2008 Spyker D12 Peeking-to-Paris

Launched in 2006, the D12 Peking-to-Paris is named after a similarly-titled long distance race held in 1907 which Spyker very nearly won, achieving second place after three months on the road. This hints at the very unusual focus of the car: the D12 is perhaps the only high performance "crossover" SUV in existence. While high-riding, the vehicle is built on a car body style and only seats four instead of the five or seven common to most SUVs.

Spyker claims this provides the best of both worlds, as the D12 is designed to handle like a sports car but include enough luggage space and ground clearance to survive trips that would thwart most coupes. It's already considered Spyker's most popular vehicle with far more than 100 orders and an unusual focus on the more SUV-friendly North American market.

To that end, the Dutch automaker relies on one of the most powerful engines found in any SUV: the same 6.0-liter, 500 horsepower Volkswagen W12 as found in the C12 Zagato. Although this still leaves the D12 as Spyker's slowest vehicle, it also makes for one of the fastest production utility vehicles ever. The D12 is only slightly slower than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo to the 60 mph mark, reaching this speed in five seconds despite weighing just over two US tons.

Spyker's first foray into SUVs is also unusual for its choice of transmission: the only gearbox available for the D12 is the six-speed, paddle-shifted automatic available as an option for the C12.

A single, deluxe model

As with most exotics, the D12 is only available in just one upscale model.

The stock version of the crossover, however, includes all of Spyker's usual additions. Both the propeller-shaped 24-inch alloy wheels and the largely leather-and-aluminum interior are intended to recall Spyker's history as an aircraft engine manufacturer in the 1920s.

A look up at the roof also reveals a glass canopy (borrowed in principle from the C8 Laviolette and C12 Zagato) that lets outside light flood most of the cabin.