Autoblog

REPORT: No alternatives left - Whitacre says it's Spyker or the Grim Reaper for Saab

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's now or never. By the end of December General Motors will either divest itself of Saab by selling the Swedish automaker or by permanently closing its doors. And there is but one company bidding for the Swedish automaker -- Spyker -- which has yet to turn a profit. GM Chairman and interim CEO Ed Whitacre told a group of reporters at the company's Detroit headquarters that Spyker is the only automaker left bidding for the perennially struggling automaker. Whitacre reportedly told attendees that striking a deal was "possible," but he then reiterated that Saab would close if the deal isn't struck by the end of the year.

At the same time, the General is also reportedly selling off bits to the outgoing Saab 9-5 and the pre-2006 9-3 to Chinese automaker BAIC. Tooling for the vehicles is likely never to be used by GM or Spyker in the future so the move makes plenty of financial sense.

While the potential demise of Saab saddens us, especially when considering how close the Swedish automaker is to launching the new 9-5 and perhaps the 9-4, it's nice to see that the General is finally moving quickly and decisively to right its ship. Hat tip to MowtownMan!

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: No alternatives left - Whitacre says it's Spyker or the Grim Reaper for Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Spyker takes the lead in the Saab bidding sweepstakes

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab, Spyker

General Motors appears on track to either close or sell the ailing Saab brand by 2010. If they do, in fact, sell Saab, they are reportedly stipulating the following: the buyer must be well versed in small scale car production and they should be interested in keeping production in Saab's homeland, Sweden. If you don't know, Spyker fits that particular bill nicely.

Saab appears to be believing the deal will happen. "There are signals everywhere showing we are well on track," says Saab spokesman Eric Greers. We heard last week that Spyker was interested in purchasing Saab, and today's news only confirms it. Of course this wouldn't be a Saab story without the threat of imminent disaster looming in the shadows.

The catch is that if GM and the prospective buyer can't get the deal done by 2010, General Motors is just going to wash its hands of the perennial money loser and shut Saab down and sell off its assets. However, if the talks are going well but no deal has been reached by January, GM might consider funding Saab a little longer. Maybe. For their part, Spyker seems unaware of any looming deadline, though perhaps they should be.

[Sources: Reuters, Autocar | Image: Torsten Silz/Getty]

REPORT: Spyker takes the lead in the Saab bidding sweepstakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Spyker, Luxury

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Where to even start? Oh right - that interior! With the possible exception of a couple of British-ish cars (BMW-owned Rolls-Royce Phantom, Volkswagen-owned Bentley Mulsanne, Tata-owned Jaguar XJ), no interior even comes close. And frankly, being honest, those luxo-barges just pale in comparison to the blinged out old-world splendor of a Spyker cockpit. And the C8 Aileron Spyder ups that already pricey ante. And get this - all C8s are now built in Coventry, England, shaving about $9,000 off the asking price, which is somewhere ~~south~~ north of $200,000 depending on ~~baubles~~ options.

Normally, photographing cars at auto shows feels like a strange, exotic form of torture, at least for us writerly types. The bright lights, the bumrush, the awkward positions (you try crawling on your hands and knees between a posing CEO's knees to get a shot of a wheel) - it's not fun. But when photographing this car, we were overcome with a rush of (let's just say) endorphins. We could imagine ourselves winding up the California coast, fondling that leather-wrapped aluminum gear shifter for hundreds of breezy, dreamy miles. And get this - it's an automatic... and we don't care!

For you number junkies who choose to hastily look past the incredible innards, the C8 drop top is powered by a 4.2-liter Audi V8 good for 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That medium-amount of gumption is routed to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed slushbox. Top speed is 187 mph and 0-60 happens in 4.5 seconds. Spyker claims that the car's strength is in the frame (stouter than a Ferrari F430, so they say) and therefor chopping off the roof has limited negative structural impact. Want more tech details? See our post from Monterey.

Let's get back to that interior. If you're into fancy cars (hi mom!) you've no doubt heard of special leather coming from "free range" cows raised without barbwire so as to ensure the leather is flawless. Well get this, the leather in the Aileron Spyder comes from a Dutch tannery that works with free range cold weather cows. Why cold weather? No mosquito bites. No, really. And you can get that interior in any of fourteen colors, most of which are (hopefully) equally eye-searing. Finally, anyone else as in love with the tonneau cover-mounted quilted leather briefcase as we are?

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Spyker, Fisker, Luxury

The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.

According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."

Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #142

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo, Spyker

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #142 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, this week with the (not very) dynamic duo of Chris and Dan carrying the baton while seemingly the rest of the world is on vacation. We're certainly in the lull before auto show season swings into full effect, but there are still a few things to talk about. Pricing of the VW Golf TDI starts us off before moving on to cover the reportedly tight supply of Lexus HS250h hybrids, which may affect the car's U.S. launch. More excitingly, the possibility of a Lexus hatch is pondered before moving on from Toyota's fancy division. Last week, the podcast touched on the Spyker Aileron, and this week we went after the D8 Peking-to-Paris model in all its resplendent over-the-topness. Speaking of dramatic cars, we wrap up with the news that there may be three new Porsche models in the works to diversify that maker's line and increase volume. We fish through your questions before calling it a night a bit past the hour mark.

A hearty "thank you" goes out to our listeners for all of your great reviews - your efforts got us featured on iTunes this week, and we appreciate it. You can join in the fun (if you haven't already) by leaving a review at iTunes, filling out our survey, or emailing us with questions/comments at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. See you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #142

Autoblog Podcast #142 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris SSUV ready for production debut in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Spyker

Exotics used to be confined strictly to sportscars, but not anymore. Porsche and Maserati have got four-door sedans on the market, and Aston Martin's is on the way. But in lucrative markets like the Middle East and Russia, demand is high for exotic SUVs, and automakers are stepping up to fill the gap left by the Lamborghini LM002 and currently occupied, with few other exceptions, by the Porsche Cayenne. Spyker wants itself a piece of that pie, and after years of preparation, its Peking-to-Paris "Super Sport Utility Vehicle" looks to be nearing production.

Apparently spied undisguised at Spyker's factory in the Netherlands, sources suggest that the SSUV is being prepared for its production debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The design has reportedly been updated to follow the lead of the new C8 Aileron, but the big question is what will sit underneath the hood. Expected to ditch the concept car's V12 in favor of a V8 - with an accompanying model designation change from D12 to D8 - the Spyker sport-ute was tipped to adopt American power (in the possible form of the Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged mill), though transplanting the company's existing Audi-sourced engine is always a possibility.

[Source: Autogespot - translated]

Spy Shots: Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris SSUV ready for production debut in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Acura, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Spyker, Celebrities, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #141 of the Autoblog Podcast marks the first time we're joined by a guest outside the Autoblog Inner Circle, and we're hoping that it's the start of a trend. This week, our interview couch is occupied by drift, rally and stunt legend (and all-around good guy) Tanner Foust, the only back-to-back Formula D champion ever. Since Tanner's a racer, we kick off the show talking about the heartbreaking Ferrari crash at Monterey before touching on the Dodge Viper powered Devon GTX and its screaming lap at Laguna Seca.

Actual news starts with talk of the Hyundai Equus coming to the United States, moves on to the Volkswagen Phaeton's supposed return to the North American market, and then to the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. Acura's ZDX tickles (or not) our design eyes, and then we wrap up with some of your questions. Thanks for the new reviews at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page, as well as taking the time to fill out our survey. The feedback to our Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com address has been great, too, so keep it coming... see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust!

Autoblog Podcast #141 - Now with 100% more Tanner Foust! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics & Details Aplenty: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Spyker, Luxury

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Along came a Spyder, and we sat down beside her to snap some photos for your viewing enjoyment from Pebble Beach, where Spyker unveiled the convertible version of its new C8 Aileron. And to go with them, we've now got a series of studio shots along with official details on the new roadster from Holland's niche automaker.

The handcrafted Aileron features aircraft-inspired styling in a way its northern neighbor Saab can only dream of, with turbine-styled air scoops, Rotorblade wheels and little propellor emblems abound, all in a nod to Spyker's roots in early aviation. LEDs serve in the tail-lamps, front turning indicators and side repeaters, but it's inside where the attention to detail really shines. Upholstered in Royal Dutch Tannery Hulshof's quilted Litano leather available in 14 standard colors to compliment the 16 exterior tints and 8 soft-top choices, the cabin features a Chronoswiss dashboard and industry-first Kharma sound system, while an optional five-piece Louis Vuitton luggage set can be had for the trunk.

What separates the Spyder from its fixed-roof counterpart unveiled in Geneva this past March is the electric-hydraulic roof that saves weight with a manually-operated single central latch mechanism. The twin buttresses on the decklid are emblazoned with what has to be an industry first: the company's motto, in Latin: "Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via" (for the tenacious, no road is impassable). A luggage rack milled from solid billet aluminum is mounted right behind, while underneath rests an all-aluminum, Audi-sourced, 4.2-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a Getrag manual or ZF automatic, both with 6 ratios, that's enough to propel the Dutch roadster to 60 in 4.5 seconds en route to a claimed top speed of 300 km/h (187 mph). Lotus fine-tuned the suspension and AP Racing provides the stopping power with optional carbon-ceramic brakes.

The Aileron Spyder is scheduled to go into production in the first half of next year, but you can follow the jump now to read the full press release and check out the gallery of studio shots below and the live shots from Monterey below that.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Gallery: Monterey 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc. and Stefan Ammerlaan/Spyker Cars

[Source: Spyker]

Continue reading Pics & Details Aplenty: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

Pics & Details Aplenty: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Spyker

Supercars at Concours d'Elegance - click above for high-res image gallery

After about three hours at Meadow Brook, team Autoblog was ready to head out and get writing. The only thing that had us scratching our heads was the lack of modern supercars out on the lawn. On our way out the door, though, one of the gentlemen working the show asked us if we'd seen the exotics, which were hidden at the side of Meadow Brook Hall. Thank you sir.

Once we entered the hidden patio at Meadow Brook, we were greeted with dozens of supercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche, along with a smattering of ultra-rare rides, including the Reventon, Veyron, 959 and Spyker C8 Laviolette. Ferrari was well-represented with a 612 Scaglietti, California, a pair of F430s and a 599 and we were also happy to see a V-10 Audi R8, a couple Astons and, perhaps our favorite of all, the absolutely stunning Alfa Romeo 8C.

Click on the gallery below to peruse 112 high-res images of the supercars you've been daydreaming about. Tens of thousands of people paid $25 each to see these them, but you get the Autoblog grand tour free of charge.

Gallery: Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Spyker

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 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

[Source: Autoblog.nl via GTSpirit]

REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V supercharged V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Noah Joseph — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Spyker

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

[Source: motorsportblog.it]

Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New pics of production Spyker Aileron hit the interwebs

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Spyker

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron - Click above for image gallery

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

[Source: Spyker]

New pics of production Spyker Aileron hit the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Spyker planning on introducing a Maserati Quattroporte killer?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Spyker, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

Spyker is -- once again -- talking about a new line of vehicles that will take on four-door sports sedans like the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera. Two years ago Spyker mentioned an E-line with eight- and twelve-cylinder engines would join the C-line sports cars and D-line SUVs. With the trouble the company had simply surviving, those plans were left outside to die. Now with the D8 Paris-to-Peking SUV back in progress and cars like the LM85 to crow about, Spyker CEO Victor Muller believes now could be the time to resurrect the saloon. It's taken four years for the D8 to appear in close-to-production form so we wouldn't line up for the Spyker E yet. But as Adam Ant said, there's always room at the top, and the Dutch company is always good for an interesting variation on familiar themes.

[Source: Quotenet (translated) via Autoblog.nl (translated)]

Is Spyker planning on introducing a Maserati Quattroporte killer? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spyker reportedly dropping V12 in Peking-Paris SUV for V8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, Spyker

Spyker Peking-Paris concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

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

[Source: Cars UK]

Spyker reportedly dropping V12 in Peking-Paris SUV for V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Spyker C8 Aileron makes North American debut

Drew Phillips — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Supercars, Spyker

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Spyker C8 Aileron

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

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

New York: Spyker C8 Aileron makes North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:48:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Spyker

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

[Source: Autogespot]

Spy Shots: Spyker Peking-to-Paris ready to conquer Normandy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog stops at the Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Spyker, Ruf, Shelby, Specialty

Click above for live a high-res gallery from Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event

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

Autoblog stops at the Symbolic Motors Annual Spring Event '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spyker's owner shot in apparent assassination attempt

Chris Paukert — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Spyker

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]

Spyker's owner shot in apparent assassination attempt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron gets a longer fuselage

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Spyker

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Spyker C8 Aileron

Stylish. Unique. Quirky. "Practical" isn't one of the words typically associated with Spykers, but apparently customers in the Dutch automaker's niche clientele found the C8's cabin, deliciously steampunk as it is, a tad cramped. Spyker has responded by stretching the supercar's wheelbase to offer a bit more interior space for all that retro switchgear and diamond-quilted leather to create the C8 Aileron, unveiled in concept form here last year and in the final production version this time 'round at the Geneva Motor Show.

Although the Aileron would ostensibly seem a simple stretch job, Spyker claims to have completely re-engineered the car from scratch, starting with the aluminum space-frame chassis. However you look at it, the Aileron is 155mm (5.9 inches) longer than the C8 Laviolette it replaces. A lengthened C8 Spyder is also in the works, and the more commodious version promises to help the troubled niche automaker branch into the lucrative North American market. Full details, including the Audi-sourced 400-hp V8, are enumerated in the press release after the jump, and you can view the new Aileron in all its machined aluminum, aircraft-inspired glory in the gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2009 Spyker C8 Aileron

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron gets a longer fuselage

Geneva 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron gets a longer fuselage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spyker by sea? Sylvestri Aquamotive

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Spyker

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Silvestris Sports Cabriolet

After Dutch designer Maarten de Bruijn bought the rights to Spyker name, the first prototype design he attached it to was the Spyker Silvestris. A couple of years later, he and partner Victor Mol had Spyker making cars again, but in 2005 de Bruijn left the company for other pursuits. That same year, he and two other partners founded Silvestris Haute Motive Concepts, with the first product being the 23-foot Silvestris Sports Cabriolet speedboat.

Using automotive build techniques - hence the name "Aquamotive" - aluminum panels are bonded and riveted to a tubular aluminum spaceframe. The cockpit features a tilt steering wheel and heaps of seawater-proof leather. The remotely-controlled rear hatch hides two more leather-shrouded thrones, and even the front compartment comes with a hatch (making for a markedly sleeker-looking craft when closed). There are six engines available, the uppermost being a 560 horsepower, 8.1-liter V8 good for 55 knots and more than a few envious looks. Check the Silvestris out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Silvestris Sport Cabriolet Speedboat

[Source: Classic Driver]

Spyker by sea? Sylvestri Aquamotive originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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