Spyker plans on joining the luxury SUV segment.
Now that the company is back on its feet after filing bankruptcy, Spyker boss Victor Muller confirmed to it plans to resume the development of a hybrid SUV called the D8 Peking to Paris. The automaker originally showed off a concept at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show called the D12 Peking to Paris and it was going to be powered by a Volkswagen W12 engine. But then it decided to switch to a V8 engine, causing the name to change to D8 Peking to Paris. Because we know you’re asking, the Peking to Paris name pays homage to the original Spyker cars that participated in the Peking to Paris rally in 1907.
Unfortunately, Spyker ran into financial issues in 2014, causing the D8 to be shelved.
SEE ALSO: Spyker’s First Major Post-Bankruptcy Move is a Wise One
At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show last month, Spyker unveiled the C8 Preliator Spyder and confirmed a partnership with Koenigsegg, which will supply a 5.0-liter V8 engine to Spyker. The first C8 Preliator Spyders will be delivered this summer and it appears attention will be put on the hybrid SUV.
The production model will ride on the same aluminum platform designed and engineered by Lotus and will combine Koenigsegg’s V8 engine with a range-extender powertrain. “It will be an advanced hybrid SUV and one of the most beautiful cars of its kind,” said Muller. “Its specifications are already set and, if things go well, I’d dream of showing it at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018.”
[Source: Autocar]
