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Quirk Chasing Quirk... Of Spyker, Saab And Other Sob Stories
I've been going to the New York International Auto Show for over 20 years now. I don't go every year- but once every three or so. Car shows, especially the New York show, are a great opportunity to walk around, much as you would a park or a mall and explore. Everything under one roof- lights, crowds of people, pretty models. But when you know cars like I do- you rarely learn anything, or see anything that you couldn't see browsing the Internet. So why go? Well, you might learn something. Yes, even me.
I took a college buddy and brother-in-law to the 2009 Auto Show this year, and sitting in the Javits Center's Crystal Palace entry- where they have all the vender and exotic car displays was a Spyker. A what? Isn't that what you do to the punch at a party?
My brother-in-law asks "what is that?" I respond "it's a clapped-out Lotus, something like that..." My friend then responded "its probably a kit... you make it in your basement." Truth was- we didn't know what it was. But it was something.
That something was the Spyker C8 Aileron- the latest roadster from the Dutch manufacturer founded circa 2000, having bought the trademark from a company that once made carriages, racing cars and airplane engines circa World War I. Spyker went out of business in 1929 but its brand name and trademarked propeller live on in a very potent way. Today, Spyker Cars N.V. is a publicly traded company that owns its own Formula One and factory-backed racing team- the Spyker Squadron.
The Spyker is hard to describe. It's sculpted and modern yet gleaming with chrome and trim, not something you see on a modern sports car. The interior is another paradox- classic, almost antique in appearance with an engine-turned dash, analog gauges by Chronoswiss and quilted leather surfaces with offset stitching. All-in-all, it looks like something out of the Lindbergh era. Lindbergh meets the Matrix.
Spyker's basic formula is hardly anything new. It's reminiscent of the original Shelby Cobra recipe- read "simple- with a high power to weight ratio." Mid-mounted to the rear, a modern V8 in an ultra light, all-aluminum superstructure with a racing suspension and viola- you got a Spyker. Beyond it's curvy aluminum skin- it's all engine and suspension. The whole thing weighs about 3200 pounds.
Power is derived from an enhanced Audi 4.2-liter V8, the same one found in the A6 and A8 sedans, but Spyker tunes it to 400 horses and 354 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual with a very unique, totally exposed, chrome gearshift linkage is standard. A paddle-shift automatic is optional.
The Spyker is a sheer brute. It's refined looks and ornate interior trimmings soften the potent blow of zero-to-sixty in just over four seconds, and a top speed nearing 190 miles-per-hour.
Aviation cues are everywhere from the propeller inspired wheels and instrument controls to the turbofan blades that support the side-view mirrors. Chromed air portals that feed the engine, brakes and interior mimic the air intakes on fifties-era jet.
The Spiker has a boutique feel and look not seen on modern production cars. The whole car comes together almost bespoke- or as my friend thought- very kit-like. Engine by Audi, a ZF transmission, Sparco racing seats with three-point racing harnesses, interior leather by Hulshof, radio speakers by Kharma; optional Chronoswiss instrumentation and limited edition wristwatches, custom fitted luggage and toolkit by Louis Vuitton. The Spyker is a virtual boutique collection unto itself. A total package that can be had for a bit over $200,000, about the same price point as an entry-level Ferrari or Lamborghini.
The Spyker is interesting, totally unbeknownst to even me. Maybe I'm out of touch or resting on my automotive laurels; however, when you think exclusivity, performance and style you don't think Spyker. Perhaps Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche instead... However, sometimes the answer isn't as obvious. Rather than seeking the "right answer" sometimes, you have to start asking different questions to be "exclusive." Even if you don't know the questions or what the hell a Spyker is. Isn't that the point? Having and knowing what others don't?
So, will Spyker get the valiant privilege of saving Saab? Maybe, because even in the highly conglomerated, globalized world of producing passenger cars, the exotic and racing inspired need the money to keep on racing, and inspiring auto exotica. Saving a turbocharged, front-wheel-drive, former rally car "born from jets" with the ignition switch between the seats may prove to be good business... If the concessions and monies are right too, of course.
Personally, I think Fuji Heavy Industries' Subaru should have a look at Saab- after all, they built the Saab 9-2x for years, which was basically an Impreza WRX with leather and an upgraded fascia package. Then again, Subaru doesn't need any help in producing profitable, selling automobiles, having sold more new cars in 2009 than in 2008; something GM, Saab or most any other successful car maker can rightfully claim. They even officially pulled-out of factory-backed racing and rallying, because, well, it's expensive to do and they don't need to do it to sell cars. Why fuck up a good thing, right?
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That Spyker is sooo sick and I'm glad it comes with a manual transmission. There's no way I would buy a car with a paddle shifter. Neva !!!
Yeah, paddle shifter suck. That's why every car formula 1 car and exotic has a non-sequential H stick. Oh wait, no they don't. Go drive a new F430 F1 or a 911 Turbo with the new PDK and tell me paddles suck. On a track my times improved by seconds by not having to blip the throttle while concentrating on not killing myself as I brake hard into a turn.
Oh I agree with you that the paddle shifters are way better on the track, but on the Bear Mountain Parkway I'll take a 6-speed.
Yes, I could see that. I love a six speed too, on some roads it's a ton of fun and you do feel more connected. The paddles take a bit of getting used to but there is nothing like hitting a hard left while braking and down shifting 3 gears. I was a terrible heel and toer so I love me some paddles on the track now.
True, paddles have their place. But for the same reason I wear a manual-wind watch and wear glasses as opposed to getting LASIK, sometimes having sex is more than just a means to procreation.
cell phone clock, check.
ipod clock, check.
Watch on wrist.....looking good....grandpa.
What's the hole in the bedsheet for?
In the game of oneupmanship, I'll do you better and ask "no iPhone?" Dont give me that grandpa shit, unless you get off on someone else fucking your wife, there are some things in this world better done yourself.
Respect your elders, at least they still remember the guiltless firm embrace of random trim without the need for latex and a background check...
Respect my elders?....you mean Larry? Ben? Timmay? Alan? Obama's Big Sellout? Or maybe you're a Bush fan? Congress perhaps? Or Lloyd? Jamie? Need I go on...
Respect your elders?
Am I supposed to be blind deaf and dumb too,
just cause you say so? Used to compliance, are we?
I respected my grandparents, but they earned it (depression, WWII, ...)....but they're all dead now, and I don't see much
respect worthy action going on with the current generation
of....er.....leaders.
As for "no iPhone?"...one minute you've got a wind up wrist watch, and the next you want me to get a crappy reception iPhone (also has a clock, mind you)?
As for the guiltless firm embrace of random trim without the need for latex and a background check....whatever you say,
grandpa petri dish. Have those sores looked at. Hope you
don't kiss your grandkids with that mouth.
Your turn. This is fun.
Talk about a clapped-out Lotus. This is one that me and my friend Mr. Bond used a few time to escape capture from The Squid.
http://www.1-18scalecars.com/Lotus/Lotus_Esprit_007_Submarine_front_quar...
Where the hell is the Team this weekend!?
Whhhhaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
I am mourning for the Saab families thrown out of work!!!
I have absolutely loved my Saab---don't want to buy anything else...
WHAT A DRAG
Had a 59 Saab in high school. 3-cylinder 2-stroke (yep, oil in the gas tank) engine. Neat cars.
ZH:
As much as I love you to death, this kind of off-topic rampage into cars is cutting you down a notch.
If I want to be distracted by cars and other things I would watch the MSM, sports channels, and read auto magazines. Im not sure what deep truths we are unearthing here by talking about one persons opinion on cars. (even if theres a 2 sentence blurb in there about Spyker taking over Saab)
Still searching for the truth
anon
"So, will Spyker get the valiant privilege of saving Saab?"
Uh, no...
Don't feel bad, though. How in the world would Spyker know how to run even a small mainstream production car company? Outsourcing the production of a few custom rich-boys-toys/yr does not confer any expertise in this regard.
Best to just let Saab go--even the Swedes don't want it back...
I have 9-2x. it's 100% Japan-made, save for 2 items: the manual is printed in Sweden, and the hood badge is also made there. guess what? the only item made in Sweden, the darn badge, broke! the painted part got chipped away, so now there's only an aluminum circle with Griffin silhouette, without any paint.
SAAB is DONE. Stick a fork in it. In the era of global car companies and global market, you have to either make The Best of The Best(Ferrari F430 and its replacement, Rollers, Bugatti) and have very limited numbers to attrat celebs/bankers/arab sheiks/russian mafioso, or at least match the best quality, and beat on price. Even Porsche doesn't cut it anymore on the high end (0% financing offer is the evidence of slow sales) and low-end Hyundai/Kia is kicking Toyota's behind. Being different doesn't work anymore, unless you price is like Hyundai and match Toyota quality. Jag, SAAB, Saturn don't have a place in this market, unless SAAB is priced like Hyunday and improves quality, and Jag is priced like a Buick or VW Passat.
If this is a recovery, I'd hate to see what a double dip looks like.
Utility Bill Is One More Casualty of Recession
The recession has accentuated what was already a growing home-energy challenge for low-income and many middle-class households across the nation. Rising numbers have had their utilities shut off, causing desperate scrambles to pay arrears and penalties to get them restored.
In 2009, some 31,000 households in Rhode Island will have their utilities shut off, and the effort to juggle energy bills and mortgages is helping push some homeowners into foreclosure, said Henry Shelton, director of the George Wiley Center, a consumer advocacy group here. (Here, as in many states, utilities may not disconnect the poor in the winter.)
http://tinyurl.com/yc8uch2
This is messed up.
George Galloway’s show talking about health care ‘reform’ and virtual currencies.
http://maxkeiser.com
The point of all this is simply publicity. If even zh writes about spyker, the effort of writing those press releases was all worth it.
i love spykers.
GM made a Saabaru. Junk, like everything GM has touched (by proxy) in the last twenty years. Opel is another once quality brand ruined by egocentrics.
Goldman Sachs threatens Spanish move
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/goldman-sachs-threatens-...
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Pardon me, do you have any rotten smelling Grey Poupon?
-MobBarley
The really cute Avanti II, formerly by Studebaker, was looking for a new owner and approached Checker, of the checker marathon. Checker turned it down because they thought the car was too ugly...
Maybe they could start building really big gated communities in Texas or somewhere for the New York Bankers, so they could actually drive 190-mph.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzwXmPuSFNc
top gear spyker review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzwXmPuSFNc
top gear spyker review
Excellent contribution j0sh1130
It's a complete joke. Spyker is a company that is very good at losing mony. How many cars do they build in a year? 200 or so? Ridiculous.
"Today, Spyker Cars N.V. is a publicly traded company that owns its own Formula One and factory-backed racing team- the Spyker Squadron."
Very old info...
They're relying on petro-dollars to keep the plant running, make hardly any profit and want to move their chassis-building part to the UK.
What they want with Saab is beyond me.
WANT.