Spyker Returns With 800 HP V8 Supercar and No Plans for Hybrid or EV
Another Comeback Attempt
Spyker's history dates back to 1880, when it built carriages, then moved into cars and even aircraft. When Spyker returned in 1999, the Dutch company made a name for itself with its hand-built sports cars, which stood out for their design and driving feel.
The Spyker C8 was the headliner in the 2000s, with interiors borrowed from aviation, and mechanical parts left visible on purpose. The cars were about detail, drama, and a kind of old-school charm you rarely see now.
But Spyker's story has been anything but steady. The company has shut down more than once, with bankruptcies in 2014 and 2021. Each comeback brought hope, but also plenty of questions. This time, the Dutch brand seems to have a more focused plan, and there's already a new car in the works.
What We Know So Far
There aren't many details yet, but here's what's confirmed: the car will be called the Spyker C8 Preliator, powered by a twin-turbo V8 with about 800 horsepower and a top speed over 350 km/h (217 mph). Surely the brand wants to enter supercar territory, but its approach is more old-school than most rivals. According to Victor Muller, electrification is not part of the plan.
"I think I can reassure a lot of fans and potential customers that this car is not going to be electric in any way, shape, or form. Not even a hybrid," said CEO and founder Victor Muller.
With most small carmakers moving to hybrids or full EVs, the decision to forego electrification is refreshing. Spyker is sticking to what made it different: mechanical feel, real engine sound, and a driving experience you can actually sense.
There are signs this car might be related to the C8 Preliator concept from 2016, but it could also be built on a new platform. The team working on it combines original Spyker specialists with new engineers, so both experience and new ideas are going into the project.
A Tight Timeline
The schedule is tight, however. The first car is supposed to be ready for Pebble Beach this August, with assembly happening in both the UK and the Netherlands. The development chassis is chassis 270, suggesting production will be very limited.
At the time of writing, Spyker Cars has just over 100 days to prepare for its return (yes, the company has a countdown timer on its website). That pace shows both the pressure and the chance Spyker sees. The supercar world is more crowded now, with big names and new electric brands raising the bar.
This comeback seems more focused than previous ones. The goals are clearer, and there's less confusion about what the car is supposed to be. Still, given Spyker's track record, it's hard to be sure until real cars reach buyers.
If everything goes as planned, this could finally be a real return for one of the more unique names in performance cars. If not, it might just be another almost-comeback for Spyker.
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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM.