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Catalog / Donkervoort

Donkervoort: Dutch Engineering Meets Lightweight Performance

Donkervoort Automobielen B.V. is a Dutch sports car manufacturer that has been pushing the boundaries of lightweight performance since its inception in 1978. Founded by Joop Donkervoort, the company has built a reputation for creating ultra-lightweight, high-performance sports cars that offer a pure and exhilarating driving experience.

The story of Donkervoort began when Joop Donkervoort, inspired by the Lotus Seven, set out to create his own interpretation of the lightweight sports car concept. The first Donkervoort, the S7, was introduced in 1978 and immediately caught the attention of enthusiasts for its raw performance and minimalist design.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Donkervoort continued to refine its formula, introducing models like the S8 and S8A. These cars maintained the core principles of lightweight construction and driver engagement while incorporating modern technologies and safety features.

A significant milestone in Donkervoort's history came in 1994 when the company began a partnership with Audi. This collaboration led to the use of Audi's turbocharged engines in Donkervoort models, starting with the D20, which featured a 1.8-liter Audi 20VT engine. This partnership brought a new level of performance and reliability to Donkervoort's creations.

In 2000, Donkervoort unveiled the D8 series, which would become the foundation for many of the company's future models. The D8 represented a significant evolution in design and engineering, offering improved aerodynamics and even greater performance.

One of Donkervoort's most notable achievements came in 2004 when the D8 RS set a lap record for production cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the circuit in just 7 minutes and 14.89 seconds. This feat demonstrated the exceptional capabilities of Donkervoort's lightweight, high-performance philosophy.

In recent years, Donkervoort has continued to innovate with models like the D8 GTO, introduced in 2011, which features a 2.5-liter Audi TFSI engine producing over 400 horsepower in a car weighing less than 700 kg. The company has also embraced advanced materials and technologies, incorporating extensive use of carbon fiber and other composites in their vehicles.

2022 saw the introduction of the F22, Donkervoort's latest model, which represents a new chapter in the company's history. Named after the founder's grandson and Formula 1 driver, Loek Hartog, the F22 combines Donkervoort's trademark lightweight construction with increased practicality and comfort, aiming to broaden the brand's appeal while maintaining its core values.

Today, Donkervoort remains a family-owned business, with Joop's son, Denis Donkervoort, at the helm as Managing Director. The company continues to produce a limited number of hand-built cars each year, maintaining its position as a niche manufacturer of some of the most exclusive and driver-focused sports cars in the world.

As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Donkervoort faces new challenges and opportunities. The company's expertise in lightweight construction and performance engineering positions it well to adapt to future technologies while continuing to deliver the raw, engaging driving experience that has been its hallmark for over four decades.

Models Donkervoort:

D8
D8
F22
F22
S7
S7
S8
S8

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Donkervoort cars are exclusive, hand-built sports cars that command premium prices reflecting their bespoke nature and high-performance capabilities. The cost of a Donkervoort varies significantly depending on the model and specific configuration. As of 2024, here's an overview of Donkervoort car prices in Europe:

  • Donkervoort F22: Starting from approximately €245,000
  • Donkervoort D8 GTO Individual Series: Starting from around €180,000
  • Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70: Starting from about €200,000

It's important to note that these are base prices, and the final cost can increase substantially with customization options and performance upgrades. Factors influencing the price of Donkervoort vehicles include:

  • Model and Edition: Limited edition or special versions typically command higher prices.
  • Engine Tuning: Various states of tune are available for the Audi-sourced engines, with higher outputs costing more.
  • Materials Used: Extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials can significantly increase the price.
  • Customization: Donkervoort offers a high degree of personalization, allowing customers to tailor almost every aspect of their car, which can substantially affect the final price.
  • Equipment and Features: While Donkervoorts are focused on performance, additional comfort and technology features can be added at extra cost.
  • Exclusivity: The limited production numbers of Donkervoort models contribute to their high prices.

It's worth noting that owning a Donkervoort is not just about the initial purchase price. These cars are track-focused machines that may require specialized maintenance and care, which should be factored into the overall cost of ownership. Additionally, due to their rarity and performance credentials, Donkervoorts often maintain strong residual values, making them attractive to collectors and enthusiasts.

When discussing the 'cheapest' Donkervoort, it's important to understand that all Donkervoort models are premium, high-performance vehicles. The term 'cheapest' in this context simply refers to the most accessible entry point into Donkervoort ownership. As of 2024, the most affordable new Donkervoort model would typically be the base version of the D8 GTO Individual Series, with prices starting from around €180,000.

However, it's crucial to note that even this 'entry-level' Donkervoort is a high-performance machine, hand-built to exacting standards. The price can vary based on several factors:

  • Engine Specification: The base model usually comes with the standard tune of the Audi-sourced 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Higher power outputs are available at additional cost.
  • Body Material: While all Donkervoorts are lightweight, the extent of carbon fiber usage can affect the price. The base model may use a mix of carbon fiber and fiberglass.
  • Interior Trim: Basic models often come with a more spartan interior, focusing on weight reduction. Leather upholstery or additional comfort features would increase the price.
  • Wheels and Tires: Standard wheels and tires are included, but upgraded performance options are available.
  • Paint and Finish: Basic color options are usually included in the base price, with special finishes or custom colors adding to the cost.
  • Safety Equipment: While all models meet safety standards, additional racing safety features may be optional extras.

It's important to remember that 'cheap' is a relative term when it comes to Donkervoort. Even the base model offers exceptional performance and exclusivity. The company's philosophy of lightweight construction and pure driving experience is present across all their models, regardless of price point.

For those looking for a more affordable entry into Donkervoort ownership, the used market might offer opportunities to acquire older models at lower price points. However, due to their limited production numbers and desirability among enthusiasts, even used Donkervoorts tend to maintain strong values.

As of 2024, the most expensive Donkervoort model is typically a fully-optioned version of their latest offering, the F22. While the base price for the F22 starts at around €245,000, a fully customized version with all available options and bespoke features can easily exceed €300,000, potentially reaching close to €400,000 for the most exclusive builds.

The high cost of the top-spec Donkervoort F22 is attributed to several factors:

  • Limited Production: Only 75 units of the F22 are planned, contributing to its exclusivity and high price.
  • Advanced Materials: Extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials in the chassis and body panels.
  • High-Performance Engine: The F22 features a highly tuned version of Audi's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, producing over 500 horsepower in a car weighing less than 800 kg.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Despite its focus on lightweight performance, the F22 incorporates modern features like traction control, ABS, and a sophisticated engine management system.
  • Customization Options: Donkervoort offers extensive personalization options, allowing customers to tailor almost every aspect of the car to their preferences.
  • Hand-Built Construction: Each F22 is meticulously hand-assembled by skilled craftsmen, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail.

Additional factors that can push the price of an F22 to its upper limits include:

  • Bespoke Interior Trim: Exotic materials like carbon fiber, high-grade leather, or even precious metals can be used in the interior.
  • Performance Upgrades: Further engine tuning, specialized suspension setups, or track-focused modifications can add significant cost.
  • Unique Exterior Finishes: Special paint jobs, custom graphics, or exposed carbon fiber bodywork are available at premium prices.
  • Personalized Features: Donkervoort can accommodate unique requests from customers, which can substantially increase the price.

It's worth noting that the high cost of the most expensive Donkervoort models reflects not just the materials and technology involved, but also the exclusivity and bespoke nature of these vehicles. Each car is essentially a unique creation, tailored to its owner's specifications, which contributes to its high value.

Owning such a high-end Donkervoort also comes with additional considerations. Insurance for these rare and high-performance vehicles can be costly, and maintenance requires specialized knowledge and parts. However, for enthusiasts and collectors, the expense is justified by the unparalleled driving experience and exclusivity that a top-spec Donkervoort provides.