Merged Spyker to launch performance EVs and aircraft
Dutch automaker Spyker (best known for trying to save Saab, which ultimately failed and ended with Saab’s assets being sold to National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS)) has avoided bankruptcy via a merger with Volta Volare. The company has announced plans to launch “high-performance electric cars and aircraft” under the Spyker name and reports suggest that Spyker intends to launch an electric SUV at the 2016 LA Auto Show later this year, with plans for the vehicle to hit the market in 2017.

Dutch sports car brand Spyker emerged from bankruptcy last year after forming a partnership with American electric aircraft startup Volta Volaré.

At the time, Spyker said it planned to develop cars with electric technology sourced from Volta Volaré but provided no further details.

We now have a few extra details thanks to a presentation made by Volta Volaré CEO and founder Paul Peterson at a recent symposium for electric aircraft technology.

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According to Peterson, Spyker and Volta Volaré plan to build electric cars and aircraft at a shared plant. The aircraft are to be sold under the new brand SpykerAero while the cars will continue to be sold as Spykers. Such a move would mean the modern incarnation of Spyker, just like the original Dutch firm that went bankrupt in 1926, will be selling cars and aircraft.

The aircraft will feature extended-range electric powertrains while the cars are to be pure, battery-powered electrics.

Volta Volare GT4

The electric motor(s) used will be a lightweight unit developed by Volta Volaré. The motor is said to weigh just 32 pounds but put out about 680 pound-feet of torque. Crucially, Peterson said every upcoming Spyker model, from the base B6 Venator sports car right up to a C12 supercar will offer an electric option. Other models in Spyker's lineup will be the recently revealed C8 Preliator and a new four-door model.

Peterson revealed that the four-door model will debut at this November’s 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. He said it will be an updated version of Spyker’s D12 Peking-to-Paris SUV, and that he hopes it will be ready for sale in 2017. He said it will offer an electric option, though a V-12 engine, as shown in the original D12 Peking-to-Paris concept, will be the standard option.

During his presentation, Peterson also hinted that Spyker could launch a Formula E team to help further develop electric technology and promote the brand’s emergence in the world of electric cars. You’ll recall that Spyker previously made a major blunder by entering Formula One, a move that cost the company over $100 million.

Stay tuned for an update.

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