Spyker Revives D12 SUV Plans

Spyker NV has resumed development of the hybrid-electric D12 Peking-to-Paris crossover/SUV the company showed in concept form in 2008.

The Dutch carmaker, which emerged from the equivalent of bankruptcy protection in 2015, aims to unveil an updated version of the original D12 (pictured) next March at the Geneva auto show, Spyker boss Victor Muller tells Autocar. He says the production model will maintain the concept’s Lotus-designed aluminum chassis. But the hybrid powertrain now will use a 5.0-liter V-8 engine sourced from Sweden’s Koenigsegg Group AB rather than Volkswagen AG’s 6-cyl W-12 VW engine.

Spyker signed an engine supply agreement with Koenigsegg at last month’s Geneva show and will use that company's V-8 in the upcoming C8 Preliator Spyder. The C8 Spyder is due to join the Preliator coupe in Spyker’s lineup this summer.

Spyker also plans to resume work on the B6 Venator that was in development before the company’s financial problems. The entry-level luxury sports car will be powered by a V-6 engine.

The original Spyker produced cars from 1899 until it went out of business in 1926. The company competed in the 1907 Peking-to-Paris road rally from which the D12 concept derived its name.

Muller formed the new Spyker in 1999. The company’s fortunes sunk with an ill-advised decision to enter Formula One racing in 2007 and its purchase of Saab Automobiles from General Motors Co. in 2010.