Donkervoort D8 GTO is a Modern Day Lotus Seven With Audi Power
Dutch car maker Donkervoort has finally revealed its D8 GTO production vehicle, the next generation of open sports car, which was based on the original Lotus Seven. After two and a half years of development and collaboration with Audi Quattro GmbH, the D8 GTO’s production will start in 2012 and expected to be on European roads by 2013.
Powering the D8 GTO will be Audi’s 2.5L TFSI, five-cylinder powerplant with 340-hp with the potential of hitting 400-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with the push of a button. Combine that with a weight just shy of 1,550-lbs and Donkervoort clearly has a fun car on their hands.
The first 25 specially designed GTOs will feature a lighter version of the 2.5L TFSI, about 66-lbs lighter thanks to Donkervoort and Audi redesigning several accessory parts of the motor. Donkervoort and Audi also incorporated a new intake manifold design on the vehicle. As mentioned before, a special race module switch will enable the vehicle’s performance to go from 340-hp to 400-hp. It is not known what powerplant will come on the GTO after the first 25 are gone with Audi’s engine.
Pricing will range from $130,250 to $195,375 excluding taxes.
GALLERY: Donkervoort D8 GTO
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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