I'll try to translate that interesting little article:
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NEW SPYKER MODELS POSSIBLY POWERED BY BMW ENGINES
AMSTERDAM - It isn't yet certain if Spyker have made a deal witch General motors concerning the supply of engines. That is what Autovisie states in their latest issue. According to the usually very well informed magasine Spyker is also negociating with BMW!
During the IAA carshow in Frankfurt last September, De Telegraaf cought Spyker-exec Victor Muller in conversation with a high-ranking BMW employee in a private part of the BMW stand. Muller was then quoted to be talking to numerous supplyers in order to exchange opinions and experiences.
According to Autovisie, Spyker is considering using the 4,4 litre V8 bi-turbo engine out of the X5 M and X6 M for their own SUV and sportscars. In the German leviathans the engine puts out 550 bhp and 680 N.m. In the Beemers the engine is mated to an automatic six speed trasmission. Autovisie says that BMW is normally not very willing to supply their engines to third parties, but at least they are not holding off Spyker.
The Dutch car builder has been looking for a replacement for their current drivetrain for a few years now. It was generally assumed that the deal with General Motors was a done one, which is no surprise since according to Autoblog one of their SUV prototypes is fitted with the engine out of a Cadillac CTS-V. Up till now Spyker has been using VW/Audi engines, but can't obtain the transmission that typically goes along with it. Spyker has Co-developer Porsche to thank for that.
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Well... Although the development of the D8 and the revised Aileron will take a lot longer still this way, I think it's a very positive development. I personally like the advanced BMW engines more than the old-fashioned pushrod GM V8's. If they can convince BMW to sell them their engines though, but Wiesmann pulled that one off too.
Btw I hope my translation makes enough sense for you guys to understand it.
I do not think the deal with GM will work. GM likes to sell their engines to anyone, hell you can go to any GM dealer and order any of the LS crate engines. Maybe Spyker did this for the D8. The problem with GM is they do not sell the rest of the powertrain components you need, like IP Clusters, A/C Controls, ABS ETC,ETC, All these items need to communicate with the LS Engine drive train. At this time GM is not letting other companies have access to these items or how they talk to each other. That is why so many small car manufacturers just buy a Corvette and just use all the components to fit into their car. Right now I think Ford is the only Manufacturer that sells a ready to go powertrain package. Goodnews Ford is working on a very powerful All Aluminum DOHC V8 project similar to the SVT package that just ended 6 months ago. For Spyker the BMW would be a great fit.
In the ninth paragraph, while describing the LF-A's handling, they compare the handling versus that of a rear-engined Porsche or mid-engined Spyker, Ferrari, or Audi R8.
I think it is notable that Spyker is now seen as being well-known enough among enthusiasts to be used as a reference point in such an article, and even more remarkable is that they listed Spyker before Ferrari and Audi!
This is exactly the type of mainstream awareness that Spyker has been looking for. Based on the number of new owners we have here recently, I say it's working.
In the ninth paragraph, while describing the LF-A's handling, they compare the handling versus that of a rear-engined Porsche or mid-engined Spyker, Ferrari, or Audi R8.
I think it is notable that Spyker is now seen as being well-known enough among enthusiasts to be used as a reference point in such an article, and even more remarkable is that they listed Spyker before Ferrari and Audi!
This is exactly the type of mainstream awareness that Spyker has been looking for. Based on the number of new owners we have here recently, I say it's working.
Great observation and something the Spyker marketing folks should take notice of and continue to push on.
The comparison in this publication by this writer is not surprising at all, since Mark Vaughn was at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah with us for the CEO experience.
He was a friendly knowledgeable guy and a super driver. He drove on the "Spyder" team for the autocross event and helped us to victory!
I just read the autovisie article: more hp's and ESP in the future.. Great! I think the aileron is perfect for it (the 'old' C8 not IMHO; would loose it's driving experience).
The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do
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