Spyker B6 Venator concept: 275kW aircraft-inspired sports car revealed

The Spyker B6 Venator concept has been unveiled at the 2013 Geneva motor show in a surprise reveal from the Dutch car maker.

The two-door, two-seater Spyker B6 Venator concept – designed by Spyker CEO Victor R. Muller – aims to combine the themes of heritage, performance and exclusivity into one compact sports car.

With a name that means ‘hunter’ in Latin – a nod to Spyker’s Hunter fighter aircraft of the early 20th century – the 4347mm long Spyker B6 Venator incorporates several aviation-inspired elements into its design, including a glass canopy, afterburner-style 3D LED tail-lights and 19-inch mirror-finished TurbofanTM wheels.

Inside, the B6 Venator’s cabin intends to invoke the same aeronautical idea with switchgear, toggles and dials akin to an aeroplane cockpit and a red engine ignition switch cover and turned aluminium dashboard fascia. Highlighting the interior is Spyker’s trademark exposed gear change mechanism, inspired by the early aircraft controls from the company’s aviation background.

A 275kW rear-mid-mounted V6 engine powers the rear wheels of the carbonfibre- bodied concept via a six-speed automatic transmission, while an aluminium chassis helps keep weight down to 1400kg.

Muller said the Spyker B6 Venator concept is the highlight of the brand’s hard work in trying to create a viable future for the company.

“Our dealer body and prospective clients have been asking us to make a more affordable car for everyday use. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept is that car and more.”

The Spyker B6 Venator concept is set to begin production in early 2014 for sale in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, India and the US, priced at approximately $125,000-$150,000.

Though started in the late 1800s, Spyker ceased trading in 1925 before being resurrected in 2000 with the Spyker C8 Spyder.