Revival of a Legend: Spyker Returns with the New C8 Preliator
Rumors about Spyker’s revival have proven true. Approximately half a year after news emerged about the return of the small Dutch automaker, it became known that the company will unveil a new version of the C8 Preliator at the August Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week.
New Engine and Impressive Specifications
Spyker CEO Victor Muller, in a video published on social media, revealed that the new C8 Preliator will feature a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 800 horsepower, with no electrification whatsoever. For comparison, the original C8 Preliator, introduced in 2016, had a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine from Audi producing 518 horsepower.
Thanks to the new powertrain, the car will be able to accelerate to a top speed of over 217 miles per hour (350 km/h). The new model, chassis number 270, which Spyker has already built, was shown in early production stages.
Will the Design Change?
There is no information yet on what visual changes, if any, will be made to the car. Although the original C8 Preliator is already ten years old, it looks just as good as when it was brand new. Some refinements may be made, but we hope that most of the interior remains untouched, as mechanical switches and toggle switches, like in the original, are very much in demand right now.
A History of Ups and Downs
Spyker faced significant financial difficulties after buying Saab from General Motors and declared bankruptcy in 2014. The company was revived a year later, but it went bankrupt again in 2021. Last year, Muller announced that he had reached an agreement to obtain all of the company’s intellectual property rights, which is why the niche automaker was able to return with a car from its past.
Plans for the Future
If everything goes according to plan, the upgraded Spyker C8 Preliator could be just the first of several cars to be released by the Dutch brand. There is currently no information on how much the new C8 will cost or when the order books will open.
An official video from Spyker on social media confirms this news, showing the early assembly stages of the car.
The revival of Spyker with the new C8 Preliator demonstrates Victor Muller’s perseverance and his faith in the unique design and heritage of the brand. The use of a powerful V8 engine without electrification is a bold step in an era when many manufacturers are transitioning to hybrid or fully electric powertrains. This could attract the attention of enthusiasts who appreciate traditional sports cars with high-performance internal combustion engines. Given the company’s turbulent history, the success of this revival will depend on Spyker’s ability to ensure stable production and find its niche in a market dominated by giants like Ferrari and Lamborghini. If the new C8 Preliator retains its unique style and offers exceptional performance, it could become a desirable object for collectors, giving the brand a second wind.