Donkervoort D8 GT in production, sales begin in June
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Donkervoort D8 GT.
When we first laid eyes on the Donkervoort D8 GT back in Geneva in 2007, we couldn't help but be compelled by the minimalist coupe's aggressive styling and performance potential. Now, just over a year since it's initial unveiling, the Dutch specialty automaker has begun production of the D8 GT, with sales beginning in Europe next month.
The GT model finds its inspiration from the original D8, but the changes aren't limited to the addition of a fixed roof. The roof, doors and other components are made of carbon fiber, and extensive use of aluminum along with 14-pound wheels allows the GT to tip the scales at just over 1,400 pounds. Motivation is provided by an Audi-sourced, turbocharged 1.8-liter four that can be tweaked to output 180, 210 or 270 hp. In top of the line guise, the G8 GT won't have any problems sprinting to 60 in less than four seconds.
Donkervoort is looking to produce 50 DB GTs each year, with the cost of entry pegged at 90,000 euros.
Gallery: Donkervoort D8 GT
[Source: Donkervoort]
PRESS RELEASE
Dutch sportscar maker, Donkervoort launches production of D8 GT
LELYSTAD, The Netherlands - In the factory of Donkervoort Automobiles, production of the D8 GT has been launched. D8 GT was originally unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Show and its development process has just been completed. The first cars will be delivered to customers in August.
D8 GT was created utilizing Donkervoort's racing experience. It is based on the open-top D8 roadster, but the whole construction has significantly been upgraded. D8 GT features integrated headlights, a wider trak, a 8-inch longer wheelbase, custom-tailored braking system from Tarox and new 17" wheels. It is powered by a 1.8-liter Audi engine, which comes in various states of tuning from 180 to 270 hp.
D8 GT weights just 650 kg, thanks to the extensive use of carbonfiber. Due to its low weight the car conforms to stringent emission rules.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SteveRB 3:39PM (5/23/2008)
I guess ugly is the new black.
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SPG 3:44PM (5/23/2008)
I'd love to take this ugly little beast out to the track someday, that promises to be tons of fun.
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Quattrofan 4:01PM (5/23/2008)
It is fugly, yet manages to stay cool! And the polished aluminum one looks like WW2 airplane. Me likey!
M 3:55PM (5/23/2008)
Donkervoort has made some quick cars, check out these lap times on the Nurburgring Nordschleife:
http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=3&fID=0&tID=10073
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordschleife_fastest_lap_times
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Kevin 4:09PM (5/23/2008)
I guess I must be the only one that doesn't think it's ugly. It's not beautiful either, but I like it.
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jcar302 12:03AM (5/24/2008)
I like it too.
Kinda looks like a stretched out BMW M coupe, which is one of the few beamers i like.
Joshua 4:19PM (5/23/2008)
i have no doubts about its performance, but damn that thing is ugggggly.
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Matt 4:23PM (5/23/2008)
The G8 GT won't have any problems making the sprint to 60 in under 4 seconds, eh?
:p
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Hiphop-destroyer8000 7:18AM (5/25/2008)
You people have no taste at all.
this is a beautiful sleek looking car, and it kicks ass on the track aswell :D
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Fooman 6:48PM (5/23/2008)
Agreed, I am in love with this car, looks great. Modern Lotus 7, pure auto sex in my book.
speedball3 4:59PM (5/23/2008)
A while back, Motive did an article about the world's most phallic automobiles... not sure if they mentioned this car, but it definitely should take first place.
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Farris 5:35PM (5/23/2008)
No way this thing would have won. The E-Type is WAY more phallic than this thing.
Farris 5:35PM (5/23/2008)
Er. I'm not sure if that would be "win" or "lose..."
Francis 5:11PM (5/23/2008)
I wonder who was the guy who looked at a Caterham and said, "Hey, is the perfect car, I just wish it had a roof so i could drive it in the rain."
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mxrz 5:19PM (5/23/2008)
The same 1.8T in my car makes 350bhp... Too bad it also weighs more than twice as much :(
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M 12:33AM (5/24/2008)
GTI? mod list for your 1.8?
mxrz 10:05AM (5/24/2008)
Nah, 2003 Audi A4 quattro, with:
ATP GTRS Eliminator turbo w/ REVO software
ATP High flow exhaust manifold
Eurocode test pipe
Unitronic software (94 octane tune)
Bosch 440cc injectors
Forge 007 DV
EvolutionRacewerks Competition FMIC
Custom mandrel bent exhaust w/ Mangaflow mufflers
mxrz 10:06AM (5/24/2008)
Doh, I used to run REVO software, but switched to Unitronic.