The Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 is the best thing you’ll see today
ondering why there’s a world carbon fibre shortage? The madcap new Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 is the main culprit. Look at those weaves.
Don’t worry, lightweight dash trim enthusiasts, there isn’t actually a shortage of the black stuff, but the Donkervoort does use lots of it. In fact, 95 per cent of its bodywork is made from carbon fibre – as are the seats, dashboard, wheels and just about anything else the eye can see.
That means it’s a featherweight. This special edition version of the ‘standard’ GTO weighs less than 700kg. And we say special edition because the JD70 refers to Donkervoort Automobielen’s founder, Joop Donkervoort, who is celebrating his 70th birthday this year. Not a bad gift, eh?
Under the bonnet is the same Audi-sourced 2.5-litre turbo five-pot as the Dutch company has used in the GTO since 2011, but for the JD70 it has been pumped up to produce 415bhp and 520Nm of torque. It’s also connected to a short-throw, five-speed manual gearbox.
Combined with the lack of mass, those are certainly not insignificant figures. Donkervoort’s managing director Denis Donkervoort (son of Joop) said: “The JD70 has moved beyond the normal measures for acceleration, braking and cornering so we’re using G forces now.”
A bold statement yes, but apparently the JD70 is capable of generating cornering forces of more than 2G, acceleration forces of 1.02G and stopping power of 1.65G – all on standard, road-legal semi-slick tyres.
What else is new? Well, there’s a more aerodynamic nose, a new limited slip diff and a side-exit exhaust system which allows for a bigger rear diffuser. Plus, there’s a bit more tech than in previous Donkervoorts. The JD70 does get a traction control system, although its eagerness to intercept is apparently up to the driver at all times. There’s no power steering either, but then there is rev-matching software on downshifts and a full-throttle upshift mode courtesy of Bosch.
Some interesting choices have been made then, but the JD70 should clearly be an absolute riot to drive. Unfortunately, just 70 will be built at a cost of €163,600 (around RM758,648) before tax.
The big question then. This, or three Caterham 620Rs on your driveway? Answers below please…
