in New York a month later. Those were show car versions of the upcoming production model based on the concept car we had seen in Geneva and Pebble Beach the year before. We've seen the imposing coupes from every possible angle, inside and out. They are finely crafted, uniquely engineered, rolling works of art, like a plutocrat's timepiece on wheels. What we haven't seen is a production-spec Aileron in red.

A new batch of photos has just begun circulating out onto the 'net, showing a stunning red Aileron driving around Europe. A reliable source tells us this is the first pre-production car to hit the streets, so it is only a matter of time before we see one of these 400 horsepower, Audi 4.2-liter V8-powered rocketships in private hands. Click below to see our full gallery.

Gallery: Spyker Aileron in red

Is Spyker planning on introducing a Maserati Quattroporte killer?

Spyker reportedly dropping V12 in Peking-Paris SUV for V8

You might question whether the time is right for Spyker to unleash its $300,000 Peking-Paris SSUV on the global motoring public, but, as recent spy shots indicated, a recent influx of development money from Russia means the project is apparently very much still in the works. According to reports, plans for a V12 engine have officially been shelved in favor of a V8.

We're not certain who will supply the engine for the Spyker D8. Currently, the Dutch automaker gets its powerplants from Audi, including the 400-horsepower 4.2L V8 powering the C8, but past rumors have suggested that Spyker might instead use a good 'ol American V8 in the production SUV. If Cars UK is right about the D8 getting a supercharged 8-cylinder poweplant with at least 550 horsepower, we can think of a few excellent choices for Spyker to consider. We should find out soon enough - Spyker is reportedly prepping the D8 for a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Thanks for the tip, John!

Gallery: pre-production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

New York: Spyker C8 Aileron makes North American debut

Dutch car manufacturer Spyker unveiled its updated version of the C8, the Aileron, last month in Geneva, but the U.S. is getting its first look at the quirky supercar in New York. While the car doesn't look like that much different than its predecessor, Spyker claims to have made some fairly significant changes including an all-new, lengthier space-frame chassis and more interior space. Power is once again sourced from Audi, coming in the form of a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft torque. Hit the jump for more details in the press release from Spyker, and check out the new high-res photos (both exterior and interior) in the gallery below.

Gallery: New York 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading New York: Spyker C8 Aileron makes North American debut

Spy Shots: Spyker Peking-to-Paris ready to conquer Normandy

Things are finally starting to turn around for Dutch boutique supercar manufacturer Spyker. Sales nearly doubled last year (from a paltry 26 to just 43, but still) and new models like the LM85 and C8 Aileron are getting a lot of attention. It seems things are so good that the company is finally starting to work on the production version of its Peking-to-Paris SSUV, if this spy shot courtesy of Autogespot is any indication. Although the mule is little more than a stretched Land Rover with a Lotus suspension, the production D12 or D8 will look more like the Michiel van den Brink-penned superguppy we've seen at auto shows over the past couple of years. It might seem like bad timing to launch a high-powered luxury SUV in this global economy, but it didn't stop Aston Martin from showing off the new Lagonda either. Nulla tenaci invia est via, indeed.

This $300k super-sport-utility-vehicle could be powered by either a 500-hp W12 engine in D12 guise, or an American V8 as the D8. The heavy use of aluminum means it will be lighter than it looks, and suspension tuning from Lotus should keep it well-planted, even in the twisties. Not that anyone aside from Spyker historians remember, or even care, but the Peking-to-Paris model is meant to commemorate Spyker's participation in the 1907 cross-country race of the same name. If it ever does reach showrooms, expect the vast majority to be sold in the Middle East, Russia and China, although a couple might make it Stateside. We think it would be a fun stablemate for someone's Lamborghini LM002.

Gallery: pre-production Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

Autoblog stops at the Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09

Symbolic Motors just held their Annual Spring Event to showcase all the new models from the high-end manufacturers they represent in their San Diego dealerships. The latest and greatest from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Lotus and Spyker were on display, along with some of the restoration projects the firm is carrying out in their Sorrento Valley facilities. Just for good measure, they also invited a few of their friends to bring along their own favorite wheels.

That meant there was a Ferrari Enzo, a Pratt & Miller C6RS Corvette, a couple of Miuras, a McLaren F1 GTR, a Porsche 962, an ex-Mario Andretti racer, two Bugatti Veyrons, a Koenigsegg CCX, a Lamborghini Reventon, a Blastolene special, and the sixth and final Ferrari Daytona prototype, to name but a few outstanding examples. In addition to the incredible cars on display, Symbolic threw open the doors to their shop and made staff available to answer questions. If that wasn't enough, there was free food and live music, as well as raffles throughout the day. Check out the gallery to see what you might have missed, and check out Symbolic if you happen to find yourself in the San Diego area with a few hours on your hands.

Gallery: Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Spyker's owner shot in apparent assassination attempt

Reuters is reporting that Alexander Antonov, the owner of flamboyant Dutch supercar company Spyker, has been seriously wounded in an apparent assassination attempt while leaving his Moscow residence. The Russian billionaire, who is also the chairman of the board of the Konvers Group (a banking concern), was shot along with a bodyguard.

According to the news agency, Antonov has survived the attack and his injuries have been identified as non life-threatening, although he remains in intensive care after being shot five times in the stomach and losing a finger to another bullet. The security guard, shot in the leg, is also in intensive care but is expected to survive.

Moscow police are now investigating the crime, and though they have yet to make any arrests, they apparently suspect that the shooting is related to Antonov's business dealings.

Sources: Reuters; Autocar]