Donkervoort D8 GTO: all-new Audi-powered sports car revealed

Thanks to a modified Audi TT RS 2.5-litre TSFI engine the all-new Donkervoort D8 GTO is significantly more powerful than pervious Donkervoort models including the D8 270 RS and the more recent GT.

With up to 298kW of power and 450Nm of torque from just 1600rpm, the five-speed manual Donkervoort D8 GTO is said to be capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in a blistering 2.8 seconds, while its top speed is a claimed 270km/h-plus.

Despite its similar appearance to other Donkervoort models, the D8 GTO is almost entirely new and shares only 30 per cent with the standard GTO. At 700kg it’s also significantly lighter than previous models.

Weight-saving measures include carbon composite body panels including one-piece doors that weigh less than one kilogram, yet can withstand a side impact of 1500kgs.

The unique Donkvervoort styling is designed to be more functional than beautiful, but there are still a few nice touches, like the angled and slit-like headlamps and the integrated roll bar.

The dashboard in the D8 GTO includes a special race module switch that can increase the capacity from 253kW to 298kW. And for the first time on a Donkervoort, a traction control system is fitted, but according to Donkervoort founder Joop Donkervoort, the electronic aid is, “Only for when it’s raining of course.”