This is the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 R. It is based on the ‘standard’ GTO-JD70 that was unveiled just a few short months ago and is restricted to track use. Like the road-legal model, the D8 GTO-JD70 R features an Audi-sourced, modified 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder churning out 415 hp and 520 Nm of torque. Instead of the street version’s five-speed sequential transmission, the R has a six-speeder powering the rear wheels.
Carbon fiber has been used extensively in the car’s construction, helping keep weight to just 725 kg. The Dutch automaker claims it can hit 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, 200 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 280 km/h. A number of alterations have been made to the chassis and suspension of the track-only GTO-JD70 R. For example, there are four-way adjustable dampers, stiffer springs and stiffer bushings. Cornering is where the car really shines, so much so that it can, according to the company, pull 2.5G of lateral acceleration and we’re sure is an absolute weapon to drive.
Given how track-focused the car is,
Donkervoort has made a number of safety improvements. For example, there is a
60 per cent increase in the use of the company’s Ex-Core carbon fiber to
improve side protection. The JD70 R is also offered with an FIA-homologated
bladder-style fuel tank, six-point harnesses, a roll cage and an upgraded fire
extinguisher system.
It remains to be seen how many units are
destined for the production line, but prices start at € 198,000 (US$ 234,000)
excluding VAT, making it more expensive than the road-going GTO-JD70 that will
be capped at 70 examples and starts at € 163,636 (US$ 185,000).
