Limited Production Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 Has an Audi Powerplant

Minimalist Machine

While most of us appreciate the fine creature comforts present in modern vehicles like those produced by Audi, sometimes, raw speed and that wind-in-your-face feeling is a pretty nice change of pace. And in that regard, Dutch automaker Donkervoort has just the ticket with its new D8 GTO-JD70. The wild, minimalist machine was created to celebrate the 70th birthday of company founder Joop Donkervoort, and it's one heck of a birthday present if we do say so ourselves.

Photos: Donkervoort

Quite Quick

Consisting of mostly carbon fiber construction, the D8 GTO-JD70 tips the scales at a mere 1,543 pounds. With a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder Audi engine producing 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque under the hood, performance is obviously blistering. In fact, Donkervoort says it will do 0-62 in just 2.7 seconds, 0-124 in 7.7 clicks, and top out at 174 miles-per-hour.

Photos: Donkervoort

>>Join the conversation about the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 right here in Audiworld.com.

Focus on Handling

The power flows to a limited-slip rear end through a five-speed manual transmission for a properly fun driving experience. But interestingly enough, this car was built more for the corners than a straight line. That focus begins with a double-wishbone suspension that features adjustable dampers and springs at all four corners.

Photos: Donkervoort

>>Join the conversation about the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 right here in Audiworld.com.

Face Planting Experience

On top of that, a series of aero bits help provide prodigious amounts of downforce - 176 pounds in the rear, and 110 pound upfront. With a set of standard Nankang AR-1 tires, the D8 GTO-JD70 will hit 2g of lateral acceleration on the skidpad, which is enough to scare most passengers without even trying.

Photos: Donkervoort

>>Join the conversation about the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 right here in Audiworld.com.

Serious Force

Donkervoort says that this is the first 2g supercar in the world, which is twice the force of the earth's gravitational pull, by the way. The interior is designed to help keep the car's occupants in place during this thrill ride, with form-fitting carbon-fiber bucket seats that go along with a quick-release steering wheel and the light, race-bred digital instrument cluster.

Photos: Donkervoort

>>Join the conversation about the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 right here in Audiworld.com.

Key Features

With some astounding statistics and a truly unique design, there's nothing else out there quite like the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70. And if all of that isn't enough to convince you that it's something special, also consider that this car rides on a chassis made of tubular steel, carbon fiber, and aluminum, utilizes Tarox six-piston or Bosch Race ABS brakes, and even features an adjustable traction control system for all conditions.

Photos: Donkervoort

>>Join the conversation about the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 right here in Audiworld.com.

Special Machine

It's no surprise that Donkervoort decided to go with one of the greatest engines of our time in its best and most capable model to date, making for a truly special vehicle. However, few will get to experience it, as only 70 will be built at a cost of around $185,000.

Photos: Donkervoort

>>Join the conversation about the Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 right here in Audiworld.com.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance or repair project, please visit our how-to section in the forum