by Mike –
Spyker has struggled financially in recent years but what car company has not? I hope they are able to survive because I think they make some really unique and cool cars.
I test drove the first model many years ago, the C8 Spider, and thought it was a blast to drive and the style and craftsmanship are special.
Earlier this year at the Geneva auto show Spyker unveiled the new B6 Venator Concept. It has been reported that the engine will be sourced from Lotus meaning it is a Toyota engine modified by Lotus engineers. This is not a bad thing, Toyota makes great engines and Lotus has great engineers.
Previous Spyker models were powered by an Audi V8 beefed up to 400 hp.
In summary Spyker says this about the B6 Venator Concept,
Exterior:
– The trademark radiator grille’s mesh is V-shaped. The 1903 Spyker logo harkens back to an era when Spyker built racers such as the amazing 60HP.
– The new headlights, equipped with LED light rails, give the car an aggressive stance.
– The aerodynamically shaped glass aircraft canopy extends rearwards to minimize drag, optimizing performance.
– The 3D LED rear lights are akin to the iris-type after burners of a jet engine from a modern fighter aircraft.
– The brake light has been sculpted into the rear panel design to ensure smooth, flowing design lines.
– Elegantly aggressive 19” Turbofan™ wheels are shown in mirror polish finish.
Interior:
– Interior surroundings crafted from the finest materials are unusually open and airy for a sports car, the light and glass akin to an aeroplane cockpit. The leather is sourced from the Litano range produced by the Royal Hulshof Dutch Tanneries in Lichtenvoorde.
– The red cover on the ignition switch evokes the spirit of starting an aeroplane, as does the dashboard that lights up as part of the ‘pre-flight check.’ The dashboard is shown with a turned aluminium fascia, similar to those seen on Spykers of the 1920s.
– Pressing the engine start button brings to life a powerful V6 engine that delivers 375+ bhp.
– The trademark exposed gear change mechanism was inspired by early aircraft controls from Spyker’s aviation heritage.
Body:
– All carbon fibre
Chassis:
– All aluminium platform
Engine:
– Engine mount position: rear-mid
– Engine orientation: transverse mounted V6
– Max power: 375+ bhpDrivetrain:
– Drivetrain type: RWD
– Transmission: 6-spd automaticDimensions:
– Overall length: 4347 mm
– Width (ex mirrors): 1882 mm
– Wheelbase: 2500 mm
– Kerb weight: < 1400 kg
It is expected to be in production in 2014 and to be priced in the range of $150,000 US.
What do you think? Is this, or any other Spyker model, a future collectable classic?
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
To my mind the problem for all modern cars, however collectible, is the sheer complexity of their electronics and mechanical systems.
As future classics, the cost of keeping them on the road must surely daunt all but the most avid of collectors with very deep pockets.
Even fabulously rare and exotic cars like the Iso Grifo were built with relatively straight forward mechanicals and can be maintained and repaired by knowledgeable engineers without having to go back to the manufacturer for specialist after care.
I agree, but love the look of this new Spyker. However, this topic issue will affect many of the low volume specialist marques whether volume or “Specials”, let alone any concerns that would arise over “electronic” gadgetry supply in the probably, not too distant future.