Talpa's participation boosts Spyker's expansion
Spyker Automobielen B.V. of Baarn and Talpa of Hilversum announced today that Talpa has taken a 30 percent interest in this manufacturer of exclusive automobiles. The broadening of its financial base resulting from this participation will be used to accelerate Spyker's plans.
Talpa's involvement will enable Spyker to expand its race programme substantially. Apart from the increased financial scope, Spyker is especially enthusiastic about the extra media possibilities provided by investment company Talpa. The media companies owned by Talpa
enable new activities to further broaden the exposure of the Spyker brand to the motoring public and (racing) community. The major expansion of the 2003 race programme is a first step in this direction.
Race programme
In 2002, Spyker entered a Spyker C8 Double12 R in the first race of the American Le Mans Series at Sebring and in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. The results were very encouraging, and in 2003 Spyker will enter C8 Double12 Rs not only again at Sebring and Le Mans, but also
at Miami and Petit Le Mans (October 2003). Discussions are currently underway with privateers who have expressed an interest in acquiring C8 Double12 Rs for the American Le Mans Series, the 24hrs of Le Mans, the Grand Am Rolex Series, and national GT championships. Victor Muller, Spyker CEO: "By demonstrating that our basically standard road cars are able to compete at the highest levels in the international race arena, we have enhanced our brand recognition worldwide. We have received a very warm welcome on the track."
In preparation for the 2004 season, Spyker has engaged Cosworth Technology of Northampton, UK, a wholly owned Audi subsidiary, to develop the current Audi V8 engine used in both the C8 Spyder and the C8 Laviolette into a bi-turbo race engine. Spyker expects to unveil the Spyker C8 Spyder T using this engine at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Both a TS version (Turbo Street) and a TR version (Turbo Racing) will be launched. These cars will be eligible for all international race events as well as for national GT championships, and will be campaign alongside the continuing Double12 programme.
Successful expansion
Since the introduction of its Spyker C8 Spyder in October 2000, Spyker has established a strong foothold in the supercar niche market. Hand built in the best tradition of the old Spykers by the most dedicated craftsmen of our time using the very best materials available.
Created with passion for the most passionate of drivers. For owners who want a car tailored specially for them, a car combining classic beauty with state-of-the art technology. For owners who appreciate spectacular performance tested in the international race arena. And for
owners who value exclusivity over today's world of mass production. The first Spyker C8 Spyders were delivered to their owners in 2002, and 2003 will see the delivery of 32 more. The demand for Spykers is such that Talpa's injection will enable Spyker to invest heavily in
expanding its production capacity from 32 cars this year to 65 cars in 2004. A factor in this is Spyker's acquisition of Cavallino Engineering, with which it already shares its production facility in Zeewolde. This now gives Spyker control of the entire production facility including all the test beds and related equipment, thus safeguarding its future expansion.
Baarn, 6 February 2003
Note to the editor (not for publication):
For further information and pictures, please contact Ms. Milou Mulder,
Manager Communications & PR of Spyker Automobielen BV, tel.: +31 35 632 1032
or +31 665 365 3135 (mobile), e-mail: mulder@spykercars.com.