Automotive

Donkervoort's supercar-stomping D8 GTO JD70 will pull 2 g in the corners

Donkervoort's supercar-stomping D8 GTO JD70 will pull 2 g in the corners
The ultra-lightweight Donkervoort D8 GTO JD70 will pull 2 g in the corners
The ultra-lightweight Donkervoort D8 GTO JD70 will pull 2 g in the corners
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The ultra-lightweight Donkervoort D8 GTO JD70 will pull 2 g in the corners
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The ultra-lightweight Donkervoort D8 GTO JD70 will pull 2 g in the corners
The unique driving position sits the driver right over the rear axle, in seats that feel like they're about to touch the ground
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The unique driving position sits the driver right over the rear axle, in seats that feel like they're about to touch the ground
Only 70 will be built, at an extortionate price
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Only 70 will be built, at an extortionate price
Acceleration will be absolutely insane, well under three seconds to 100 km/h
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Acceleration will be absolutely insane, well under three seconds to 100 km/h
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Dutch brand Donkervoort's crazy, ultra-light, Audi-powered D8 GTO has more than proven itself since its 2013 debut, at one time holding a top-10 Nurburgring lap. Now, there's a special edition celebrating founder Joop Donkervoort's 70th birthday.

While final weight hasn't yet been settled upon, the company says this Lotus-Seven-inspired beast will remain under 700 kg (1,543 lb), and will rock the most powerful engine yet dropped into a Donker: a 2.5-liter, turbocharged Audi inline five making a whopping 415 horsepower and 520 Nm (383.5 lb-ft) of torque.

For reference, the current-model D8 GTO-40 weighs 678 kg (1,495 lbs), makes "380++" horsepower, and hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.7 seconds. Dropping the hammer in the JD70 will be quite an event, even compared with the craziness of previous Donkervoorts. And might I just mention at this point what a pleasure that name is to type and pronounce, even if it does sound like a German describing a venerial affliction.

Only 70 will be built, at an extortionate price
Only 70 will be built, at an extortionate price

As has been the case with previous cars, the JD70 will use a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission, with a Bosch system in place to auto-blip and rev match on downshifts if you don't feel like doing the tap-dancing yourself. On this model, you're also able to ram the stick up a gear without letting off full throttle; the car will manage a clutchless shift for you, ensuring there's minimal interruption to the breakneck acceleration. So hang on!

The bodywork, which is 95 percent carbon fiber, has been tweaked on this model to deliver extra downforce with the addition of a redesigned nose, cycle-wing covers on the exposed wheels and a new diffuser. The company says it'll now pull a feisty 2 g of lateral acceleration in the corners as a result – bone stock with the standard tires. Like previous Donkers, the driving position places you just in front of the rear axle, with your backside so low to the ground that you'll grimace and pucker as you pass over speed bumps. And the open top, combined with those funky side exhausts, should make for a wild soundtrack to any drive.

Acceleration will be absolutely insane, well under three seconds to 100 km/h
Acceleration will be absolutely insane, well under three seconds to 100 km/h

With its insane power, light weight and "no traction control, ABS or power steering for you" philosophy, this thing can deliver a ride every bit as insane and life-affirming as things like the Ariel Atom 4, and even carry a few shopping bags in its little trunk if required.

Unfortunately, where the Ariels have typically been astonishingly affordable, Donkervoorts have tended in the other direction. The D8 GTO JD70 will start at an unforgivable €163,636.36 (aaprox US$181,000) before taxes, or just under 200K once 21-percent VAT is added. So perhaps it's for the best that the company's only planning to make 70 of them.

Source: Donkervoort via CarAdvice

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5 comments
5 comments
buzzclick
At first I thought this machine is ugly, but the more I looked at the images, dark as they are, persuaded me to hold judgement. This Lotus-inspired 700kgs with front open wheels and great performance figures could be something worth spending a couple of hundred grand on, if that's your penchant. Donkervoort, Khonigsegg...these are weird names for cars if you speak the English language (and get the spelling right), but folks don't seem to mind.
VoiceofReason
So it's a Caterham 7 with a bigger motor?
RFM
I don't know why, but something in this reminds me of the Dodge Viper. Not the exterior styling per se, just something.
TomWatson
Send me one.I'll check it out and get back to you. Thank you.
warren52nz
I had an RX7 and an accelerometer on the dash. It would break the rear wheels free on dry pavement at around 1G so hitting 2G is a significant result. Mind you that's just 2 out of 4 wheels and not 4 as in cornering or braking but at 1G most of the weight is on the rear wheels anyway.