Autoblog

Donkervoort D8 GTO is bigger and badder

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Specialty, Racing

It was a year ago that Dutch sports car maker Doonkervoort teased the D8 GTO on its Christmas card. It took a little longer than expected (and we lost a fiver in the process), but Santa's elves have crafted the thing in time for this Christmas. As predicted, it's "clearly a size larger" than Donkervoort's other fireballs, the GT and D8 270RS, by about a foot in length and six inches in width.

However, it doesn't share much with its siblings because the company wanted to provide a perfect holding place for the 2.5-liter TSFI engine sourced from Audi. The same lump you'll find in the TT-RS, only30 kilograms lighter, it's been revised in conjunction with Audi engineers to make it even more suited to the GTO. It makes 340-400 horsepower depending on whether you flick a "race module" switch, and 331 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers in a two-seater that weighs just 1,540 pounds should make this the quickest car in Donkervoort's stable.

The GTO's steel-tube frame is wrapped in carbon panels and a one-piece door that swings up quasi Koenigsegg style. A first run of 25 - half of which are sold already - will get the Audi engines and go on sale early next year, while "regular" versions with an unidentified engine will be available later in 2012. Prices begin at €100,000 and go up to €150,000, before tax.

Follow the jump for a press release with all the info, and check the high-res gallery for a closer look at the best thing to come out of Holland since bitteballen and siropwaffelen.

Continue reading Donkervoort D8 GTO is bigger and badder

Donkervoort D8 GTO is bigger and badder originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkervoort introducing 24 Hours of Dubai special edition at AutoRAI

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:21:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, MISC

Donkervoort D8 GT4 endurance racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

A car show doesn't necessarily need to be held where cars are made. One of the biggest shows of the year, for example, takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, where there's no auto manufacturing to speak of. You might think the same of AutoRAI, the Dutch show that's coming up around the corner, but you'd be mistaken.

Sure, Holland might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about the great automotive countries, but the Netherlands is not without its exceptions. And while Spyker no longer produces in Holland (acting essentially as a shell company for Saab in Sweden), Donkervoort is still very much Dutch. The company makes sportscars in the mold of the classic Lotus 7 but with a more modern approach.

Back in January Donkervoort took top honors in the GT4 class at the 24 Hours of Dubai with the endurance racer pictured above, and to celebrate, they're introducing a new special edition at AutoRAI. Based on either the D8 270 roadster or the D8GT 270 coupe, the 24H of Dubai special edition will pack extra carbon fiber bits. But while some of them are just for show, others are structural and add to the torsional stiffness of the chassis while cutting weight. Only 10 examples will be made, each individually numbered. Follow the jump for the brief announcement.

Gallery: 2010 Donkervoort D8 GT endurance racer

[Source: Donkervoort]

Continue reading Donkervoort introducing 24 Hours of Dubai special edition at AutoRAI

Donkervoort introducing 24 Hours of Dubai special edition at AutoRAI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkervoort teases new D8 GTO in Christmas card

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Specialty

Donkervoort showed off a bit of a holiday surprise in the form of a company Christmas card that gave the world a hint as to what the automaker has planned for the new year. Behold: the first look at the D8 GTO. Using a carbon fiber and steel composite chassis, the company's next take on open-wheeled goodness is expected to be a good bit larger than the current iteration. While Donkervort hasn't made any clear distinctions as to what exactly will show up under the hood, early reports suggest the beast could possibly rock the same 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder mill from the mighty Audi TT-RS. If true, that means that the G8 GTO could pack upwards of 340 horsepower.

According to AutoWeek.nl and our Google translator, Donkervoort plans to show off a prototype early in 2011. If we were the betting type, we'd lay a fiver on the car showing up at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Source: Auto Week]

Donkervoort teases new D8 GTO in Christmas card originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dutch Delight: Donkervoort launches D8 235 E

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe

Donkervoort G8 235 E - click above for high-res image gallery

Spring is in the air, and if any car shouts "Spring!" the loudest it's a Se7en. If you happen to be in the unfortunate position of not knowing what makes a Se7en, they are modern day interpretations of the legendary Lotus 7. Only because of a long fought, still-running legal battle, they're called Se7ens. Featuring no roof, no doors and practically no weight, there's almost nothing between you and the road ahead. Many people take to describing Se7ens as four-wheeled motorcycles, a definition we can't argue with.

Speaking of Se7ens, Holland-based manufacturer Donkervoort has just released their newest, the D8 235 E. Donkervoot is probably best known to Autoblog readers for the hardcore, closed coupe D8 GT. A stud of a performance monster, no doubt, though we must say that enclosing any Se7en's cockpit is kinda not the point. But hey, different folks, strokes, etc. Thankfully, Donkervoort also sells open top cars, including the new D8 235 E.

The big news vis-a-vis the D8 235 E is that power is up. By reworking the intake and exhaust, and remapping the ECU the Audi-sourced 1.8-liter inline-four now makes 235 horsepower, up from 210 hp. If that doesn't sound like much, remember that the D8 weighs around 1,300 pounds. Having driven a number of Se7ens in the 125-hp neighborhood that car crest 60 mph in five seconds flat and we can tell you that 235 hp is a much more than adequate amount of power. But hey, need more? Donkervoort will happily sell you a 270-hp version called the D8 270 RS.

Gallery: Donkervoort D8 235 E

[Source: Donkervoort]

Dutch Delight: Donkervoort launches D8 235 E originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Specialty, Middle East, MISC, Racing

2010 Donkervoort D8 GT(4) endurance racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

While fanatics around the world debate the supremacy of one sportscar over another based on numbers alone, here at Autoblog we postulate that such exotic machinery is only as good as its capacity to transport you to another place, if not in body then in your mind. So bear with us and imagine the following scenario: You're based in Holland. You've created what could be the ultimate neo-Lotus 7, and with it you've already placed in a major racing series. So where do you go next? Why, to Dubai, of course!

We're talking about the Donkervoort D8 GT, undoubtedly one of the most futuristically phallic retro road rockets on the street or track today. We got our first glimpse three years ago, and took a closer look in Geneva back in 2007, before production began last year. The 1400-pound cab-rearward track tool packs an Audi-sourced 1.8-liter turbo four driving 270 horsepower to the rear wheels. That's enough power to sixty in less than four seconds.

With the D8 GT, the Dutch manufacturer has already taken second place in the FIA GT4 European Cup, and it is now heading to its first 24-hour race at the Dubai Autodrome on the shores of the Persian Gulf. To prepare for the event, Donkervoort has tweaked the fuel system, the brakes, the aerodynamics, the carbon-fiber sandwich panels and aluminum chassis to create the D8 GT(4). The results ought to be interesting as the 24 Hours of Dubai kicks off in mid-January, but you can check it out now in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Donkervoort D8 GT endurance racer

[Source: Donkervoort]

Continue reading Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai

Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkervoort D8 GT in production, sales begin in June

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe

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]

Continue reading Donkervoort D8 GT in production, sales begin in June

Donkervoort D8 GT in production, sales begin in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Donkervoort D8 GT

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show

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.

Gallery: Donkervoort D8 GT

Geneva Motor Show: Donkervoort D8 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dutch treat: Donkervoort D8 GT

Chris Tutor — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show

You can pronounce Donkervoort however you like (there are few who will know any better); we prefer to pronounce it Donkerdamnthatshot. But, that's just us.

You're looking at Dutch carmaker Donkervoort's 1,430 pound coupe version of their D8 roadster. Drop one of three available Audi engines (180 hp, 210 hp, and 270 hp) into that carbon-fiber frame and you got yerself a wicked-fast means of ridding the world of expensive 18" tires.

Though these are just renderings, we'll probably see the real thing at the Geneva show in March. From online translations, it looks like Donkervoort will only build 50 of these pieces of speeding art. No word on price, but if you gotta ask...

A couple more renderings after the jump.

[Source: Autovisie.nl via MotorAuthority]

Continue reading Dutch treat: Donkervoort D8 GT

Dutch treat: Donkervoort D8 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Dec 2006 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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