Geneva Motor Show: Spyker B6 Venator Concept

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

March 5, 2013

Spyker would like everyone to forget about the whole Saab mess from last year and focus on their showing at the Geneva Motor Show, the B6 Venator Concept.

The B6 Venator Concept was designed by Spyker CEO Victor Muller and pays homage to Spyker's past as an automotive and airplane manufacturer. Such design cues include a V-Shaped mesh grille, wraparound canopy, LED taillights that mimic the burners of a jet engine, and nineteen-inch "Turbofan" wheels.

Power comes from a transverse-mounted V6 producing 375 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic. While that may seem a bit low for a two-seat sports car, the B6 Venator Concept weighs around 3,100 pounds thanks to carbon-fiber panels and a aluminum chassis.

Spyker says the B6 Venator will go into production next year for those living in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific markets. Those living in the U.S. will be able to pick one in late 2014.

Source: Spyker

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

SPYKER UNVEILS NEW B6 VENATOR CONCEPT

Geneva | March 05, 2013

2013 marks the global resurgence of Spyker as a creator of meticulously built automobiles whose beauty is equaled by their unrivaled craftsmanship. The brand's revival is heralded by the introduction of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept, a unique alternative in the High Luxury Sports sector, at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept is a compact, 2-door mid-engine sports car that will offer the discerning driver of the highest standards a new choice, delivering a rare combination of heritage, design, performance and exclusivity.

Designed by Victor R. Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Spyker N.V., the Spyker B6 Venator Concept makes a defiantly contemporary statement whilst paying homage to its past, making it instantly recognizable as a Spyker. Highly detailed design, bespoke materials and aviation-inspired elements are a core part of the Spyker DNA. With the announcement of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept, the company once again proves its Latin axiom: "Nulla tenaci invia est via" – "For the tenacious no road is impassable." The name "Venator" is Latin as well, meaning "Hunter" – a nod back to Spyker's "Hunter" fighter aircraft of the early 20th century.

Exterior highlights include:

• The trademark radiator grille's mesh is V-shaped, referencing Spyker models of the previous century. The 1903 Spyker logo harkens back to an era when Spyker built racers such as the amazing 60HP.
  
• 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" TurbofanTM wheels are shown in mirror polish finish.
  

Interior highlights include:

• 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. Hulshof uses only West European first choice bull hides and a special tanning process that produces the beautifully rich colour palette.
  
• 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.

The Spyker B6 Venator Concept will begin production in early 2014 for key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, followed by the US in autumn 2014.

The Spyker B6 Venator Concept is being shown for the first time at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show alongside the Spyker C8 Aileron that was first introduced at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show. The design of the Spyker C8 Aileron represented another significant step in the evolution of Spyker, shifting from propeller to turbine inspired design.

The introduction of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept marks the beginning of a new era for the brand, one that will include a significant increase in production led by a management team that has never been stronger. Last year Spyker expanded its global leadership with the appointment of John Walton as Chief Commercial Officer. Together, Muller and Walton are leading a passionate team that is supremely dedicated to creating unique and beautiful high- performance sports luxury cars.

Since the brand's rebirth in 2000, the company has lived its motto – "for the tenacious no road is impassable" – making bold moves to ensure that Spyker will continue to be a viable, no-compromise brand. The company was taken public in 2004 in order to fund product development and growth. After a few bleak years and newfound partnerships, the momentum is all in the right direction. The financial standing of Spyker N.V. is strong, thanks to the recent conversion of all shareholder debt into equity and a €10M share issue to Youngman. The result: in 2012, Spyker N.V. recorded a €125M profit, laying the foundation for brand's global resurgence that is signaled today by the introduction of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept.

Victor R. Muller, Spyker's CEO said, "There is no denying that Spyker went through a very rough period in recent years. However, today we prove the truth of our motto since 1914, 'Nulla tenaci invia est via' – 'For the tenacious no road is impassable.' Our dealer body and prospective clients have been asking us to make a more affordable car for everyday use. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept is that car and more: it is the highlight of our hard work to create a viable future for our company. By offering an exquisite, hand-crafted, exclusive car at a more accessible price point of approximately $125,000 / $150,000, more of those discerning drivers who have aspired to own a Spyker will be able to achieve that dream. Spyker B6 Venator Concept represents our view of the future, the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our history."

Body: All carbon fibre

Chassis: All aluminium platform

Engine mount position: rear-mid

Engine orientation: transverse mounted V6

Drivetrain type: RWD

Transmission: 6-spd automatic

Overall length: 4347 mm

Wheelbase: 2500 mm

Kerb weight: < 1400 kg