2008 Spyker D12 Peking to Paris

Rare Hauler

The wild Spyker Peking-to-Paris is the sport-utility version of an exotic supercar.

The Spyker Peking-to-Paris is a limited-production SUV with major sporting aspirations. The moniker refers to a 1907 endurance rally that ran from the city now known as Beijing to Paris — a Spyker car finished second.

While it’s not directly related to the original maker of that turn-of-the-last-century model, Spyker is a Dutch specialty automaker that crafts outrageous sports cars like the C8 and C12 LaTurbie. The vehicles are sold in minute numbers stateside through a tiny dealer network to affluent auto enthusiasts looking to stand out, even among those who own Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Read the Peking-to-Paris Vehicle Summary

If nothing else, the Peking-to-Paris is distinctive. In fact, Spyker has even come up with a new way to describe it — it’s an SSUV, or “super” sport-utility vehicle. It certainly carries a super-expensive price tag, running around $300,000. That’s about $200,000 more expensive than a similarly speedy SUV, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

The aluminum-bodied Peking-to-Paris is distinguished by a sweeping roofline that gives it a low-slung appearance even though it contains a number of chunky styling elements. Exterior highlights include broad stainless-steel side sills, a stubby front-end treatment and rear-hinged “suicide” doors. With a wheelbase of 112.4 inches, and an overall length of 194.9 inches, it’s about the size of the aforementioned Cayenne.

But if the vehicle is truly super, as its manufacturer claims, its powers are derived from the same Audi-supplied 6.0-liter W12 engine that drives the Spyker C12 LaTurbie — think of two V6s joined at the crankshaft and you have the general idea. Just like in the Audi, the W12 generates a strong 500 horsepower.

The engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear-changing capability via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It can reach 60 miles per hour in five seconds and hit a top speed of 187 mph.

See Peking-to-Paris photos

The EPA has not rated the Peking-to-Paris for fuel economy, but with a 12-cylinder, 500-hp engine under the hood, expect frequent visits to the gas station.

Built on a lightweight aluminum space frame, the Peking-to-Paris comes with a permanent four-wheel-drive system and rides on an air suspension with speed-sensitive height adjustments and special shock absorbers to help maintain a smooth and controlled ride.

Racing-style carbon-ceramic antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution are included for sure stopping abilities. Massive 24-inch “Aeroblade” wheels and high-speed-rated performance tires are standard, with 22-inch wheels and off-road tires available for those who are willing to take deep into the wilderness a vehicle that costs as much as some houses.

Its spacious cabin features a triple-segmented dashboard designed to resemble an aircraft cockpit. As with most exotic vehicles, the Peking-to-Paris eschews some of the trendiest gadgets, but standard amenities are sufficient and include items like full leather sport seats (with 10-way adjustable versions optional), a surround-sound audio system with CD changer and provisions for cell-phone integration.

Is the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris for You?

Buy the Peking-to-Paris if	You want absolutely the most exclusive SUV on the planet and are willing to pay dearly to get it.
Keep Looking if	A sticker price that approaches $300,000 is too rich for your blood.
Who Fits?	The Peking-to-Paris is designed to seat five adults; rear-hinged “suicide” doors promise easy access to the back seat.
Closest Competitors	Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Did You Know?	The Peking-to-Paris is not the first ultra-expensive exotic SUV to hit the market. Lamborghini built the outrageously styled LM002 from 1986 through 1993. Powered by the Countach sports car’s brawny V12 engine, it was sold in both civilian and military versions. Its Rambo-esque nature appealed to buyers that ranged from author Hunter S. Thompson to Libyan dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi.