Spyker Sues GM; Where will the C8’s engine come from now?

Chrysler

Chrysler is definitely a long shot in this deal, but it is a possibility. Fiat definitely needs to maximize Chrysler’s profit while increasing costs a minimal amount to keep itself afloat. Chrysler has really come to bat and Fiat is now showing profit, despite it losing money itself. Providing the 470-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi engine to Spyker at a decent cost could really help inject some low-cost profit into the company, and give the Hemi some exposure in other markets. We are not too sure if the Hemi engine meets the EU’s stringent emission requirements, but Spyker may be able to reciprocate in the deal by helping Chrysler meet these requirements, if needed.

This is a win-win for both parties, but Chrysler is not one to share its engine technology with many companies.

 

 

2011 Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 Engine

The new 5.0-liter V-8 in the Mustang is an engineering marvel and there is likely more in store for the 5.0, like direct injection, with the upcoming redesign in 2015. At 420 horsepower, the current 5.0 is a little underpowered for Spyker’s liking, but it has been shown again and again that this 5.0-liter V-8 engine is easily tuned to produce well over 500 horsepower. Ford could lend its Hi-Po 5.0 from the Boss 302, but we’re not sure if Ford would want that kind of technology floating around in too many hands. This can also be an additional profit driver for Ford, as it continues to prove it can win without any assistance.

BMW

BMW has no beef with Spyker and no direct competitor either. Plus, it’s much closer than Ford or Chrysler. In addition, BMW is pretty free in offering up its engines for use in other vehicles, giving there is a little reciprocity in the deal. The 4.4-liter V-8 from the 5-Series is one engine that BMW has lent out before and will likely do so again. Granted, it pumps out a little less horsepower than Spyker would like, but with the savings it would gain by not importing engines from overseas, it could tune the 4.4-liter to a healthy 550 ponies easy. An added benefit is that the 4.4-liter plant is slightly smaller than the other engines we have looked at, keeping the C8’s overall weight more manageable.

Hyundai

Yeah, we said it, Hyundai. Believe it or not, Hyundai is now a player in the performance car realm and there have already been rumors of a high-performance version of its 421-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 finding its way into a supercar. Spyker would be a willing and beneficial candidate to test out such a possibility with little risk on Hyundai’s end. The chances of this are very slim, as Hyundai already shares engine technology with Oullim Motors, in the form of the 2.7-liter found in the Spirra. Then again, Hyundai has already shown that it is willing and ready to join forces with someone, given its rumored recent link-up with BMW.

Image is of the 5.0L V8 engine found in the current Hyundai Genesis R-Spec.

Conclusion

Those are the four most likely candidates that we could see Spyker sourcing engines from. There is the outside chance of Spyker calling up Mercedes and borrowing an engine, but Mercedes has already shared its engines and may not be game for another partner. We feel that either Ford or BMW are the two most likely candidates, since Hyundai very well may develop its own supercar of sorts one day and Chrysler is greedy with its high-output engines.