Donkervoort has revealed the latest addition to its track-focused range, the Donkervoort D8 GTO. The open-topped Donkervoort D8 GTO features the same 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine as used in the Audi TT RS, with power increased to 395bhp and maximum torque of 331lb ft delivered at 1600rpm.
The D8 GTO weighs about 700kg and has a 0-60mph time of around three seconds and a top speed of 158mph.
It follows on from the Donkervoort D8 RS and GT, with a design reminiscent of the Lotus 7, and a steel tubular chassis joined to carbon composite body panels. The D8 GTO has also been extended by 35cm, and widened by 15cm in order to fit the longitudinally mounted engine.
Despite similarities however, the GTO will share just five per cent of the parts with the RS and about 30 per cent with the GT, and company founder Joop Donkervoort describes the car as ‘the first in a new generation’ of models.
The first 25 GTOs will be fitted with a special lightweight engine that utilises items such a new intake manifold to save an extra 30kg. This variant of the D8 GTO is fitted with a race module switch, which increases power to 400bhp when it is deployed.
Donkervoort has used aviation-inspired design features such as a one-piece door with integrated hinges that weighs just 980g, and lightweight locking devices for the aluminium bonnet.
The undercarriage of the car has been revised, the front axle has been equipped with a totally new anti-roll bar and the rear axle construction - to give the GTO extra stability - has a completely new design.
Half of the first batch of 25 D8 GTOs have been sold already and will be delivered next summer. A run of ‘standard’ versions will follow in 2013. The car is expected to be priced between £84,000 and £126,000.
Thanks to: Autocar
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