The Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 is one of those cars that puts a smile on an enthusiast’s face. It’s centered around the driving experience as a pure expression of the true sport of being behind the wheel. The model was developed to celebrate the 70th birthday of the company’s founder Joop Donkervoort.
The exterior of the car looks more than a little bit like a bird’s skull from the side. It’s unique and not so streamlined that it blends in. More than 95 percent of the model’s body is made of a weave of carbon fiber and Kevlar. Its front end is entirely 3D-printed. The car is compliant with the European Community’s Small Series type approval crash regulations.
Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 // The First 2G Super Sports Car
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Buyers can get their model in a raw finish or painted with a lacquer coating with a matte or polished finish.
Underpinning the model is a hybrid chassis. It has carbon fiber added to its tubular steel ladder frame for strength and has aluminum in less critical areas to reduce weight. The car also saves weight by having single-piece doors and a light-weight lithium-ion battery.
Its exhaust shoots out the side that, when paired with the second rear diffuser, allows for additional downforce at the rear.
The car’s quick-release steering wheel is a muti-function unit. Electric power steering is available.
Electronic steering is available in the model – a Donkervoort first.Photo courtesy of Donkervoort Automobielen
Donkervoort has designed the car for both the track and the road. It has a wide-track double-wishbone suspension system and three-way adjustable Intrax dampers at each corner. A variable traction control system is standard.
The car sports Tarox braking hardware. A Bosch Race ABS system is an option for track-focused drivers.
The JD70 rides on 17-inch forged alloy wheels up front and 18-inchers in the back. Carbon fiber rims are available. Dokervoort has put Nankang AR-1 on the model as original equipment. These tires provide significant mid-corner grip, which helps the car successfully pull more than 2G of lateral acceleration in corners and more than 1G of acceleration.
The model rides on 17-inch wheels up front.Photo courtesy of Donkervoort Automobielen
Each model is powered by an Audi Sport turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 415 bhp and is capable of getting the car from zero to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds.
Paired with that engaging drive is a minimal topside setup with open-top accommodations.
The car’s seats are also made of carbon fiber. Overall, the car weighs 1,499 pounds – a little over half the weight of a Ford Fiesta.
The car’s body is mostly made up of a carbo fiber-Kevlar blend.Photo courtesy of Donkervoort Automobielen
The D8 GTO-JD70 starts at €163.636,36 (before taxes). Donkervoort says that over half of the 70 limited edition models are already sold. Deliveries start this summer.
