Geneva Motor Show: Donkervoort D8 GT
Donkervoort unveiled its newest daily driven track day weapon today in Geneva and not only does it look the biz, it takes the styling direction of its predecessors (and Caterhams, for that matter) to the next level.
The 1,400 lb., aluminum, carbon fiber and fiberglass body achieves a modernity that seems to be lacking in similar offerings. It's pure minimalism matched to a modern aesthetic that hints at what physics-defying joys lay beneath. Powered by an Audi-sourced 1.8L turbo four, producing 265 HP at 6,000 RPM and 267 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,000 RPM, the D8 GT can dispatch with the sprint to 62 in less than four seconds. The suspension components are made up of double wishbones mated to adjustable shocks that can be adjusted to suit the driver's preferences.
Depending on the specs, pricing comes in between 90,000 and 130,000 euro and production should begin soon.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CLYDE 10:17AM (3/07/2007)
This car is way cool.
Looks like a Plymouth Prowler mated with RoboCop!
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Michael Karesh 10:29AM (3/07/2007)
Okay, I just posted a response to i30 to my blog. I generally hate alphanumerics.
But sometimes they might be justified. DKV instead of Donkervoort? You betcha.
With a name like Donkervoort and the looks of a Catheram seeking to morph into an SLR, it must kill on the track.
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Matt Dell 11:01AM (3/07/2007)
I must have this!
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LotusEliseBlog.com 11:28AM (3/07/2007)
Holy bastardized 7 batman! ;)
In all seriousness this thing does bring a fresh look to the classic Caterham style. I think the wheels are hideous (just don't fit the car IMO) but the rest definitely works. The hardtop reminds me of the Reverie 340R hardtop. Sounds like it has the performance to match as well. Can't wait to see more of this car!
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Vinnie Shahzad 12:42PM (3/07/2007)
I'm curious... why is the hood so damn long if it's only got a turbo 4 in there?
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Mason Hill 12:48PM (3/07/2007)
#5 > Because the car is actually really small, the hood appears much larger than it really is.
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Bob-o 12:48PM (3/07/2007)
#5, to keep the proportions correct (your wheelbase would be shortened as well, unless you put your nose behind the wheels).
My question is, why a 1.8T? Iron blocks are so 1980's.
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Fooman 1:31PM (3/07/2007)
Your legs still need to fit in the car, like the 7's your legs are under teh "hood." So is this car a developement of the 7? or just a tribute, or convergent evolution. The 7 was a great purpose built car that has been in production for almost 50 years, so considering how right it was, it may not be surprising that while designing a car for the same purpse you end up with the same proportions, and solutions to problems.
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Otto Ingineer 2:08PM (3/07/2007)
Damn. StormTrooper, meet Colin Chapman...In black it would work great for Lord Vader. Surprisingly appealing - obvious 7 roots, but modern touches too - like the small side markers/turn signals. Not likely to end up in the States, a pity.
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Fooman 1:35PM (3/07/2007)
Just answered my own question, this is a Lotus 7 continuation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donkervoort
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Rocket Punch 3:01PM (3/07/2007)
CSR260 > this POS.
This thing is 90k euro....keep that in mind.
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CAPT KAOS 5:09PM (3/07/2007)
It kind of like a kit car from the 70s or 80s to me.
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redacted 6:03PM (3/07/2007)
I had a donkervoort once and had to go to the hospital to get it burned off. Ouch! On the upside it was no longer an issue on first dates.
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amp 10:48AM (3/08/2007)
The one improvement this has over most 7 clones is that the radiator is behind the front suspension. Moving such a heavy part closer to the CG has to help turn-in a tremendous amount.
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Mike 12:43PM (3/08/2007)
It's hard for me to say anything serious about a car called Donkervoort...
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